As a Singaporean, I often wish we had vibrant night markets like those in Japan. Imagine bustling streets filled with the aroma of delicious street food and the lively atmosphere of local vendors. In Japan, night markets offer a delightful experience for everyone, from teenagers seeking late-night snacks to parents exploring fresh seafood markets where you can select your catch and dine on it fresh.
We’ve researched and found the top 20 must-visit night markets across different regions of Japan. These vibrant spots cater to everyone, from teenagers seeking late-night snacks to parents who love exploring fresh seafood markets.
| # Rankings | Tripadvisor1 | Google1 | WRA1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dōtonbori Night Market | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| 2. Nishiki Market | 4 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| 3. Shinsaibashi shopping street | 4 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| 4. Kuromon Ichiba Market | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| 5. Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street | 4 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| 6. Tsukiji Outer Market | 4 | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| 7. Nakamise-dori Street | 4 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| 8. Ameya Yokochō | 4 | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| 9. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street | 4 | 4.1 | 3.8 |
| 10. Omoide Yokochō | 4 | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| 11. Nipponbashi Street Market | 4 | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| 12. Shitenno-ji Temple Flea Market | 4 | 4.3 | 3.4 |
| 13. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai | 4 | 4.1 | 3.4 |
| 14. Nijo Market | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| 15. First Makishi Public Market | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.3 |
| 16. Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center | 4 | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| 17. Sapporo Morning Market | 3.5 | 4 | 3.1 |
| 18. Heiwa Dori Shopping Street | 4 | 3.7 | 3 |
| 19. Sapporo Crab Market | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 20. Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street | 3.5 | 4 | 2.9 |
1 Based on data published on 23 May 2024
20. Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street
Togoshi Ginza is the ultimate hotspot for food lovers and curious visitors! This lively neighbourhood boasts three bustling shopping streets with nearly 400 vendors, making it one of Japan’s longest shopping streets. Every weekend, around 10,000 people flock to this vibrant area.
Japan has over 300 “Ginza” areas, four of which are in Tokyo alone. However, Togoshi Ginza is the longest Ginza in Japan and is Tokyo’s top shopping street.
With around 400 shops, there’s something for everyone! Explore everything from quirky used furniture stores and model shops to pharmacies, cosy izakayas, charming cafes, and supermarkets. Enjoy delicious, budget-friendly foods while soaking up Tokyo’s delightful everyday life.
How to Get There: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Gotanda from Tokyo Station. Then, take the Tokyu Ikegami Line to Togoshi Ginza (two stops). Alternatively, take the Toei Asakusa Metro to Togoshi. The shopping streets are right in front of both stations.
Address: 1 Chome-15-16 Togoshi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0041, Japan (Phone: +81 3-3788-1474)
Opening Hours: Opens daily, 24 hours
19. Sapporo Crab Market
The Sapporo Crab Market is a vibrant hub near the Sapporo Dome in the city’s heart! This bustling market, which is over 80,000 square meters, has been a local favourite since it opened in the 35th year of the Showa era.
Early every morning, fresh goods from Hokkaido are delivered straight to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, ensuring top-notch quality and great prices. The freshness of the products is unmatched, making it a crab lover’s paradise. There’s something for everyone, from king crab to various other delicious Hokkaido treats.
Perfect for picking up snacks or gifts for family and friends, the market prides itself on its freshness. For items outside Hokkaido, they deliver speedy air parcels to maintain quality.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty souvenir or a unique present, the Sapporo Crab Market has you covered!
How to Get There: To reach Sapporo Curb Market, take the JR line to Soen Station or the Tozai subway line to Nijuyon-ken Station, which has a shorter walk.
Address: Shinei 2-jo, 1-3-15, Kiyota-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 004-0832, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
18. Heiwa Dori Shopping Street
Heiwa Dori is your go-to spot for a fun shopping spree in the heart of Naha! This lively, covered shopping arcade stretches 400 meters and is jam-packed with around 200 shops selling all kinds of traditional Okinawan goodies. A hit with locals and tourists, Heiwa Dori offers a fantastic mix of snacks, street food, souvenirs, and clothing. It’s the perfect place to hunt for affordable keepsakes like Kariyushi shirts, local pottery, colourful glassware, and trendy fashion accessories. If you get hungry, plenty of snack shops will serve local treats like chinsuko cookies and beniimo tarts. So, stroll down Heiwa Dori and enjoy the ultimate shopping adventure under one roof!
How to Get There: located in front of JR Asahikawa station
Address: 3 Chome Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013, Japan
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
17. Sapporo Morning Market
The Sapporo Morning Market, located adjacent to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, is a bustling hub of fresh seafood, produce, and local delicacies. Opening as early as 5 AM, the market is a favourite among locals and tourists, offering a wide range of products at unbeatable prices. From the freshest catches of the day to vibrant vegetables, shoppers can enjoy high-quality goods often at wholesale prices.
What sets Sapporo Morning Market apart is its unique blend of wholesale and retail vendors. Originally established for professional buyers, the market has evolved to welcome the general public, offering them the same exceptional quality products that supply local restaurants and retailers. Visitors can find everything from live crabs and freshly cut sashimi to dried seafood and regional specialities, making it a culinary treasure trove.
The market experience is further enriched by the array of dining options available on-site. Many stalls serve freshly prepared meals using ingredients sourced directly from the market. These include delectable seafood bowls, grilled delicacies, and traditional Japanese breakfast items. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, making it not just a place to shop but a must-visit destination to truly savour the flavours of Hokkaido.
How to Get There: Central Sapporo (Around Sapporo Station – Odori) Area
Address: Kita 12-jo Nishi, 20-1-20, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0012, Japan
Opening Hours: From 5 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays)
16. Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center
roadside station at Itoman. It’s directly managed by the local fishing cooperative, with 11 member shops offering fresh fish daily.
The Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center in Okinawa, managed by the local fishing cooperative, with 11 member shops, offers an immersive experience of the local fishing culture. Located near Itoman Port, the market boasts an impressive selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood, from tuna and marlin to an array of shellfish. Visitors can purchase seafood directly from the fishers, ensuring top quality and freshness.
This vibrant market is not just for shopping; it’s also a culinary adventure. Many stalls prepare and sell delicious seafood on-site, including sushi, sashimi, and grilled delicacies. The Itoman Fish Center provides an authentic taste of Okinawa’s marine bounty, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Additionally, the market’s convenient setup lets visitors enjoy their purchases immediately. You can savour freshly prepared seafood at the market, where eating areas are available. The centre is well-loved by locals and tourists for its lively atmosphere and the unparalleled freshness of its offerings. This highlights the Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center in Okinawa’s culinary landscape.
How to Get There: Take a bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Market stop, a short walk away.
Address: 4-19 Nishizakicho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture 901-0306, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm (Some stores are closed on Mondays)
15. First Makishi Public Market
Makishi Public Market is a popular spot for fresh seafood, meat, pickles, and souvenirs. The vibrant displays attract many tourists. The new three-story building has 84 shops, including butcher shops, seafood vendors, and numerous restaurants. The first floor has shops, while the second floor has eateries where you can have your market purchases cooked fresh, a service called “mochiage.” This concept, now popular among tourists, was inspired by practices in Singapore and other Asian countries.
How to Get There: About 9 min walk from Makishi monorail station
Address: 2-10-1 Matsuo,Naha,Okinawa
Opening Hours: 8 am-10 pm (hours vary by shop)
*Last call for restaurants on the second floor at 8 pm
*Closed on the fourth Sunday of every month
14. Nijo Market
Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba) is a public market in central Sapporo that occupies about one city block. Both locals and tourists visit the market to shop for fresh local produce and seafood such as crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchins and various fresh and prepared fish.
The market is open from around 7:00 to 18:00 on all days of the week, with individual shops maintaining their opening and closing hours. Several restaurants can be found among the shops, including a collection of small drinking places and restaurants along a narrow corridor called Noren Yokocho.
A recommended way to enjoy a visit is to have a fresh seafood breakfast at one of the market’s restaurants. Among the most popular menu items for starting the day are the uni ikura donburi, sea urchin, and salmon eggs on rice.
