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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, widest selection
Wajima Morning Market
Best Time
Freshest catch, widest selection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's vibrant Wajima Morning Market, a bustling hub for the freshest seafood, local produce, and unique culinary experiences.
"One of my favorite fish markets across Japan, it is not overly crowded, seafood is fresh and more reasonably priced."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Various seafood stalls
Indulge in the sweet, succulent meat of local snow crabs, especially during peak season.
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
Specialty stalls
A unique local treat, this ice cream is adorned with edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Seafood Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
Noto peninsula day trip from Kanazawa in April
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.
🍦 Don't Miss Gold Leaf Ice Cream
A unique and visually stunning local dessert experience.
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.
🦀 Try the Crab!
During crab season, this is an absolute must-try. The quality is exceptional.
💰 Explore for Value
While some stalls are pricey, explore the back alleys for great seafood bowls and friendly vendors.
🍦 Don't Miss Gold Leaf Ice Cream
A unique and visually stunning local dessert experience.
🚶♀️ Be Patient with Vendors
Some vendors might seem aloof; find those who are welcoming to enjoy the experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train line to Wajima. Buses are the primary public transportation method.
A rental car offers the most freedom to explore the wider Noto Peninsula, including scenic coastal drives and smaller towns.
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.
Yes, there are several parking lots available near the Wajima Morning Market, which is convenient if you are driving.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, the market is open daily, including weekends. However, weekends can be more crowded.
No, the entire market area is open to the public without specific section fees.
Visiting on a weekday morning, shortly after it opens, is generally the best strategy to avoid the largest crowds.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
The market is relatively easy to navigate, with stalls lining the street. It can get crowded, so be mindful of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Explore the smaller stores in the back alleys or the restaurants on the first floor for excellent seafood bowl options.
Yes, many of the stalls on the first floor offer seating areas for dining, providing a more comfortable experience than standing counters.
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.
Yes, many vendors sell fresh seafood and prepared dishes that you can take away, such as bento boxes.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Generally, it's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls, especially if they are busy.
Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer lighting. However, the bustling midday can provide more dynamic action shots.
The colorful displays of seafood, the variety of stalls, and the general energy of the market are the main visual attractions.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Wajima: A Seafood Lover's Dream
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.
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.
Navigating the Noto Peninsula: Beyond the Market
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit