Nagoya’s Hidden Gem: A Taste of the Sea at Yanagibashi Central Market

There are huge fish markets in Tokyo, known as Tsukiji or Toyosu fish markets. However, here in Nagoya, we also have a fish market Yanagibashi Central Market ! While it may be relatively smaller in scale compared to Tokyo, it’s delightful to stroll around the fish market, and I highly recommend enjoying fresh food in the morning or at lunchtime.

What’s more? It’s only a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station! Why not wander around and savor fresh seafood?

Since discovering this market, I feel like it’s a hidden gem for me, offering fresh seafood at an incredibly reasonable price, and I’m completely satisfied!

Yanagibashi Central Market

Yanagibashi Central Market has a history of more than 100 years. Typically, fish markets are situated far from the city center, but it’s quite rare to find one in the heart of Nagoya, just a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station.

Seafood is sourced not only from Aichi and domestic suppliers but also from all over the world, making it a beloved spot for locals. The market houses around 300 small stores, with some opening as early as 4 am. Please note that the market closes early, so I highly recommend going there by lunchtime.

The market is closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays!

Location at Yanagibashi Central Market

I recommend not using the underground street as it’s complicated. Instead, simply open Google Maps to guide you to the location on the ground. It takes only 5 min walking distance from Nagoya station.

いごこ家　Igokochi

We originally planned to have lunch in the market, but we bumped into this restaurant because the menu looked so attractive from the outside! Igokochi is located right next to the market.You know, it’s nice to have air conditioning when dealing with the overheated summer in Japan.

Lunch Menu

What was so attractive on the menu? It was Kaisen rice bowl for 500 yen!

However, it was already sold out by the time we arrived at 13:00, unfortunately. They only serve 30 bowls per day, so I highly recommend going there at opening time!

If you don’t like raw egg, you can order without egg and you can simply say “Tamago Nashi”. I personally really love this kind of authentic wasabi, but please make sure not to add too much wasabi! You know what will happen!

The price of today’s special rice bowl varies depending on the day. The day we visited, it was 1,200 yen, as shown in the picture above. The chef creates a special rice bowl based on the fresh fish they obtain at the market.

Summary

The total price for two people is only 2,000 yen. It’s incredibly reasonable for such fresh and high-quality food, and we are both super happy with this experience and the price.

Yanagibashi Central Market is such a hidden gem, so you don’t have to wait in a long queue like at a department store in Nagoya station. If you would like to get a limited Kaisen rice bowl, please make sure to go at 11:00 am sharp.

Store information

Risa

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A Japanese working mom based in Nagoya, Aichi. Studied International Tourism Management and worked in a 5 stars luxury hotel in Bangkok for total 8-ish years. Sharing our culture, lifestyle, local tips, and experiences in traveling, especially in Nagoya and Aichi 🇯🇵