Sendai Asaichi Market

Sendai's Kitchen - a small market with a lot to offer

Laura Welch Aug 16, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Seasonal fruit and vegetables are another main part of the market, exploding with color and freshness</p>

<p>The market is behind the car park next to the E-Beans building, on the west side of Sendai Station. It's also easily reachable by subway. It is closed on Sundays and national holidays.</p>

<p>Fresh fish and seafood takes up a large part of the market. It might be sliced, it might be whole, but you're guaranteed to find some weird and wonderful things!</p>

<p>With such fresh fish on offer in the rest of the market, the sushi is bound to be delicious</p>

<p>If you want beans, this is the place to go - there are local beans and beans of all colors</p>

<p>If looking at all that food makes you hungry, you can buy some tasty snacks  </p>

<p>There's a great croquette stall with seasonal flavors, like this tomato one  </p>

The modern landscape of Sendai was greatly shaped by World War 2. After the fire-bombing, businesses organically grew where they were needed, like Iroha Yokocho or Asaichi Market. Originally just a group of sellers, it became a more organized market in 1948. Originally known as Aozora Market (Open-air Market), everyone called it Asaichi so they changed the name. Despite it being called Asaichi (Morning) Market, the market is open from morning until the late afternoon.

Now there are 71 shops and stalls along the narrow alley, only a few minutes' walk from Sendai Station's west exits. It's also acquired another nickname – Sendai no Daidokoro, which means Sendai's Kitchen. Many local restaurants, such as Oretachi no Tabehoudai Shabusen, source their ingredients here, and it's no wonder. There's a huge variety of produce for quite a small market and the prices are very reasonable.

Laura Welch @laura.welch

One of my favourite things about Japan is the wonderful variety of food, and I love to share what I find. When I'm not eating, you might find me singing karaoke or walking around hoping to make new discoveries!