Kanayama Marche
Handmade goodies, festival food, tiny donuts and a slightly confusing camera situation. Welcome to Kanayama.
So I found myself wandering around Kanayama Nigiwai Marche, a little market right outside the south exit of Kanayama Station.
It’s dead easy to find. Just go to KANAYAMA, and listen out for music. Then possibly follow the lovely scent of Octopus Balls (Tokoyaki, silly!)
There are stalls selling handmade bits and pieces, food, fresh produce and all sorts of things you probably didn’t know you needed, and also entertainment that includes idol groups singing and dancing (yey, if you like that kind of thing). Either way it won’t take too long to check out, and if you’re in the area- why not have a look?
Cute stuff, tasty stuff and things you probably don’t need
The stalls have a mix of trinkets, small bags, handmade accessories and other crafty bits. Some of it is genuinely cute, and you can tell people have put time and effort into making their stuff. You could even buy it- someone as a present, and then say “Hey, I hope you like it, I made it myself” – then hope that they don’t see through the mountain of BS that just left your stupid mouth.
There are also stalls selling fruit and vegetables, so it’s not just a load of decorative tat. Although, let’s be honest, you can make pumpkins and cucumbers look quite suggestive if you want them to. (lol, what?)
Festival food and those odd spherical donuts
Food-wise, you’ll find the usual Japanese festival-style snacks, including takoyaki. I’m not the world’s biggest takoyaki fan, so I’ll leave those balls to someone else.
The little round donuts, though? Very nice. They gave out free samples, which is always a good way to get my attention. Give me a tiny free cut of donut, then I’m suddenly interested and already bought a huge bag of them.
There’s a mix of things to snack on while you wander, so bring a bit of cash and see what takes your fancy.
Massages…No, not like that
There were massage services available too. Before anyone gets carried away, I mean normal massages. This is a market, not some back-alley adventure with a happy ending.
It’s another example of the slightly random mix of things you’ll find here. One minute you’re looking at handmade bags, the next you’re considering having your shoulders sorted out.
Computer Shop
Of all the things you’d expect at a festival- this wouldn’t be one of them… But it’s a fantastic idea. Basically this guy set up a computer shop where he sells refurbished PCs at a cheap price- OR if you have a computer that’s on the blink- bring it down!
In Japan, usually everything is pretty much regulated… Need a license for this, or you won’t be able to do that… And then you’re expected to pay insane prices for a simple thermal paste replacement. Well, here’s cheaper than the usual PC DEPOT (rip-off!), or you could always hand it off to me, I’ll undercut em all (Jeff… Stop trying to shill a side-business here – Ed)
Idol groups and the camera tax
The market also has idol groups singing and dancing on a small stage. It’s an unexpected bit of entertainment, especially just getting out of the train station- and the performers genuinely put some solid effort into it.
There is, however, a designated viewing area for people who want to watch and photograph the performances, and you have to pay to enter that area. It’s not a blanket charge to visit the market itself. The general market is free to wander around.
You’ll also spot security staff or attendants wearing pink bibs, keeping an eye on proceedings. I’m calling them the Pink Bib Brigade because I don’t know their official job titles.
There are meet-and-greet activities off to the side as well. The details and any extra charges can depend on the performers and what’s being offered, so check the signs and prices on the day before handing over your yen. On the flip-side it might even be free? Who knows- I don’t!
Are these established idols, up-and-coming stars or aspiring performers hoping to make it big? Maybe. They were singing and dancing, and I was standing there thinking of the Spice Girls… If they hadn’t made it to the big-time
Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.
Apparently, what you might really, really want is a ticket for the viewing area. Girl power meets purchasing power.
Joking aside, if you’re manly enough to watch or photograph the performances, check the setup first so you know what you’re paying for. If you’re just there for the market, you can have a perfectly good wander without paying an idol-related entrance fee.
So, is it worth a look?
Yeah, I reckon so. It’s easy to get to, doesn’t cost anything to enter the general market, and has a nice mixture of handmade goods, food, fresh produce and entertainment.
Don’t expect a massive destination market that’ll keep you busy all day. It’s more of a casual browse, a snack, a bit of people-watching and perhaps a tiny donut-induced lapse in financial discipline.
If you’re already around Kanayama, it’s worth popping over. Just remember that the camera-viewing area is a separate paid bit, so don’t confuse that with general entry.
I’m off to find another donut. BTW: COSTCO have these GREAT donuts at the food counter. Like what they sell at carboot sales in Blighty… Or on Blackpool front.
BDJ SCORECARD
- VALUE: 4/5
- GO AGAIN? YES
- BAD DECISION: 1/5
- BDJ SCORE: 4/5
THE USEFUL BITS
📍 WHERE: Kanayama Station South Exit Plaza, 1-17-1 Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
🚉 NEAREST STATION: Kanayama Station. Walk out of the south exit and you’re there.
🗓️ WHEN: Usually the fourth Saturday and Sunday of the month. Other markets also take place at the station plaza, so check @nigiwai_marche1 on Instagram for dates.
🕐 HOURS: Vary by event day and organiser. Check the latest event announcement for the current schedule.
💴 PRICE: Free entry to the general market. Shopping, food and services cost extra. The designated idol viewing/camera area has a separate entry charge; check the current price on the day.
🛍️ WHAT’S THERE: Handmade goods, small bags, accessories, fruit and vegetables, festival snacks, donuts, massage services and live performances.
📸 CAMERAS: Don’t assume you can photograph the idol performances from anywhere. Follow the venue rules and check the viewing-area arrangements.
📱 UPDATES: Search Instagram for @nigiwai_marche1 for event announcements.
🗺️ MAP: Open Kanayama Station South Exit in Google Maps
Bad Decisions Japan – WE WENT THERE.
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