How To Get There: Nijo Market is three blocks south of the TV Tower at Odori Park and about a five-minute walk from Odori Station on the Nanboku, Toho, and Tozai Subway Lines.
Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome
Opening Hours: Varies by store: 7 am to 6 pm. Restaurants: varies by store 6 am to 9 pm
13. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
Doguyasuji Shotengai is a 150-meter-long shopping arcade in the Minami district of Osaka lined with speciality shops selling cookware, kitchen utensils, and restaurant supplies. This arcade, with its variety of appliances, tableware, and cooking accessories, provides an interesting counterpoint to the nearby fresh food market at Kuromon Ichiba and can also be a good spot for picking up some unique souvenirs.
Osaka is often nicknamed the “Kitchen of the Nation”, and Doguyasuji is nicknamed “Kitchenware Street”, as many professional chefs and cooks buy the tools of their trade here. If you are interested in buying reasonably priced ceramics, lacquerware, super sharp kitchen knives, and sturdy pots and pans, this is the place to come. However, you may also be interested in other restaurant supplies on sale: plastic replica food, large paper lanterns, noren split curtains, maneki neko beckoning cats, and all kinds of restaurant signage, which are also available here. Here are some highlights to look out for.
How to Get There: Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai is 3 minutes on foot from Nankai Namba Station and 7 minutes from Nippombashi Subway Station. Kuromon Ichiba Market is just 6 minutes to the east of Doguyasuji, so these two areas can be easily explored together.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
Address: 14-5 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075, Japan
12. Shitenno-ji Temple Flea Market
Held on the ancient grounds of Shitenno-ji Temple, this sprawling flea market features 300 vendors offering everything from valuable kimonos to soul food. The market commemorates the deaths of notable figures Kukai and Prince Shotoku, on the 21st and 22nd of each month from 8:30 a.m. until sundown.
The Shitennoji Flea Market combines cultural heritage with treasure hunting. Visitors can find vintage kimonos, antique ceramics, books, contemporary clothing, accessories, and home decor. The vibrant atmosphere, with bustling vendors and eager bargain hunters, reflects the Japanese philosophy of ‘mottainai’ (too good to waste).
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy the serene ambience of the temple, founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku. It is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan. The market dates may vary during public holidays or special temple events, so check the local schedule for updates.
Address: Shitennoji Temple, 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: 6 am to 4 pm
Market Days: 21st and 22nd of every month (subject to change for public holidays or temple events)
11. Nipponbashi Street Market
In the heart of Osaka’s electronics district, Nipponbashi Street Market offers a unique blend of modern tech shops and traditional food stalls. This market is especially known for its diverse street food offerings, ranging from Japanese sweets to savoury snacks.
For those into Japanese anime/manga culture, Nipponbashi’s Ota Road, known as the “Akihabara of the West,” is a must-visit. Parallel to Den-Den Town, this area is a paradise for fans, with major bookstores like Mandarake, Toranoana, Animate, themed cafes, and hobby shops.
If visiting in early March, don’t miss the Nipponbashi Street Festa, an annual celebration with a cosplay parade and street events.
How to Get There: Nipponbashi Ota Road is a 10-minute from Namba Station (Exit 9 is the closest) and Nippombashi Station.
Address:〒 556-0005 Ebisucho/Nippombashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 10 am to around 8 pm (varies by store)
10. Omoide Yokochō
Omoide Yokocho, located at the west exit of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, is a nostalgic drinking district with roots dating back to a post-war open-air market. Covering about 2,000 square meters, it features approximately 80 stores, including 60 restaurants specializing in motsuyaki and yakitori, making it a bustling area popular with foreign tourists.
Visiting at night is recommended for the full atmosphere, as not all shops are open during the day. Despite its charm, about 60% of establishments are cash-only, though some accept credit cards, AliPay, and Japanese payment services.
How to Get There: 1-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku train Station.
Address: 1 Chome-2-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Opening Hours: 1 pm – 8 pm
9. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street in Osaka’s Kita district stretches 2.5 kilometres and boasts over 600 shops and restaurants. This mix of old and new offers a sensory-rich experience and insight into one of Osaka’s oldest merchant areas.
