Things To Do in Takayama, Japan: Miyagawa Morning Market

What is the Miyagawa Morning Market?

Summer season at the Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama, Japan.

Miyagawa Morning Market is a lively riverside market and a key part of Takayama’s culture, where visitors can connect with local vendors and enjoy regional flavors. It’s the largest of Japan’s three major morning markets, alongside Wajima morning market in Ishikawa and Katsuura morning market in Chiba.

The market is a 350-meter stretch along the river between Kajibashi and Yayoibashi bridges. It dates back to the Edo period, when farmers and townspeople gathered here, selling fresh produce, homemade pickles, and handmade goods.

When to visit?

Local Travel Tips

Red Sarubobo Dolls and Ice Cream at Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama, Japan.

Travel Tips

At Miyagawa Morning market, you’ll come across many local delicacies and crafts. Below are some favorites worth checking out.

Authentic Souvenirs

Sarubobo Dolls: Red good-luck charms, also mascots of the Hida region.
Ichii Itto-bori: Beautiful wood carvings made from ichii wood (Japanese yew).
Handcrafted Chopsticks: Functional souvenirs made from local Hida wood.

Unique Food

Hida Beef Croquettes: Crispy croquettes and steamed buns made with Hida beef.
Gohei Mochi: Grilled rice cakes glazed with sweet-savory miso sauce.
Coffee & Croissants: Sip Koma Coffee served with cute latte art in an edible cookie cup. Then stop by Andersen, a croissant specialty store famous for its fresh croissants, to try their anko (red bean) filled croissants.

For more on Takayama ramen and local street food, take a look at our other guides!

Find seasonal fruits, vegetables at Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama, Japan.

Cultural Etiquette

A few simple tips to show respect and enhance your experience:

A small bow when greeting vendors is appreciated
Ask permission before taking photos of people or stalls
Saying “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) goes a long way

Practical Essentials

Cash Only: Most vendors don’t accept cards.
Reusable Bags: Useful for carrying produce and souvenirs
Timing: Arrive after 7:30 AM~ when most stalls are fully set up

Access to the Miyagawa Morning Market

Where to stay in Takayama, Japan

MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Takayama

Private Holiday House Rental

Consider reserving a private traditional Japanese house during your visit to Takayama, Japan, instead of opting for typical hotels!

MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN offers private holiday homes, known as machiya, which are uniquely designed to provide an immersive local experience while ensuring modern comforts. Perfect for couples, families, and groups, these rentals allow you to enjoy both the charm of traditional architecture and the convenience of modern amenities.

THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA

Boutique Machiya Hotel

The perfect mix of traditional and modern, THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA is a boutique hotel located near Takayama Old Town, and is a leisurely 8-minute walk from JR Takayama Station. A renovated traditional Japanese architecture (machiya) with 14 exclusive rooms, you can choose to stay in a spacious western-style room or a classic Japanese tatami room. If you are traveling to Takayama city with family or a group of friends, we recommend staying in THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA’s suite or loft-style rooms!

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Go Where
the Locals Go.

Make your trip a truly local experience, and go where the locals go. If you're wondering where the locals go to eat when hanging out with family, celebrating with friends, stopping by for an after work drink... look no further.

Machiya Locals Website