New Years is fast approaching, and with it market festivals. Here are two that are musts.
Most are familiar with Kokai Shotengai. It began as a market for lower-class samurai in the Edo era (Kokai Bridge didn’t exist then, but it was a “watariba” (渡場 - a location for poled ferries) connecting their lower-class housing with the higher-class east side of Shirakawa; it then thrived as a black market during the rationing period following WWII as a place where farmers could evade price controls by selling directly to the masses. The street maintains that scrappy atmosphere. Their festival will begin from 10:00 on Saturday, 12/1.
Tasaki Market （田崎市場, Tasaki Ichiba - photo below), the main market for produce and fish in Kumamoto, will hold their annual “Thanksgiving Fair” this Sunday, 12/2. As is usual with this market, it begins early, from 06:30, but will continue to the early afternoon (hint: be there at 06:30). If you’ve never visited this hidden gem, this is the time to do so. It’s a rather lengthy but doable walk from the Tasaki terminus of the streetcar. Dress warmly. - William