Miyagawa Morning Markets — Attraction in Takayama

As far as morning markets go, this one felt less Japanese and more like an autumnal New England farmers' market. My husband and I have been to the much wetter markets in Hakodate, Sapporo and Tsukiji, and those were primarily seafood emporiums where the highlight was usually a fresh donburi bowl. This one was made up of stalls covered in white muslin tenting spread along the east side of Miyagawa River.

Shops on the other side of the road were also selling their goods on long tables. The focus was fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts, and most pertinent to us, local food specialties we wouldn't find elsewhere. There were vendors selling the usual suspects like dango and Hida beef nigiri. We were hoping to land some of the huge, succulent grapes we kept seeing in the YouTube vlogs, but they must've sold out by the time we arrived at 10AM on a brisk Monday.

We thought coming on a Monday morning would hinder our local treasure hunt, but our concern dissipated as we got the impression this was a seven-day operation 6AM to 12 Noon. We ended up making two stops on our meanderings. The first was a young, enthusiastic woman selling hot vegan soup where we grabbed a pair of tongs and picked the ingredients among a bounty of local fresh vegetables. For ¥500, It was a delightfully rich miso soup in a small cup.

There was an anxious queue for the second stop where we were waiting to order the ¥900 Caffe Macchiato served in a handmade cookie cup. A young couple handled the orders with the wife artfully crafting the foam tops. It was a fascinating novelty because it was all done in record time in order for us to have enough time to sip it before the cup dissolves. Fortunately we made it, and the coffee was quite lovely for all the effort.

FOOD / DRINK - 5 stars...the vegan soup and the macchiato in the edible cup were tasty AMBIANCE - 5 stars...leisurely and bucolic SERVICE - 5 stars...very cordial and specific TOTAL - 5 stars...a morning market well worth...

We started our day bright and early in Takayama with a visit to the famous Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market. Located along the scenic Miya River, this bustling market is one of the must-see attractions in the area, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The market is full of life, with local vendors offering a wide range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and locally processed goods. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the culinary side of Takayama, and we couldn’t leave without picking up some amazing locally made miso, which is a specialty here.

One of the highlights was discovering the many different varieties of homemade pickled vegetables, each one prepared with care and full of unique flavors. The market is not just about shopping—it’s also an immersive cultural experience. We loved talking to the friendly local vendors, who were more than happy to share the stories behind their products and offer samples.

Our kids had a great time exploring the market, and it was such a fun and educational experience for them. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the fresh produce and handmade goods, made it a wonderful way to start the day. They were fascinated by the variety of items on display, from fresh produce to artisanal crafts. It was a great opportunity for them to see firsthand how local traditions and culinary practices are preserved in a place like Takayama.

If you’re visiting Takayama, the Miyagawa Morning Market is definitely worth a stop. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the local culture and bring home some delicious and...

Takayama morning market is one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. It takes place at two locations: One is held in front of the Takayama Jinya, and the other at the Miyagawa River side. At the Miyagawa market, sixty shops and stalls are open in approximately 350 meters from Kaji bashi Bridge to Yayoi bashi Bridge along the Miyagawa River in the center of the town. The stalls on river side sell vegetables, fruits, pickles and spices while shops on the other side sell Japanese sweets and crafts. Some shops sell Japanese souvenirs such as chopsticks and small items in addition to Takayama local souvenirs including sarubobo dolls and Ichii Itto-bori wooden carvings. ※The number of stalls might decrease to about 10 when it rains or during winter.

The Jinya-mae market started more than 300 years ago. The origin of the market started with silk raising farmers who sold leaves of mulberry trees and even today only farmers are allowed to open stalls. Many stalls sell fresh green vegetables, dried foods, and homemade pickles, and they are happy to tell you how to eat and to preserve their foods. Unusual ingredients including stems of potato, carrot leaves and wild vegetables can be found. Both markets are open until almost noon; however we recommend you arrive about 6:00 am when the markets start if you stay in Takayama. You will see energetic local people set up the stalls wearing traditional work clothes and Japanese cooking aprons...