【Early Bird Drive】For morning people, here are three must-try street foods at the "Katsuura Morning Market."

The street food here is said to be of high quality! The "Katsuura Morning Market," held from 6 AM in Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, has a long history as one of Japan's three great morning markets. This time, I woke up a bit early to visit it.

A popular spot for over 430 years! Charging into the high-level morning market in Katsuura

What was recommended by a friend couple who enjoy day trips is the "Katsuura Morning Market" held in Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture. It's a historic morning market that has been held at the foot of Tomi Cape Shrine for 430 years.

It's about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo, with good access, and there is also a parking lot 5 minutes on foot from Katsuura Morning Market that offers the first hour for free, so you can confidently drive there.

Katsuura Morning Market
Location: Shimo-motocho Morning Market Street (from the 1st to the 15th of every month), Naka-motocho Morning Market Street (from the 16th to the end of the month)
Closed on Wednesdays and New Year’s Day

Although I overslept a bit, I arrived at the "Katsuura Morning Market" at 7:30 in the morning. I actually wanted to arrive around 6:30, so I was a little late. Nonetheless, the place is bustling with an astonishing number of people in the early morning hours.

With over 20 stalls lined up, selling a wide array of products including fresh fish, honey, and iced coffee! It looks like it will be more enjoyable than I imagined.

After walking for a while, I discovered the notably impressive "Tomi Cape Shrine." It offers a magnificent view of Katsuura city and the fishing harbor from its grounds, making it a recommended stop while strolling through the morning market. The "Katsuura Big Hina Festival," held every year, is also famous nationwide. On this day, it was bustling with many visitors.

Checking the level of quality through food exploration

Attracted by the delicious aroma, my stomach started to growl. After some hesitation, I decided to try the "Ikamenchi," a specialty of Bōshū.

I have eaten menchi-katsu before, but this is my first time trying a menchi with squid. At 500 yen for two pieces, it’s a welcome price given the rising cost of living.

As soon as I took a bite, the light flavor of squid spread in my mouth. Inside, there were generous chunks of squid, and the contrast with the crispy coating was superb. It’s packed with flavor, so I enjoyed it even without any sauce. Indeed, indeed. This is certainly an entirely different level of deliciousness compared to typical street food!

Next, I bought the "Ikayaki," which also had a line. The thinly sliced squid was brushed with soy sauce, and a fragrant aroma wafted around. As a squid lover, I couldn’t miss this. Excited, I took a bite and found it much more succulent than the squid I usually eat! The texture is exceptional.

With the added flavor of soy sauce, it creates a perfect harmony. It makes you crave a beer. I forgot the price, but I absolutely want to repeat this when I visit the Katsuura morning market again!

After eating the Ikamenchi and Ikayaki, I naturally craved something sweet. I had been holding back lately, but I decided to indulge myself, thinking "just for today," and joined the line at a store famous for its warabi mochi, which had a particularly long line.

According to the staff, "We made it fresh today, so it’s all good!" It seems that there are days when they sell out. While waiting in line, I could hear customers chatting with the staff, saying things like, "It’s so delicious that I came back for more!" which increased my anticipation.

The soft and gooey texture of the warabi mochi is generously coated with dark syrup and plenty of soybean flour. When you scoop it with two bamboo skewers and bring it to your mouth, a gentle sweetness spreads, followed closely by the richness of the dark syrup. It leaves only deliciousness behind, smoothly disappearing from the mouth. I was moved by the extravagant taste. I couldn't help but get back in line once more to buy some warabi mochi as a souvenir.

In addition, I headed to Ubara Beach, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

After thoroughly enjoying the Katsuura Morning Market, I stopped by Ubara Beach, which is about a 10-minute drive away. This beach has a popular white torii gate, which presents a magical sight against the backdrop of a calm sea.

There is also an area nearby popular with surfers, but this surrounding area was quiet with fewer people, creating a peaceful atmosphere. I enjoyed a blissful moment sitting on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. There is also parking nearby, making it a perfect spot to stop during a drive.

I had the best holiday, satisfying my stomach with delicious food and my heart with beautiful scenery. Do try to stop by the "Katsuura Morning Market" on your next day off!

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