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Take a slow morning stroll through Takayama Jinya Asaichi, where you’ll find seasonal produce, local treats, and a taste of Hida’s laid-back countryside life.

A vendor in a plaid shirt sits behind a market stall at Takayama Jinya Asaichi, displaying various packaged foods and handwritten price signs in Japanese. The goods are neatly arranged in plastic trays on a table.

A Historic Market With Local Heart

Takayama is home to two morning markets, and what makes Takayama Jinya Asaichi special is its quiet, traditional feel. Located just steps from the historic Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋), this small market has welcomed locals and visitors for generations. It’s one of Japan’s oldest continuously operating morning markets, with roots going back to the 1820s.

While the Miyagawa Morning Market gets more foot traffic, we also found Jinya Asaichi very appealing. It’s compact, peaceful, and filled with stalls run by friendly locals offering seasonal produce, pickles, miso, handmade crafts, and sweet treats from the Hida region.

What You’ll Find at the Market

At Takayama Jinya Asaichi, a market stall displays Japanese pickled foods in plastic containers and bags, folded leaves, and handwritten price signs on a white tablecloth. Bowls, a cup, and small decorative items are also on the table.

The vendors here focus on regional specialties—items grown or crafted in and around Takayama. We browsed fresh mountain vegetables, handmade chopsticks, and colorful local fabrics.

We picked up a few hoba mochi which we’ve never tried before, it’s a sweet sticky rice cake wrapped in magnolia leaves. Some stalls offer free samples of tsukemono (pickled vegetables), which let us taste before buying. Unlike many city markets, there’s no hard selling here. It felt more like a morning stroll through a friendly neighborhood.

Hours and Best Time to Visit

The market runs every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, year-round. We recommend arriving earlier in the morning, especially in peak seasons, for the best selection.

How to Get to Takayama Jinya Asaichi

On Foot

  • Exit JR Takayama Station and head straight down Hirokoji Street. Right before the river make a right toward Takayama Jinya.
  • The morning market is held directly in front of Takayama Jinya on the open plaza.
  • Total walk time: 10 minutes.

Should You Visit Takayama Jinya Asaichi?

Individually packaged mochi in various flavors are displayed on a table for sale at the Takayama Jinya Asaichi outdoor market in Japan. Labels and colorful signs in Japanese provide information about the products.

Absolutely! Takayama Jinya Asaichi isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly what we loved about it. It gives you a real taste of everyday life in the Hida region, with friendly vendors, seasonal produce, and that peaceful small-town vibe. It ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our time in Takayama.

More to Explore Nearby

After browsing fresh produce and handmade crafts at Jinya Asaichi, explore more of Takayama’s rich history and local charm:

  • Takayama Jinya – Step inside Japan’s last remaining Edo-period government outpost with preserved offices and archives.
  • Takayama Old Town – Just across the Miyagawa River, this historic district is perfect for strolling, shopping, and sampling sweets.
  • Miyagawa Morning Market – Another beloved morning market with scenic riverside stalls and a different local vibe.
  • Kusakabe Heritage House – Explore this beautifully preserved merchant home showcasing traditional Hida craftsmanship.