Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Miyagawa Morning Market is a morning market that stretches along the Miyagawa River that flows through the center of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, and is one of Hida Takayama's most famous tourist spots. It has a long history that is said to date back to the Edo period, and every morning stalls selling local agricultural products, mountain produce, pickles, processed foods, folk crafts, woodwork, and more line the market. The attraction is that you can shop while enjoying conversations with locals and tastings in the refreshing morning air, making it a popular market with local residents as well as tourists.
Highlights
- Fresh locally grown vegetables, wild plants, and fruits: You can get seasonal ingredients, such as wild plants in the spring and mushrooms and apples in the fall.
- Pickles, miso, dried foods: A wide variety of preserved foods that allow you to enjoy the traditional flavors of Hida at home.
- Local processed foods and snacks: Gohei mochi, mitarashi, local sweets, dashi, seasonings, etc.
- Crafts and folk art: A wide selection of souvenirs including Hida woodwork, lacquerware, and Sarubobo dolls.
- Alley and riverside scenery: The atmospheric scenery created by the street stalls lined up along the Miyagawa River and the old townscape is a great spot for photos.
- Interact with locals: Experience the local culture through conversations with friendly vendors and tastings.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Takayama Station (approximately 10-15 minutes' walk, approximately 1km from Takayama Station)
- Walking route: From Takayama Station, head straight towards the city center (old townscape) and you will arrive at the area along the Miyagawa River. There are many signs, making it easy to get around.
- Bus/Taxi: You can travel from Takayama Station by local bus or taxi. This is convenient if you have luggage or in bad weather.
- Access by car: Take the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway to the city center from Hida Kiyomi IC or Takayama IC. Parking is limited in the city center, so we recommend using public transportation.
- Long-distance travel: From Nagoya, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on the JR Takayama Main Line (Limited Express Hida), and it is also accessible from Kanazawa by express train or highway bus.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
If you only want to view and shop at the morning market, you should allow about 30 minutes to an hour. If you also want to visit the surrounding old townscape, Takayama Jinya, and a sake brewery, you should plan on allowing about 2 to 4 hours.
Nearby spots
- Old Town (Sanmachi Street): The central tourist area of Takayama, lined with traditional merchant houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
- Takayama Jinya: The remains of an Edo period government office can be visited. A popular spot on par with Miyagawa Morning Market.
- Sake Brewery Street/Local Sake Breweries: There are many sake breweries scattered around where you can enjoy tastings and tours of the breweries.
- Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato): Exhibition of traditional houses and introduction to local culture (a little far away but accessible by bus).
- Small galleries and workshops around Hie Shrine and the morning market: There are also places where you can see works by local artists and experience crafts.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Business hours: Generally from early morning until around noon (varies depending on the store and season). If you visit early in the morning, you can enjoy a wider selection and avoid the crowds.
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the spring and autumn tourist seasons. Please be considerate of those around you when taking photos or tasting food.
- Payment: Many small stores only accept cash, so it's convenient to have coins on hand. Recently, some stores have started accepting cashless payments, but it's important to check.
- Tasting and photography etiquette: Ask permission before tasting. If you plan to photograph a store or product, it is polite to ask permission first.
- Takeaway/Cold Storage: When purchasing fresh produce or processed foods, you will need to take measures to keep them cold. If you are coming from afar, it is a good idea to bring a cooler bag or ice packs.
- Weather and season: Winter is very cold and there is snow and frozen roads, so you need to dress warmly and be careful when walking. In summer, the sun can be strong even in the mornings, so be sure to bring a hat and stay hydrated.
- Garbage and Manners: Avoid eating and drinking on the street or leaving garbage on the street. Take any garbage home with you or dispose of it in designated areas.
Miyagawa Morning Market is a valuable place where you can experience Takayama's unique cuisine, folk art, and local hospitality. Include it in your morning stroll and enjoy the fresh flavors and charming townscape.
