Takayama morning markets (Asaichi)

Takayama holds two morning markets (asaichi) every day of the year, a tradition unbroken for more than 300 years. The Jinya-mae Asaichi market sets up in front of the Takayama Jinya with around twenty stalls of local women farmers selling seasonal vegetables, flowers, Hida pickles, artisanal red miso and souvenirs. The Miyagawa Asaichi market, the larger and more picturesque of the two, stretches along the bank of the Miyagawa river with more than 40 stalls that add Hida woodcraft, sarubobo dolls (the traditional Hida amulets, of red faceless cloth), local sake and street food. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere first thing in the morning, with the river in the background and the tourists still asleep, is one of the most authentic moments in Takayama. Both markets open from 6:00 to 12:00 (Jinya-mae) and from 7:00 to 12:00 (Miyagawa). Entry is free. They are a five-minute walk from each other, in the heart of the city.