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Abroad in Japan · Friday, September 4, 2026

Hatanohe Morning Market Dubbed Japan's Best

Chris Broad identifies the Hatanohe morning market, specifically the Tazawa wharf market, as the best market in Japan. He notes that while requiring a 5 AM start, the experience, particularly in colder months, offers a unique atmosphere with steam, food smells, and a "cool vibe."

The tape

4 quotes
But just go to like, go to the market and you'll get a sense of what makes that town unique, what makes that town special.
Chris Broad
But the best market in Japan, hands down in my opinion, is, um, Hatanohe morning market. The Tazawa wharf morning market.
Chris Broad
You've got to get up at 5 AM, unfortunately, to enjoy it, which takes some of the magic out, shall we say.
Chris Broad
And uh, yeah, with the Siberian wind blowing and all the food and everything, it's a really cool vibe.
Chris Broad
Heard on Abroad in Japan — “25 Things Nobody Tells You About Japan, published Friday, September 4, 2026. Heardvine summarizes and quotes with attribution and timestamps, and links to the original everywhere.
Transcribed via Gemini audio transcription · $0.05