Guide
Wajima Morning Market is a traditional market held on the streets of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is famous for its variety of fresh seafood, local vegetables, and exquisite traditional crafts such as Wajima-nuri lacquerware. Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, the location and operating status of the market are currently subject to change. To support the region's recovery, the market is currently being held through various "Pop-up Wajima Morning Markets" in different locations. These events allow travelers to experience the essence of Noto even while the main area undergoes reconstruction.
This market boasts a long history dating back to the Heian period. It originated from the practice of bringing goods to exchange during shrine festivals. During the Muromachi period, it evolved into a scheduled event held on specific dates (the 4th and 9th of every month), and by the Meiji era, it transitioned into a daily occurrence. The market gained significant fame in 1961 when it served as a filming location for the movie "Zero Focus," attracting much wider attention from tourists. More recently, it became known as a setting for the NHK morning drama series "Mare" in 2015.
The market features a rich selection of products from the Sea of Japan, including fresh seafood, local vegetables, and high-quality Wajima lacquerware. While the market was once characterized by numerous stalls lining the main street, current operations are often held as "Pop-up Wasia Morning Markets" at various locations, including areas outside of Wajima City, due to the earthquake's impact. You can check the specific contents and locations of these pop-up events on official websites for each event.
The market typically begins operations around 8:00 AM. Depending on the season, you might encounter special events like the "Crab Fair" in late November. During this time, various types of crabs—such as Snow Crab (Zuwai-gani), Koban-gani, Red Snow Crab, and Horsehair Crab—are sold at the stalls. However, please note that due to the earthquake recovery, schedules and locations may differ significantly from the usual routine. We highly recommend checking the latest schedule before your visit.
At the market, you can witness local producers selling their fresh harvests and handcrafted goods. It is a wonderful place to see the vitality of Noto's culture through the sale of traditional crafts and seafood. Currently, in addition to the efforts to resume operations within Wajima City, there are many opportunities to connect with Noto's culture through the various pop-up markets held across the country.
Near the Wajima Morning Market area, there are several useful facilities and information centers. These include the Michi-no-Eki Wajima Flatumu (Wajima Station Tourism Center), the Marine Town Tourist Information Center, the Wajima-nuri Kaikan (dedicated to lacquerware), and the Ishikawa Wajima Lacquerware Art Museum. Utilizing these local facilities is a great way to gather more information about the region.
We strongly recommend bringing cash, as many vendors may not accept digital payments. Due to the ongoing recovery efforts, some stalls may be temporary or located in different areas than usual. For clothing, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the market streets. Regarding photography, please always ask for permission or follow the instructions of the shopkeepers and staff. As the area is currently focused on reconstruction and support, please be mindful of your surroundings and act with consideration for the local community.