Wajima Morning Market - a store front with a lot of signs on it
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Wajima Morning Market

4
·18k reviews·Kanazawa, Japan

Japan's vibrant Wajima Morning Market, a bustling hub for the freshest seafood, local produce, and unique culinary experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings (7 AM - 9 AM)

Freshest catch, widest selection

CrowdMedium
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Wajima Morning Market - a store front with a lot of signs on it

Wajima Morning Market

Best Time

Early mornings (7 AM - 9 AM)

Freshest catch, widest selection

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Japan's vibrant Wajima Morning Market, a bustling hub for the freshest seafood, local produce, and unique culinary experiences.

4
(18k reviews)

"One of my favorite fish markets across Japan, it is not overly crowded, seafood is fresh and more reasonably priced."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Many vendors start packing up early, so aim for a morning visit to get the best selection.

🦀 Try the Crab!

During crab season, this is an absolute must-try. The quality is exceptional.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshly Shucked Oysters

Freshly Shucked Oysters

Near the main entrance

Plump, briny oysters served right from the shell. A must-try for any seafood enthusiast!

Snow Crab Delights

Snow Crab Delights

Various seafood stalls

Indulge in the sweet, succulent meat of local snow crabs, especially during peak season.

Seafood Rice Bowls

Seafood Rice Bowls

Back alleys and upper floors

Hearty and delicious bowls piled high with fresh sashimi and other seafood treasures.

Gold Leaf Ice Cream

Gold Leaf Ice Cream

Specialty stalls

A unique local treat, this ice cream is adorned with edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Arrive early! Many vendors start packing up by 10 AM, so aim for a morning visit to catch the freshest seafood and widest selection. Don't be discouraged if some vendors seem aloof; seek out those who are welcoming to truly experience the market's charm. TikTok

Seafood Savvy

This market is a seafood lover's paradise, especially during crab season. Explore the stalls for oysters, uni, sashimi, and more. While prices can be a bit high, the quality and freshness are often worth it. Look for vendors offering standing counters for on-the-spot tasting. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings (7 AM - 9 AM)
Why
Freshest catch, widest selection
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thai local morning market you must go! 曼谷大皇宫区🇹🇭必逛的当地人早市 曼谷大皇宫区的这个早市价格非常便宜! 而且几乎都只有当地人,整个早市都是满满的烟火气 但是一定不要太晚来哦 要不然很多档口都收摊了🤣 📍Trok Mor Morning Market MRT SamYot站步行距离600米可达 每天 05:00-10:00 #thailand #bangkok #bangkokmorningmarket #thailandmorningmarket #thailocalmarket #thegrandpalace #泰国市集 #泰国早市 #曼谷早市
@hongle.tang
3.9K likes • 88.2K views

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Many vendors start packing up early, so aim for a morning visit to get the best selection. TikTok

🦀 Try the Crab!

During crab season, this is an absolute must-try. The quality is exceptional. Reddit

reddit.com

Noto peninsula day trip from Kanazawa in April

reddit.com

Recommendations: Quiet & Small Coastal Town or Village

💰 Explore for Value

While some stalls are pricey, explore the back alleys for great seafood bowls and friendly vendors. Reddit

🍦 Don't Miss Gold Leaf Ice Cream

A unique and visually stunning local dessert experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Current Situation of Wajina City, Ishikawa

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Many vendors start packing up early, so aim for a morning visit to get the best selection. TikTok

🦀 Try the Crab!

During crab season, this is an absolute must-try. The quality is exceptional. Reddit

💰 Explore for Value

While some stalls are pricey, explore the back alleys for great seafood bowls and friendly vendors. Reddit

🍦 Don't Miss Gold Leaf Ice Cream

A unique and visually stunning local dessert experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Be Patient with Vendors

Some vendors might seem aloof; find those who are welcoming to enjoy the experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Wajima Morning Market's incredible selection of fresh seafood, particularly oysters and snow crabs, often praising the quality and the opportunity to eat on-site. Many enjoy the lively atmosphere and unique local treats like gold leaf ice cream. However, some find the market smaller than expected and note that certain vendors can be less engaging, with prices sometimes perceived as high.

"Allegedly the top 3 cleanest fish markets in Japan - this place comes with three floors of restaurants and merchants, and opens from early morning until late afternoon, with full functioning clean toilets available.

Most of the foods and restaurants are sold at marked up tourist prices, and during busy period it can be quite overwhelming. Overall a fun experience but won’t recommend for food over a restaurant in the city."

Hils

"Definitely the best sea food market we visited in Japan. We walked around for a bit. See and judge how the local vendors react to you. If they completely ignore you (which some tend to do) walk past and find a vendor that is happy with you being there. There are some awesome vendors. For example the vendor at the first crossing near the main who sells oysters and crabs. We tried the oyster and crab here. Was absolutely delicous! We also tried at the next crossing the fresh tuna from the vendor on the left side."

Mac Du hen

"One of the main attractions in Kanazawa that I was looking forward to, but it turned out quite disappointing for me.

The market opens rather late. We arrived around 9.30am on a Wednesday and not all the shops were open. It felt smaller in scale than expected.

There were a few stalls selling fresh seafood like oysters and sea urchin that you can eat on the spot, but overall, the experience did not quite live up to the hype."

