Kumamoto is a great place to go shopping. In addition to heading to the malls and shopping streets, though, you can find virtually everything you need at the markets. This offers the chance to have a uniquely Japanese experience, making a regular shopping trip much more fun.

Kokai Shotengai Market

Not far from downtown Kumamoto, close to Kumamoto University, is Kokai Shotengai Market. The old-style shopping area sells all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat as well as other everyday things like clothes and trinkets. It’s an ideal place to find all sorts of produce for cheap. The market extends a long distance down a narrow street, resembling how markets in Japan would have looked in samurai times — visiting is a great way to feel like you’re going back in history.

Furusato Ichiba Farmer’s Market

Right by the airport, you’ll find Furusato Ichiba Farmer’s Market. It has all the fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, condiments, frozen foods, noodles, and snacks you could ever need. Plus, everything you’ll find here is locally sourced, affordable, high quality, and delicious.

Kumamoto Chiho Oroshiuri Market

Vendors start selling as early as 4:00 a.m. at Kumamoto Chiho Oroshiuri Market. As a wholesale market with good prices, expect it to be crowded even in the early hours of the morning. It’s a great place to try dishes with the freshest fish as well as to buy large quantities of ingredients to cook at home. There are a few special events throughout the year when there are reduced prices on certain items — look out for these if you want a good deal.

JA Kumamotokeizairen you + you

If you’re concerned with quality over price, JA Kumamotokeizairen you + you could be a good option. You’ll find a wide variety of products from farms around Kumamoto, including organic produce, cut flowers, ornamental plants, and eggs. Although the prices are similar to those at a supermarket, the food is much fresher. To find what you want, you’ll need to come in the morning, as almost everything is sold by the afternoon.

Kumamoto Food Stall Village

To have plenty of choice for where to eat all in one location, head to Kumamoto Food Stall Village. This open-air food court has everything from seafood to hot dogs across its 17 restaurants. Many serve local Kumamoto and Kyushu cuisine — you could try a different place every time you visit. Wherever you eat, you’ll have views of Kumamoto Castle, which makes the experience extra special.

Marché Kumamoto-Ken Kachiku

Kumamoto even has its own cattle market. Farmers auction cattle from the area, attracting buyers from all over the country due to the high quality of wagyu beef. When an auction is happening, the restaurants by the market are open to the public. These sell several fresh beef dishes, including barbecue.

Markets are obviously a great place to visit if you need to buy something, but it’s often just as much fun checking out the wares without making any purchases. Who knows — you even may pick up a few things you didn’t think you needed!

dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons