Katsuyama Toshinoichi: A winter market where tradition lives on
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We would like to introduce you to the Katsuyama Tonenichi, a traditional winter event in Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture. The event dates back to the early 1700s and offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese winter activities.
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Katsuyama City is located in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture. The city is located on a river terrace formed along the course of the Kuzuryu River, and is a rural city rich in water and greenery, with commerce and industry based on the local textile industry since the Meiji period, and agriculture and forestry having been thriving since ancient times. Our company is a DMO (tourism region development organization) that works with local communities to develop tourist areas. Katsuyama City is a treasure trove of attractive tourist content, including the Dinosaur Museum and Heisenji Temple! We provide detailed services to customers visiting Katsuyama , such as guided tours that allow many people to experience Katsuyama , the Geo Terminal in the parking lot of the Dinosaur Museum, and the operation of the "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama" Roadside Station , which opened in June 2020. We are also actively challenging ourselves to create new businesses centered around tourism, aiming to revitalize the town of Katsuyama.
The Charm of Katsuyama New Year's Market
We would like to introduce you to the Katsuyama Toshinoichi , a traditional winter event in Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture.
The event dates back to the early 1700s and offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese winter activities.
Historical background
This Toshinoichi market, which began after the lord of the Katsuyama domain, Ogasawara, took possession of the domain, was created to promote the prosperity of merchants and deepen ties with the surrounding areas. In the past, it was held on December 26th and January 26th, and farmers, forest workers, local merchants, and traveling merchants would gather on Honmachi Street, bustling from early morning until late at night.
A traditional market alive and well in the modern age
Today's Katsuyama Toshinoichi takes place on the last Sunday of January each year. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of products, including:
・Carefully crafted woodwork
・Traditional folk crafts
・Regional specialties
Unique kitchen utensils
Cultural depth
In the past, in addition to pestles and mortars used for making mochi, practical items for daily life such as kanjiki (shackles for keeping feet warm in the snow), gozabōshi (winter hats made of straw), and cutting boards were popular.
While changing with the times, the city continues to bring local communities together and preserve local craft skills.
Next event information
Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 9am - 2pm (while stocks last)
Location: Honmachi Street, Katsuyama Katsuyama City
Admission: Free
Tips for visiting
Come early in the morning for the best selection, as popular items tend to sell out early in the morning.
Please bring cash (credit cards may not be accepted). It is better to bring 1000 yen bills rather than 10,000 yen bills.
Please wear comfortable shoes. Since it is winter, there will be snow and melting snow, so you will get wet. It is a good idea to bring snow boots or rubber boots.
It would be fun to learn some simple Japanese phrases. You can enjoy shopping by talking directly with producers, just like at a market. Enjoy the traditional style of a market.
Recommended products and exhibitor information
●Kubo Sashimonoten 3rd Generation (Windmill and smart ball that brings good fortune)
Kubo Sashimono San-daime sells wooden windmills called "Fuku ga mawari pinwheels" as a new lucky charm, and also runs a smart ball event so that even children can have fun at the Toshinoichi market. The windmills and smart balls on display in the store are carefully crafted by artisans one by one, and are all wonderful pieces that exude a warmth. Works made by Kubo Sashimono's artisans are used all over Katsuyama, making the store a familiar place to locals.
Please pick them up and try to find your favorite one from among the different merits of each one.
● Hometown flavors (oyster rice cakes, boiled taro, green soybean miso, etc.)
When Katsuyama residents think of the Toshinoichi's market, they imagine traditional items lined up on straw mats and hanging kakimochi. Furusato no Aji Katchan is a store with a nostalgic atmosphere that sells kakimochi and other local dishes. If you want to experience the traditional atmosphere of Katsuyama, be sure to visit.
● Village expert Kunio Nakamura (selling and demonstrating Gozaboshi hats)
This is another store that is synonymous with the Toshinoichi. This shop sells and demonstrates "Gozaboshi," a type of raincoat used from the Edo to mid-Showa period to protect against rain and snow. Gozaboshi are hard to find these days, so why not take this opportunity to experience life in the past?
If you plan to start early in the morning, we recommend staying in Katsuyama City.
The Toshinoichi Market starts at 9:00 AM, so if you have something you want to see, we recommend coming first thing in the morning. It may be a hassle for those coming from far away, so we recommend staying within Katsuyama City. Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama is about a 15-minute drive from the Toshinoichi venue. This hotel offers a great way to spend your time, with hot springs with spectacular views and restaurants serving dishes made with local ingredients.
Access Information
Venue: Honmachi Street , Katsuyama City
10 minutes walk from Katsuyama Station. Go straight for 700m from Katsuyama Station and turn left at the third traffic light to reach the venue.
parking
Katsuyama City Hall
Behind the Education Hall
Bentengawara Parking Lot (All parking is free)
Contact Us
Katsuyama Tonenichi Promotion Association: 090-8269-8529
Katsuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry: 0779-88-0463
Experience Japanese traditions at the Katsuyama Toshinoichi
This market is more than just a place to shop; it's an opportunity to experience Japan's rich cultural traditions. By participating, you'll not only find a unique souvenir, but also experience local life, traditional crafts and community spirit.
Whether you're culture-seekers, love exploring markets or simply curious about Japanese traditions, the Katsuyama Toshinoichi Market is a unique experience that connects you with centuries of local history.
Katsuyama City is located in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture. The city is located on a river terrace formed along the course of the Kuzuryu River, and is a rural city rich in water and greenery, with commerce and industry based on the local textile industry since the Meiji period, and agriculture and forestry having been thriving since ancient times. Our company is a DMO (tourism region development organization) that works with local communities to develop tourist areas. Katsuyama City is a treasure trove of attractive tourist content, including the Dinosaur Museum and Heisenji Temple! We provide detailed services to customers visiting Katsuyama , such as guided tours that allow many people to experience Katsuyama , the Geo Terminal in the parking lot of the Dinosaur Museum, and the operation of the "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama" Roadside Station , which opened in June 2020. We are also actively challenging ourselves to create new businesses centered around tourism, aiming to revitalize the town of Katsuyama.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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