Leh Ping

What People Like

Incredibly fresh seafood
Delicious crab and oysters
Unique local treats

What People Dislike

Some vendors aloof
Can be pricey
Smaller than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by bus from Kanazawa Station, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the Noto Peninsula further. Reddit

Unfortunately, there is no direct train line to Wajima. Buses are the primary public transportation method. Reddit

A rental car offers the most freedom to explore the wider Noto Peninsula, including scenic coastal drives and smaller towns. Reddit

Yes, it's possible, but it's a long day. You'll need to start very early and be mindful of your return travel time to avoid missing the market's closing hours. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking lots available near the Wajima Morning Market, which is convenient if you are driving. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Wajima Morning Market itself is free. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase from the vendors. TikTok

The market typically operates daily from around 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, though some vendors may start packing up earlier, around 10:00 AM. TikTok

Yes, the market is open daily, including weekends. However, weekends can be more crowded. Reddit

No, the entire market area is open to the public without specific section fees. TikTok

Visiting on a weekday morning, shortly after it opens, is generally the best strategy to avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, sea urchin (uni), sashimi, abalone, and especially snow crabs during their season. Reddit

Yes, many vendors offer standing counters where you can purchase and eat fresh seafood like oysters and crabs on the spot. Restaurants on the first floor also provide seating. Reddit

While seafood is the main focus, you can also find local produce, snacks, and some specialty dishes. The gold leaf ice cream is a popular non-seafood treat. Reddit

It's a lively, bustling market with a strong local feel. You'll experience the energy of vendors interacting with customers and the aroma of fresh seafood. TikTok

The market is relatively easy to navigate, with stalls lining the street. It can get crowded, so be mindful of your surroundings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Explore the smaller stores in the back alleys or the restaurants on the first floor for excellent seafood bowl options. Reddit

Yes, many of the stalls on the first floor offer seating areas for dining, providing a more comfortable experience than standing counters. Reddit

Prices can vary, but expect to pay a premium for the freshest, highest-quality seafood. A single oyster might cost a few hundred yen, while crab prices can be higher. Reddit

Yes, many vendors sell fresh seafood and prepared dishes that you can take away, such as bento boxes. Reddit

Don't miss out on fresh sashimi, uni (sea urchin), and abalone if they are available. Seafood rice bowls are also a fantastic lunch option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of the fresh seafood displays, vendors interacting with customers, and the lively market atmosphere. The gold leaf ice cream also makes for a unique photo. TikTok

Generally, it's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls, especially if they are busy. Reddit

Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer lighting. However, the bustling midday can provide more dynamic action shots. TikTok

The colorful displays of seafood, the variety of stalls, and the general energy of the market are the main visual attractions. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wider market scenes and close-ups of food. A fast aperture lens can help in lower light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Wajima Morning Market can be an exciting sensory experience for families. The vibrant colors of the fresh seafood and the bustling atmosphere are engaging for children. While the focus is on seafood, look for stalls selling local produce and snacks that might appeal to younger palates. The gold leaf ice cream is a definite hit with kids! Reddit

Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, and keep a close eye on children. Consider visiting earlier in the morning to avoid the peak rush. If your children are adventurous eaters, they might enjoy trying some of the simpler seafood options like grilled scallops or small portions of sashimi. For a more relaxed meal, seek out restaurants on the first floor that offer seating. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Wajima Morning Market is known for high-quality seafood, which can be pricey, budget-conscious travelers can still find value. Look for seafood rice bowls in the back alleys or on the first floor, as these often offer a substantial meal for a reasonable price compared to individual seafood purchases. Reddit

Sampling smaller items like a single oyster or a skewer of grilled seafood can be a more affordable way to experience the market's offerings. Also, keep an eye out for local produce and snacks that are typically less expensive than fresh seafood. Visiting on a weekday can sometimes lead to slightly better prices or more attentive service. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Wajima: A Seafood Lover's Dream

The Wajima Morning Market is renowned as one of Japan's premier fish markets, offering an unparalleled selection of the freshest seafood. From glistening oysters and plump scallops to the prized snow crab during its season, the variety is astounding. Many vendors offer the unique experience of enjoying your catch right there, often at standing counters, allowing you to savor the ocean's bounty with the salty breeze as your companion. Reddit

Beyond the raw seafood, the market is a culinary adventure. Look for stalls selling delicious seafood rice bowls (kaisendon), packed with an assortment of sashimi and other delicacies. These make for a hearty and satisfying lunch. Don't forget to try some of the local specialties and snacks, like the visually striking gold leaf ice cream, a sweet treat that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Reddit

While the market is a vibrant hub, it's important to note that some visitors have found certain vendors to be less engaging. The advice from seasoned travelers is to simply move on and find those who are more welcoming. This approach ensures you discover the truly exceptional vendors and enjoy the authentic, friendly atmosphere that makes the Wajima Morning Market so special. Reddit

Navigating the Noto Peninsula: Beyond the Market

While the Wajima Morning Market is a major draw, it's also a gateway to exploring the broader Noto Peninsula. This rugged and beautiful region offers stunning coastal scenery, traditional crafts, and a slower pace of life. For those with a rental car, venturing further afield opens up a world of discovery. Reddit

Consider driving along the dramatic Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, a unique beach where you can actually drive your car on the sand. The Senmaida rice terraces, with their picturesque tiered paddies cascading down to the sea, are another iconic sight. For a glimpse into traditional Japanese life, explore the charming streets of Wajima's lacquerware district, famous for its exquisite Wajima-nuri crafts. Reddit

When planning a day trip from Kanazawa, remember that distances can be deceiving on the peninsula. It's crucial to factor in travel time and start your day early to make the most of it. As one Reddit user noted, 'Not sure we could make it all the way to Suzu and back before dark and unsure of the road,' highlighting the need for careful planning and potentially focusing on a specific area rather than trying to see everything in one go. Reddit

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