Katsuura Morning Market
A Timeless Community Tradition in Chiba
Step into a slice of history and embrace the community spirit at the Katsuura Morning Market in Chiba Prefecture. With its roots stretching back over 430 years, this vibrant market offers visitors a unique chance to experience the heart of local life.
A feast for the senses, changing with each season
The Katsuura Morning Market is not just about shopping — it’s a sensory and cultural experience. Open daily in the early hours, the market features stalls brimming with freshly caught seafood, dried fish, and seasonal produce. From the morning’s best catch to locally grown vegetables, the market showcases the bounty of the region’s sea and land year-round. In spring, you’ll find treasures from the mountains like freshly dug bamboo shoots; summer brings vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, while autumn offers chestnuts and sweet potatoes. In winter, hearty vegetables like daikon radish and Chinese cabbage are perfect for making a warming hot pot.
Weekdays at the market have a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer stalls and a slower pace, making it a perfect time for leisurely, deep conversations with locals. Arrive early in the morning and grab a cup of coffee at the coffee stand: you will be welcomed by a friendly “ohayo”! The atmosphere is livelier on weekends, with more vendors and bustling crowds, offering a greater variety of goods for sale.
More than just a market
Held at the foot of Tomisaki Shrine, standing on a hill overlooking the sea, the market creates a picturesque setting that combines commerce and culture. It is not just a place to “sell” or “buy” goods: at its heart, it’s a place for human interaction. People attend the market to shop and meet others, share daily chit-chats, and exchange favorite recipes. Perhaps this sense of community is what has made the market a cherished tradition for centuries. Everyone is warmly welcomed to experience this connection — between visitors and the local community, and between timeless tradition and modern life. Whether you’re searching for a unique souvenir, ingredients for a delicious meal, or simply looking to soak in the atmosphere of an authentic Japanese market, the Katsuura Morning Market is a must-visit destination. Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag to fill with your finds!
Access to Katsuura Morning Market
Katsuura Morning Market is held every month from the 1st to the 15th (Shimohonmachi Morning Market Street) and from the 16th to the end of the month (Nakahonmachi Morning Market Street), from around 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. It is closed on Wednesdays and New Year’s Day (January 1st). You can reach the market by train, taking the JR Sotobo line to Katsuura Station. The market is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Photo Credit:©Katsuura Asaichi no kai
Address
Shimohonmachi Asaichi Street (1st to 15th of each month)
175-2 Katsuura, Katsuura City, Chiba, 299-5234
Nakahonmachi Asaichi Street (16th to end of the month)
319 Hamakatsuura, Katsuura City, Chiba 299-5233
Contact
Tel: +81 470-73-2500
Email: kappy-vc@bz04.plala.or.jp
Business hours
06:30 - 11:00 (approximately)
Hours may vary depending on weather and supply. Some stores may close early once sold out.
Holiday
Every Wednesday & New Year's Day
MAP
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