CityBuddy
Hirome Market
Best time to visit
Late afternoon to early evening captures the market at its busiest with peak activity and the best selection of freshly grilled dishes. Visiting during weekdays helps avoid the weekend crowds for a more relaxed experience.
Budget tips
Entry is free and most food stalls offer small tasting portions, letting you sample a wide range without overspending. Bringing cash is advised as many vendors do not accept cards.
Recommended for
Food lovers, Cultural explorers, Social butterflies, Casual travelers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Local chefs and food lovers gather here to savor an amazing variety of fresh seafood and regional specialties. Every day, hundreds of different stalls burst with colors and aromas, creating a lively atmosphere that feels more like a food festival than a market.
Highlights: At night, the market transforms into a buzzing social hub, where strangers share tables and exchange stories over sake and local dishes like katsuo no tataki. Unique to this spot, the Yakimon Festival celebrates grilled food, lighting up the market with fire pits and joyful energy each October.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes since the market floor can be uneven and you'll be on your feet a lot.
- For the best photos, aim for opening hours when the light is natural and crowds are thinner.
- Skip visiting on weekends if you prefer less noise and easier seating at popular stalls.
- Try sharing dishes with friends to sample more flavors without getting too full or spending too much.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Kochi, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
