English

Let's go to the very popular and surprising Sunday Market in Tokushima City!

If you are interested in visiting a place that is popular among the local people of Tokushima, then I strongly recommend going to this market where a large number of vendors sell food and drinks, household items, antiques, and other interesting items often at surprisingly low prices.

This market is held every Sunday from around 4am until 2pm at the Tokushima Textile Wholesale Complex and the wide range of items for sale will most likely surprise you. Make sure to come early or else the freshly picked vegetables brought directly by local farmers might be sold out.

A fantastic high-end strawberry [Sakura Momo Strawberry] (left), which is only grown in Sanagochi Village, Tokushima Prefecture.
A fantastic high-end strawberry [Sakura Momo Strawberry] (left), which is only grown in Sanagochi Village, Tokushima Prefecture.
A wide variety of fruits from the prefecture. The Sunday market is also a great place to see them sold in generous portions.
A wide variety of fruits from the prefecture. The Sunday market is also a great place to see them sold in generous portions.
All-you-can-stuff Tokushima Prefecture's specialty sweet potatoes [Narutokintoki-Satomusume]!
All-you-can-stuff Tokushima Prefecture's specialty sweet potatoes [Narutokintoki-Satomusume]!
On this day, Naruto oysters on the shell were also available. The lineup varies from week to week, so you can't wait to see what's in store for you today.
On this day, Naruto oysters on the shell were also available. The lineup varies from week to week, so you can't wait to see what's in store for you today.

Not only can you find different foods to buy, but you can also find second-hand tools, paintings, books, electronics, fresh flowers, clothes, and more for sale. This is what makes the market so exciting and surprising. The chaotic atmosphere is due to the regulation that anything, which does not violate any law, can be sold.

There is a wide range of products, from the reasonably priced vegetables mentioned earlier to authentic antiques, for sale at the market.
There is a wide range of products, from the reasonably priced vegetables mentioned earlier to authentic antiques, for sale at the market.
You can also find old comic books
You can also find old comic books
Because the event is held in the Toiyacho Textile Wholesale Complex, a lot of clothing is on sale for inexpensive prices!
Because the event is held in the Toiyacho Textile Wholesale Complex, a lot of clothing is on sale for inexpensive prices!
You can even buy shoes here!
You can even buy shoes here!

Another attraction of the market is the closeness between the vendors and customers, who converse with each other. The warmth of the local people is another reason why people come to this Sunday Market.

Breakfast at a food stall

There are food stalls and coffee stands offering specialties such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, dengaku, oden, and prepared foods. Use the benches and tables if you want to sit down to eat or drink, and perhaps come early and have breakfast here.

This is cabbage-yaki, which is made with a flour shell, cabbage and egg, and is cooked on a grill. You can buy one for the very cheap price of 150 yen.

You can also get dengaku, which is grilled konnyaku (made from the root of the Konjac plant) covered with miso paste.
You can also get dengaku, which is grilled konnyaku (made from the root of the Konjac plant) covered with miso paste.
The cabbage-yaki is not too heavy to eat in the morning, so it is good for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
The cabbage-yaki is not too heavy to eat in the morning, so it is good for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
Beef sinew stewed in a sweet and spicy sauce
Beef sinew stewed in a sweet and spicy sauce
Sweet Potato Tempura and Curry Croquette
Sweet Potato Tempura and Curry Croquette

It is also a great place to come to buy lunch, as many Japanese home-style dishes and side dishes are sold there.

Visit Tokushima`s longest-running morning market

Visit Tokushima`s longest-running morning market

This market began in 1997 to enliven the Tokushima Textile Wholesale Complex, and it has been every week for 27 years! It has become a representative event in Tokushima city attracting more than 10,000 visitors each time.

Mr. Imai, the Executive Director of the market, says that it is important that it be held every week regardless of the weather. He adds, "People come here because they look forward to see what is for sale and to interact with other people and the stall vendors.

At Imai, the store run by Imai-san (middle), everyone gathered together to bring bread and tempura bought at the Sunday market.
At Imai, the store run by Imai-san (middle), everyone gathered together to bring bread and tempura bought at the Sunday market.

The aim of creating this large outdoor market was to enliven the local community and it has certainly done so. It is a great event to experience, so take some shopping bags and go!

Tokushima Bikkuri Nichiyouichi (Tokushima Surprising Sunday Market)
Held every Sunday (from early morning around 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
60 Toiyamachi, Tokushima City
TEL 088-653-1161 (Tokushima Textile Wholesale Cooperative)