2018.04.01
Looking for alternative shopping options to the regular retailers? Nagoya has a number of monthly (and even some weekly) markets to explore, whether you're looking to buy organic vegetables straight from the farmer or hunting for Japanese antiques. Here is just a small selection of regular markets with easy access from central Nagoya.
Oasis 21 Organic Farmers' Morning Market オアシス21オーガニックファーマーズ朝市村
Every Saturday morning at Sakae's Oasis 21 in the heart of Nagoya, young farmers engaged in organic and natural farming methods offer safe and delicious vegetables, rice, fruit and processed agricultural produce.
When: Every Saturday morning
Where: Oasis 21 (near the connecting corridor to NHK), Higashi Ward
Access: Sakae Station (栄駅) Exit 4 (4番出口) on the Subway Higashiyama and Meijo Lines (地下鉄東山・名城線)
Website: http://www.asaichimura.com/ (Japanese)
Photo courtesy of Organic Farmers Nagoya
Osu Kannon Antique Market 大須観音 骨董市
Pick up some real bargains at this market, featuring a wide variety of antiques, from tasteful crockery to cute ornaments and toys, and bustling with a diverse cross-section of customers, from elderly antique aficionados to kimono-clad young women.
When: 18th and 28th of every month (early morning to early evening). Market is still held in wet weather.
Where: Osu Kannon Temple precinct (大須観音の境内), Naka Ward
Access: A 3-minute walk east from Osu Kannon Sta. (大須観音駅) Exit 2 (2番出口) on the Subway Tsurumai Line (地下鉄鶴舞線)
Nayabashi Yoichi なやばし夜イチ
Nayabashi Yoichi is a night market held once a month near Nayabashi Bridge in central Nagoya. With goods and food for sale, workshops and displays of photographs and artwork, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in summer with a beer, and in winter with warm sake.
When: The 4th Friday of every month
Where: The promenade on the west side of the Horikawa River (堀川) between the Nayabashi Bridge (納屋橋) and Nishikibashi Bridge (錦橋)
Access: An 8-minute walk west from Fushimi Station (伏見駅) Exit 7 & 8 (7・8番出口) on the Subway Higashiyama and Tsurumai Lines (地下鉄東山・鶴舞線); or an 8-minute walk east from Kokusai Center Station (国際センター駅) Exit 3 (3番出口) on the Subway Sakura-dori Line.
Website: http://natsu1yoichi.blog133.fc2.com/ (Japanese)
Photo courtesy of Nayabashi Yoichi Executive Committee
Goen-ichi ごえん市
Goen-ichi is a fun flea market with various attractions.
When: The 1st Sunday of every month (10:00 - 15:00)
Where: Endoji Shopping Arcade (East Arcade) (円頓寺商店街[東側アーケード]), Nishi Ward
Access: A 5-minute walk north from Kokusai Center Sta. (国際センター駅) on the Subway Sakura-dori Line (地下鉄桜通線)
Photo courtesy of Endoji Shopping Arcade
Hoshizora Market 星空マーケット
A monthly night market for antique and handmade items held in the Endoji Shopping Arcade.
When: The 4th Friday of every month (17:00 - 21:30)
Where: Endoji Shopping Arcade (円頓寺商店街), Nishi Ward
Access: A 5-minute walk north from Kokusai Center Sta. (国際センター駅) on the Subway Sakura-dori Line (地下鉄桜通線)
Photos courtesy of Endoji Shopping Arcade
Higashi Betsuin Temple Handmade Morning Market 東別院てづくり朝市
A morning market held within the Higashi Betsuin Temple precinct on the 28th of every month (the anniversary of the death of Shinran, founder of the Buddhist Shinshu sect Otani-ha), featuring around 150 stalls offering organic produce, handmade bread and confectionery, home-style dishes and various other goods.
When: The 28th of every month
Where: Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin Temple (Higashi Betsuin Temple) (真宗大谷派名古屋別院[東別院]), Naka Ward
Access: A 5-minute walk north from Higashi Betsuin Sta. (東別院駅) Exit 4 (4番出口) on the Subway Meijo Line (地下鉄名城線)
Photo courtesy of Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin Temple