What it is
Wajima's morning market is said to have a history reaching back as far as the Heian period, and is often counted as often mentioned alongside the other well-known markets, alongside those in Takayama, Gifu, and Katsuura, Chiba. Asaichi-dori, the street at the heart of Wajima where the market traditionally set up, is said to have held around 200 stalls selling seafood and produce, but the area was badly damaged in the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Current status
As of 2026, the morning market is said to continue as a relocated market, operating from a commercial facility elsewhere in Wajima. Wajima City is reportedly considering plans to rebuild a plaza for the market to return to its original street, but the timing and shape of that reopening still appear to be undecided. It's strongly recommended to check the official website for the current location and operating days before visiting.
When to visit
The relocated market is said to run mainly in the morning, closed on Wednesdays. Given that recovery from the earthquake is likely to keep changing the situation, it's worth treating the official website's latest information as more current than this article.
Wajima is also known as a center of lacquerware production, and the area around Asaichi-dori is said to have originally held many lacquerware and craft shops as well. Records and photos of the market before the earthquake are said to sometimes be published on the official sites of Wajima City and related organizations, and some visitors use them as a reference before their trip. Parts of Wajima are said to still have temporary housing and construction vehicles, so it's recommended to be mindful of the surrounding situation when visiting.