Miyagawa Morning Market - Gifu

Located along Miyagawa (River) in Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, Miyagawa Morning Market is one of the two asaichi or morning markets found in the city. The other one is the Jinya-mae market in front of the Takayama Jinya.

Miyagawa Morning Market

Miyagawa Morning Market History

The morning markets of Takayama is known for its plethora of products like local crafts, local snacks, and farm produce. Unlike the regular souvenir stores and markets, the products sold in the morning market are mostly crafted or grown by the people who sell them.

Miyagawa Morning Market - Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

The market is located in a narrow street beside the river

A kakasa preparing her products

Gotta love those carp hanging across the river

Know when to visit

Takayama's Morning Market was said to have started during the Edo period when local silk farmers started to sell leaves of mulberry trees near Takayama Jinja. It, later on, evolved when the wives of these farmers called kakasa, started selling their fresh produce early every morning. 

Miyagawa (River)

These markets would eventually become a daily occurrence and eventually become part of Takayama's unique culture which continued until today. The morning market once was only concentrated around Takayama Jinya but in 1953, the local government opened the riverside of Miyagawa to be used as a morning market. 

How I wish I could translate this one

Presently, Miyagawa Morning Market has around sixty shops and stalls that open daily. However, these numbers decrease during rainy days and during winter. These stalls can be found along the Miyagawa River from Kajibashi Bridge to Yayoi-Bashi Bridge which is in the center of the city. 

Products range from edible to souvenirs

Here are some of the products found in Miyagawa Morning Market

I got to visit Miyagawa Morning Market very early during my 16th day in Japan. I was lucky enough to have been able to see and experience it just when the stalls were just setting up and there were only a few customers. It was amazing to feel very important as the vendors were really accommodating and would usually strike a conversation first (far from the commonly shy Japanese personality). There were also some who offered samples of their food products which at some point would make you feel bad not to buy one after free tasting it. 

Take one of these souvenirs home with you.

Although morning markets are quite common in the Philippines, I could still say that Miyagawa Morning Market is very much ahead compared to those in my country in terms of cleanliness and discipline. I don't want to elaborate more as to avoid portraying my country in a negative light. Anyway going, back  I highly suggest that you visit Miyagawa Morning Market when you are in Takayama City. If you're going to ask me what's the best thing to buy there, I'd suggest that you buy some traditional crafts like the sambobo dolls and the Ichii-bori wooden carving as Takayama is known for these. 

A small shrine near Miyagawa Morning Market

Miyagawa Morning Admission Fees: 

It's good to note that there are no admission fees to enter or participate in the Miyagawa Morning Market.

Miyagawa Morning Market Operating Hours:

Please take note of the operating hours of Miyagawa Morning Market :

April - November: 7AM - 12NN

December - March: 8AM -12NN

Why visit Miyagawa Morning Market?

Miyagawa Morning Market in itself is a century-old tradition in Takayama City. It's a must-visit if you want to experience a glimpse of Takayama's rich history and also probably avail of one product as a remembrance that you were here. If you're into food, however, you could try out the different vegetables and fruits here. If the stall is selling milk, make sure to buy one as the region is known for its dairy products. 

Getting to Miyagawa Morning Market:

Miyagawa Morning Market can be reached by foot from JR Takayama Station.

Estimated travel time: 10 -15 minutes

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