Despite rapid changes due to tourism, it retains a local feel with neighbourhood shops and eateries, unlike more commercial streets like Ebisubashi-suji or Shinsaibashi-suji. You’ll find various items, from clothes and futons to groceries, tea shops, books, cafes, and restaurants.
Exploring Tenjinbashi-suji can take several hours, revealing hidden treasures and delicious Japanese street food.
How to Get There: Right outside Ogimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, Tenjinbashi 6-chome and Minami-morimachi Stations, and Temma Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line
Address: Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0041
Opening hours: Varies by shop
8. Ameya Yokochō
Ameyoko (アメ横) is a busy market street along the Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno stations. The name “Ameyoko” is a short form for “Ameya Yokocho” (candy store alley), as candies were traditionally sold there. Alternatively, “Ame” also stands for “America” because many American products used to be available when the street was the site of a black market in the years following World War 2.
Today, products such as clothes, bags, cosmetics, fresh fish, dried food and spices are sold along Ameyoko. Opening hours and closing days depend on individual stores, but they typically open around 10:00 and close around 20:00. Many stores close on selected Wednesdays.
How to get there: Ameyoko is conveniently located on the JR Yamanote Line, with access to the Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Ginza, Hibiya, Oedo, and Keisei subway lines.
Address: 6 Chome-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm
7. Nakamise-dori Street
Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets.
This street is on temple property, so it starts and ends with a temple gate: at the southern end is the outer gate of Kaminarimon, and at the northern end is the inner gate of Hozomon. Between these two gates are 89 shops, with 54 shops on the east side, and 35 on the west. “Nakamise” is a traditional name given to shopping streets on the grounds of temples or shrines, so this is not the only “Nakamise” in Japan, but it is one of the oldest and most famous.
The shops of Nakamise sell a wide variety of speciality street foods and snacks, traditional arts and crafts, clothes and accessories, toys, T-shirts, parasols, dolls, and lanterns. Here are just a few things you might find there.
How to Get There: Nakamise-dori is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree railway lines. It is also a 10-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line. The traditional way of approaching the shopping street is via Kaminarimon Gate.
Address: 1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
6. Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) is a district adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market. It comprises a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops and restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Here you can find fresh and processed seafood and produce alongside food-related goods such as knives.
A visit to Tsukiji Outer Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants, which typically open from 5:00 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon. Because most of the fish served and sold at Tsukiji Outer Market is delivered directly from Toyosu Market, it is one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy fresh seafood.
How to Get There: Tsukiji Outer Market is a short walk from Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line or the Hibiya Subway Line. The closest JR station is Shimbashi, where you can walk to the market in about 20 minutes.
Address: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome, 及び６丁目一部
Opening hours: Varies by the shop, typically 5 am to 2 pm
Closed: Sundays and national holidays. Some shops also close on some Wednesdays.
5. Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street in Osaka’s Kita district stretches 2.5 kilometres and features over 600 shops and restaurants. This vibrant street blends old and new, offering a sensory-rich experience and a glimpse into Osaka’s merchant history. Despite rapid changes from tourism, it retains a local feel with neighbourhood shops and eateries, unlike more commercial streets like Ebisubashi-suji or Shinsaibashi-suji. Visitors can find various items, from clothes and futons to groceries, tea shops, books, cafes, and restaurants. Exploring Tenjinbashi-suji can take several hours, uncovering hidden treasures and delicious Japanese street food.
How to get there: Kokusai-dori Street is located in downtown Naha near the Naha Bus Terminal and easily reached by monorail.
Address: 3 Chome-2-10 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013, Japan
Opening hours: Open weekdays, 10 am-5 pm, closed on weekends.
4. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Market (黒門市場, Kuromon Ichiba) in Osaka’s Minami area is a 600-meter covered market parallel to Sakaisujidori Street. With about 150 shops, it specializes in fish, meat, produce, traditional sweets, and low-priced clothes and homeware. Dating back to the Edo Period, it offers an atmospheric stroll and a chance to try various street foods.
