Travelogue Japan: Fresh, Local Produce @ Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama

Want to shop like a local? Stop by Miyagawa Morning Market in the city of Takayama in Gifu, where you’ll find fresh local produce, crafts, souvenirs, food fresh off the grill, regional specialties, and more.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/38488999552/in/dateposted-public/

The market is one of the largest morning markets in Japan with over 60 stalls stretching a length of 350m next to the roaring Miyagawa River which cuts across town. On a sunny day, you can walk down to the river bank and soak in the sights of the clear, rushing river water, in some parts stocked with koi fish.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/38488978802/in/dateposted-public/

The early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the choicest goods! The market starts at 6.30AM, and 8AM in winter until noon.

Undoubtedly a tourist spot, we saw many travelers from China, Korea and even some Western tourists, which is pretty rare beyond the confines of large cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/24705804188/in/dateposted-public/

Seller sorting out some beans.

There is another older market in front of Takayama Jinya, called Jinya-mae, which dates back 300 years! Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to pay a visit.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/26744999109/in/dateposted-public/

Some sort of colourful corn that I’ve never seen before!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/24705806828/in/dateposted-public/

Vivid displays of vegetables in bright hues. Everything looked so fresh and tasty!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/37689638405/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/24705805118/in/dateposted-public/

Aside from vegetables and fruits, there were also stalls selling snacks. Got a bottle of non-alcoholic sake as a gift for the fam.

Local specialties.

Finally got to try the famous Hida beef! It was quite pricey (like RM15 for a skewer) but good – juicy, flavourful and tender.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147798726@N07/38464868866/in/dateposted-public/

While waiting for the guys to finish their shopping, Mariko-san and I had some dango (glutinous rice balls on skewers). One was basted in a sweet-savoury miso, while another had been wrapped in a seaaweed before being grilled. The texture was chewy like mochi with a smoky, slightly charred flavour. Not my cup of tea; I prefer them to be sweet. 😀

Getting There 

The Miyagawa Morning Market is a 10-min walk from the JR Takayama Station.