Also known as the Early Morning Market, Asaichi is one of Nozawa Onsen’s top attractions. The pint-sized village is tucked away in the Japanese Alps and serves as both a busy winter ski resort and a year-round spa town.

Every Sunday, the Early Morning Market pops up along Oyu Dori, the village’s main cobblestone thoroughfare. From locally grown produce and homemade preserves to knitted ski hats and handicrafts, it’s a fantastic way to start your morning.

The market is also a great place to try Japanese street food. Onsen Tamago is the village specialty, made from chicken eggs that have been slow cooked in an onsen hot spring.

Getting there

The Asaichi market is held every Sunday along Oyu Dori. The best way to explore the markets and soak up the atmosphere is on foot. After you’ve browsed through the stalls it’s worth checking out the rest of the historic village. You can even take a soak in its steaming public hot springs. Thanks to Japan’s high-speed railways, it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen in just over two hours.