Flea and Farmer’s Markets in Nagoya

Sep 14, 2012

Flea and Farmer’s Markets in Nagoya

Flea Market at Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon Temple was moved to its current location by the very late and very great Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. The main temple on the site today was reconstructed in 1970.

The Flea Market at Osu Kannon is held rain or shine on the 18th and 28th of every month like clockwork.  If you are in the area this market offers around 60 stalls on average, and is fun to browse due to the eclectic nature of the wares on offer. You never know what you might find in the mishmash of genuine antiques and complete junk, fine art and kitsch, the truly useful and the totally frivolous.   There is one stall that specializes in used kimono that I have heard mentioned a few times, so if you are in the market for one it might be worth a visit.

Most dealers are seasoned veterans, so real deals can be hard to find, but a good eye is often rewarded!   This market is popular with international visitors looking to score an out-of-the-ordinary souvenir or two, and if you fail, there is always the nearby Osu Shopping Arcade.  I personally make a trip out to Osu 3 times a month or so just to drop in.  It has a really cool atmosphere.  The karage, roasted chicken, and pizza place are all highly recommended.

Flea Market at Osu Kannon Temple

• Held on the 18th and 28th of every month, rain or shine.
• Osu Kannon (google)

Oasis 21 Farmers Organic Morning Market

If you are after a nice organic potato, carrot, cabbage, or other fruits and vegetables this might be your best option.  Every Saturday morning you can find about 20 tables / stalls setup inside of Oasis 21, in front of the Starbucks that are staffed by farmers and their family members.   On the rare occasion you will happen upon a real find here; I saw kale once, and that stuff is impossible to find in Nagoya.  Please note I said ONCE!  They always offer the standard variety of whatever is in season though, and they are super friendly people!

• Oasis 21 Farmers Organic Morning Market
• Held every Saturday from 8:30 – 11:30.
• Oasis 21 in Sakae

Nittai-Ji Temple Farmer’s Market

Nittai-Ji Temple was constructed in 1904 to hold the ashes of the Gauthama Buddha, a gift to Japan from King Chulalongkorn of Thailand. It was named the “Japan-Thai Temple”, to celebrate friendly relations between the two nations. The temple features the 15 meter Gandala-style Taian Pagoda, which houses the relics Japan received.

Nittai-Ji Temple hosts a farmer’s market on the 21^st day of every month.   While not an organic market per se, it is larger than the weekly market held at Oasis 21 and you can get very good deals on a larger variety of seasonal vegetables- especially if you are willing to by larger volumes.  I once got a bag of peanuts there that came very close to being enough peanuts for me…close, but no cigar.  You can NEVER have enough peanuts in my opinion.

Nittai-Ji Temple Farmer’s Market

• 21^st day of every month from 8:30 – 11:30
• Nittai-Ji Temple, near Kakuozan Station (google)

Kōshō-Ji Temple Farmer’s Market

Kōshō-Ji Temple was established by Nagoya’s beloved Tokugawa clan in the 17th century. The temple and grounds, including the graveyard, are situated in the woodlands of Yagoto Hill. The temple complex consists of wooden buildings including a five-story pagoda completed in 1808.  The annual “1,000-Lantern Festival” takes place here, and is supposed to be notable, but I could find no specific information about it; anyone been?  Kōshō-Ji Temple also holds a monthly farmer’s market on the 21^st of every month that is very similar to the one held at Nittai-Ji.

Kōshō-Ji Temple Farmer’s Market

• 21^st day of every month from 8:30 – 11:30
• Kōshō-Ji Temple, near Yagoto Station  (google)

Satoyama Market at Shinrin Park Golf Course in Owari Asahi

Shinrin Park Golf Course in Owari Asahi hosts a farmer’s market where local produce is sold in the car park.  Satoyama market is held periodically at the main gate at Forest Park Square.  Producers from the local area provide environmentally friendly, natural fruits and vegetables for purchase on market days.  Enjoy safe and secure agricultural products as well as Fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, plants, pottery and other local produce.

• Park information – www.shinrinkoen.com/satoyama/ichiba.html
• Schedule of Market – www.aichishinrin.jp/news/ichiba.html
• The phone number for your car navigation is 0561-53-3993 and here is a map
• 5182-1 Arai Owariasahi, Aichi Prefecture 488-0081, Japan

Mammoth Flea Market

Featuring over 3500 booths and 60,000 attendees, the Mammoth Flea Market  is largest flea market in Japan.  It fills the entire Port Messe building with all kinds of bargains and bargain hunters.  This event is held annually, as we mentioned at Port Messe, in late April.

• Annually in Spring
• Port Messe Nagoya (ポートメッセなごや), near Kinjo-futo Station  on the Aonami Line.

Kikuko’s Website: Secondhand Kimono shop/Reuse kimono
Nagoya Flea Markets