Many shops sell larger quantities for later consumption and smaller portions for immediate enjoyment. Popular items include grilled seafood, yakitori, sushi, eel, seasonal fruits, and takoyaki.
The market can get crowded, so when eating street food, avoid walking while eating, do not obstruct traffic, dispose of garbage properly, and handle food carefully to avoid soiling others’ clothes. Inconsiderate behaviour has caused displeasure among locals.
How to Get There: Kuromon Market is a few steps from Nipponbashi Station on the Sennichimae and Sakaisuji subway lines. Alternatively, it is a ten-minute walk from Namba Station.
Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Opening hours: Typically 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many stores open daily, but some are closed on Sundays and national holidays.
3. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Shinsaibashi, the heart of Osaka’s shopping scene, seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. It offers trendy boutiques and top-notch cosmetics for a unique shopping experience. This bustling district is a prime destination for those seeking the latest trends.
Explore the lively Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, where fashion, cosmetics, and retail therapy await in this vibrant urban oasis. The Minami area, encompassing Shinsaibashi and Namba Stations, contrasts with the Kita area around Osaka and Umeda Stations.
The Minami area is home to popular attractions like Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, and Hozenji Yokocho, creating a bustling ambience with an influx of tourists. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street features a variety of shops, including the expansive Daimaru Shinsaibashi department store with top European brands. Amerikamura, a favourite among young people, adds to the diverse shopping experience, ensuring something for visitors of all ages and tastes.
How To Get There: 1-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Lines
Address: 〒 542-0085 1 through 2 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 8 pm
2. Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba), known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a bustling five-block shopping street with over 100 shops and restaurants. It specializes in food-related items like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It also offers seasonal foods and Kyoto specialities such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.
The market’s lively atmosphere is perfect for exploring Kyoto’s culinary delights. Shops range from narrow stalls to larger two-story stores, most focusing on specific food types, with locally produced and procured items. Many shops offer samples or sell ready-to-eat dishes, while small restaurants and food stands provide sit-down options, though some are quite minimal.
With a history spanning several centuries, Nishiki Market began as a fish wholesale district in 1310 and evolved into a retail market. It remains a vital market for Kyoto, attracting both locals and tourists. Visitors should note that eating while walking is considered bad manners and a nuisance to local shoppers.
How to Get There: Nishiki Market is easily accessible by subway or bus from Kyoto Station. It is a historical arcade on Nishikikoji Street, just north of Shijo Street, and runs parallel to it. You can take the Karasuma subway line from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station and enter the market from the west side at Takakura Street.
Address: 609 Nishidaimonji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-8054
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (9 am to 5:30 pm) and Saturday (9 am to 4:30 pm) on Saturdays.
1. Dōtonbori Night Market
Dotonbori, located along the canal in Osaka’s Namba district, is the epicentre of the city’s nightlife. Renowned for its neon lights, street food, retro vibes, clubs, stores, and bars, it captures the essence of “kuidaore”—indulging extravagantly in food. This lively area is ideal for savouring Osaka’s culinary delights and immersing yourself in its dynamic atmosphere.
As one of Japan’s top tourist destinations, Dotonbori dazzles with neon advertisements illuminating the night. The bustling street has enticing food aromas, lively chatter, and captivating sights. It’s a premier spot to experience Osaka cuisine, with its vibrant restaurants offering a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Consider a food tour with a local guide to make the most of your visit. Beyond dining, explore the vibrant area with its historic vibes and unique charm. Discover the main attractions and venture off the beaten path to uncover all the hidden gems Dotonbori offer.
How to Get There: Dotonbori extends between Daikokubashi and Nippombashi bridges and is about a 5-minute walk from Namba Station.
Address: 1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
Opening hours: 24 hours Open
Which is Your Favourite Japan Night Market?
Exploring Japan’s night markets offers an unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure, with each market showcasing unique local flavours and traditions. From the bustling Dōtonbori Night Market to the authentic Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center, these markets provide a vibrant glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a foodie eager to try fresh seafood or a traveller seeking authentic experiences, Japan’s night markets promise a delightful journey through the country’s diverse regional specialities. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these lively markets on your next visit to Japan.
