Discover One of Japan’s Oldest Street Markets: Where Traditions Come Alive!
Experience the vibrant energy of the Tokaichi Festival (Tokaichi Saiten), a historic event with over 400 years of tradition in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi. This massive open-air market is famous for the local saying: “You can find everything here except cat eggs and horse horns!”
■ What to See & Do
Authentic Handcrafted Woodware: Discover high-quality, artisan-made kitchen tools like heavy-duty cutting boards and traditional wooden mortars—rarities that draw collectors from all over Japan.
Lucky Charms (Daruma Dolls): Bright red “Daruma” dolls fill the stalls. These are famous Japanese symbols of perseverance and good luck. Watching the lively bargaining between vendors and locals is a highlight of the festival.
Local Street Food & Culture: Eat your way through hundreds of stalls while soaking in the “Spring-is-coming” atmosphere unique to the Kofu Basin.
