Higashi Betsuin, located a little east of the center of Nagoya City, is a fascinating area where history and modernity intersect. Higashi Betsuin, located in the center of this area, is officially called "Shinshu Otaniha Nagoya Betsuin" and is loved by many worshippers as a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otaniha sect.

If you go a little further from Higashi Betsuin, you will find yourself in the heart of Nagoya, in Sakae and Osu. With easy access to bustling shopping areas and historical sightseeing spots, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Higashi Betsuin while also enjoying the bustle of the city.

In the Higashi Betsuin area, the Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market is held on days that end in the number 8. This morning market is always bustling with people, and is lined with local agricultural products, crafts, handmade goods, and organic foods that have been carefully selected by the organizer, Mr. Iio, to ensure that the products are handcrafted and suited to everyday life. This is a place where you can feel the warmth of the community, and is a popular event not only for locals but also for tourists.

The morning market started with three stores

The origins of the "Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market" date back to the morning market at Jimokuji Kannon, a historic temple in Ama City, located just next door to Higashi Betsuin. Organizer Urara Iio says that it started with just three stores, including one selling vegetables from her farm, which she and her husband, who loves agriculture, started together. The market grew more lively with each passing year, and the staff of Higashi Betsuin were so fascinated by the liveliness that they asked them to hold a similar event at Higashi Betsuin, which was the trigger.

The Higashi Betsuin morning market quickly became popular, and at one point it was a major event with over 200 stores lined up, and through social media and word of mouth, the number of people wanting to set up stalls increased. As a result, it grew into a morning market that attracted a lot of attention and many customers.

The shape that feels most comfortable right now

The Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market used to be a huge event held once a month, with over 200 stores gathering, but due to COVID-19, it is now held three times a month. "By reducing the scale, visitors can now enjoy shopping and conversation at a leisurely pace," Iio said. He smiles and says that there is now more communication between vendors and customers than before, and the morning market has evolved into a more comfortable place. Thus, the morning market has become a part of daily life and continues to this day.

Currently, in addition to the Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market, they are running morning markets in two other areas, which may seem busy. However, they told us that it is precisely because they have a reasonable system that they have been able to continue for so long as a part of daily life. At the Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market, both the organizers and the vendors are part of creating the market together, and there is a deep-rooted culture of doing what they can responsibly and reasonably.

There was a recycling paper bag station set up in the venue, and it was clear to see that the culture of cooperation among everyone, including the customers, was deeply rooted. This was a common sight, and created a warm atmosphere.

On the 8th, there are many organic stores and natural goods. On the 18th, there are many young and unique vendors. On the 28th, there are many familiar vendors that have been there since the market first began. Each date has its own unique features, making it a morning market you'll want to visit again and again.

Beautiful, warm, homemade food will soothe your everyday fatigue. Sitting on a bench in the shade of a tree and enjoying a bento or soup from a restaurant you've been looking for is an incredibly luxurious experience.

Morning markets in the local community provide an opportunity for community interaction

Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market is not only a place where local agricultural products, crafts, handmade goods, and organic foods are lined up, but also a place where people can interact with each other. This lively morning market, which is enjoyed by not only local residents but also visitors, can be said to be a symbol of the Higashi Betsuin local community.

In the Higashi Betsuin area, the morning market has led to the opening of many new shops, contributing greatly to the development of a new culture in the region.

Higashi Betsuin is a special place where Nagoya's history and modern charm intersect. With many popular and attractive shops from the Tokai area gathering at the morning market, the everyday scenery is constantly being updated. Every time you visit, you will make new discoveries and encounters, and you will be captivated by its depth.

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Event name: Higashi Betsuin Living Morning Market

Address: Nagoya Betsuin (Higashi Betsuin) grounds, 2-8-55 Tachibana, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0016

Access: 3 minutes walk west from Exit 4 of Higashi Betsuin Station on the Meijo Subway Line

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higashibetsuin_asaichi/

HP: https://higashi-asaichi.jp/higashi/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.