What other travelers are saying about Yanagibashi Central Market
柳橋中央市場 (Yanagibashi Chūō Ichiba) is known as the Yanagibashi Central Market, a historic and major private food market in downtown Nagoya, Japan.
The market is very near to Nagoya station by 5 minutes walk. Restaurants are opened around 10am. Lots of options in the fresh sushi and sashimi at unbelievable cheap prices.
Amazingly local experience and encounters with the freshness seafood ingredients.
You can feel the energy of the local people there. There's fresh seafood, dried food, and regional specialties to numerous shops and restaurants.
The wholesale market operates from 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with many vendors closing once they sell their daily stock. Most restaurants remain open until around 2:00 PM. For the most authentic experience and freshest seafood selection, arrive early in the morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the market is at its busiest.
The market is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Taikodori Exit of Nagoya Station and a 10-minute walk from the main station area. It's positioned west of Midland Square and the Century Toyota Building, making it easily accessible by train from anywhere in the region.
While Yanagibashi Central Market primarily serves as a working wholesale facility for restaurants and retailers, it welcomes general customers who can purchase fresh ingredients at wholesale prices. The market houses around 300 stores and increasingly features casual eateries that cater to tourists seeking authentic market dining experiences.
Visitors should bring cash as many vendors may not accept credit cards, which is typical for traditional wholesale markets in Japan. Since this is a working market environment, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and arriving with an empty stomach is advisable to fully enjoy the various seafood breakfast options and market eateries.
Yanagibashi Central Market is definitely worth visiting for tourists seeking an authentic local experience in Fukuoka. It offers exceptional fresh seafood, cultural immersion into Japanese market life, reasonable prices, and a chance to taste Hakata's famous fish market breakfast culture away from typical tourist spots.
If you’re planning to visit Yanagibashi Central Market in Nagoya, avoid going on a Sunday—most of the market is closed and the atmosphere feels far less lively than expected. We stopped by for breakfast at one of the stalls, but unfortunately the seafood didn’t taste nearly as fresh or flavorful compared to other places we’ve tried in Japan.
The experience was disappointing, especially since Japan usually sets such a high bar for seafood quality. With limited options open and the lack of freshness, this visit could easily be one of the worst market experiences we’ve had during our trip.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning when the market is fully open and bustling—you’ll likely get a much better impression of what it has to offer.
The market is in a walking distance from the train station, and it gets really busy in the morning with trolleys moving around everywhere.
You can definitely feel the energy of the local people there. There's fresh seafood, dried food, and lots of different local shops to check out.
Super cool to be able to walk through and eat inside of the market, unlike the way Tsukiji used to be where you were worried about getting in someone's way. Definitely an experience to have when you're here.
Christmas Day Culinary Adventure in Japan: A Gastronomic Delight ( Teru Teru ) 地魚食堂
Our journey began at Ibis Styles on Christmas Day 2024, where the holiday magic extended to a culinary exploration we won't soon forget. Around lunchtime, we embarked on a quest for an authentic Japanese meal—a place we had researched yet took a bit of time to find due to its tucked-away charm. The moment we approached the restaurant, we noticed a beautifully illustrated menu posted by the entrance, a promising sign of delights to come.
Guided by instinct and a sprinkle of curiosity, we headed to the first stall on the left. Here, the friendly staff welcomed us with minimal yet sufficient English, complemented by a fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese hospitality. Fortunately, the establishment also provided menus in both English and Chinese, ensuring a smooth ordering experience for all international visitors. To our delight, freshly brewed green tea was served complimentary—a warming touch amidst the cool holiday air.
As for the food itself—oh, where do I begin? We ordered an assorted sashimi rice bowl and a bountiful tempura set. The sashimi was impeccably fresh, a medley of colours and textures, each bite a burst of oceanic flavour. The silky salmon, delicate tuna, and luscious scallops practically melted on the tongue. If I had a second stomach, I would have eagerly ordered another round without hesitation. The crisp tempura was equally divine, with a perfectly golden crunch encasing sweet prawns and seasonal vegetables.
Everything was served swiftly, with precision and grace. The price of around 5,000 yen might raise an eyebrow initially, but every yen spent was undeniably worth it. This was not just a meal but an unforgettable sensory experience—one that perfectly captured the culinary richness of Japan.
For any food lovers visiting the area, I wholeheartedly recommend this spot. It’s a haven for the adventurous palate, where tradition meets excellence, and where Christmas memories are made over plates of exquisite sashimi.
