Matsudo Nanbu Market Festival: Fill-a-Bag Veggies, Nov 8

Once a year, a wholesale market in Matsudo, Chiba opens its gates to the public for a morning of produce sales, seafood and meat bargains, and family activities. The 30th Matsudo Nanbu Market Festival (第30回松戸市南部市場祭) takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and the city says each edition draws more than 20,000 visitors. If you like cooking at home, or just want a fun Sunday morning with kids, here is what to expect and how to get there.

The festival at a glance

The market is only open to the public for five hours, so the timing matters more than anything else. Note that the festival goes ahead even if it rains.

What you can buy

This is a working wholesale market, and the festival is the day ordinary shoppers get to buy directly from it. The city’s announcement highlights fill-a-bag vegetables and bargain prices on shellfish, salmon and Japanese beef.

If you have not tried one before, a fill-a-bag deal (詰め放題) works like this: you get one bag and pack in as much as it can hold. The announcement does not list the price per bag or the exact items, so check at the booth on the day. Specific prices for the seafood and beef are not published either.

If stocking up on groceries is part of how you save each month, it is worth pairing a trip like this with a points routine for everyday shopping. Our guide to Welkatsu, the monthly 20th-day drugstore deal explains one of the most popular ones.

Kids activities and the stage

Beyond shopping, the festival has a family side. Here is what is on the program.

If your family enjoys local events like this, the Shibaura Canal Festival guide and our Musashino Art University festival guide cover two more autumn outings.

How the bingo game works

Shoppers can play bingo, so hold on to your receipts.

1. Keep every receipt from purchases you make at the festival.
2. You get one bingo ticket for every ¥2,000 you spend.
3. Trade your receipts for tickets at the exchange booth.

Getting there by bus

The organizers ask visitors to come by public transport. The market is reached by bus from Matsudo Station.

• Board a Keisei Bus Chiba West bus at Matsudo Station East Exit.
• Get off at Sogo Shijo-mae (総合市場前), a 3-minute walk, or Fujimidai (富士見台), a 5-minute walk.

Bus timetables and fares are not part of the announcement, so check them with the bus operator before you head out.

Tips before you go

• It ends at 1 p.m. This is a morning event. Plan to arrive well before lunch.
• Expect crowds. With over 20,000 visitors each year, the grounds get busy.
• Bring your own bags. A cooler bag helps if you plan to buy fish or beef.
• Carry some cash. Payment methods are not listed, so it is safer to have cash on hand.
• Keep your receipts for the bingo game.
• Dress for the weather. The festival runs even in the rain.

New to shopping in Japan and still building up your wallet? Our guide to which credit card foreigners in Japan should get first and our beginner guide to earning points help you save on day-to-day spending.

FAQ

When and where is the 30th Matsudo Nanbu Market Festival?

Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Matsudo Nanbu Market, 30 Matsudo-shinden, Matsudo, Chiba.

Does the festival go ahead in the rain?

Yes. The festival is held rain or shine.

Is there an entry fee or parking?

The announcement does not mention an entry fee or parking. The organizers ask visitors to use public transport, so call the contact numbers in advance if you need details.

How do I get bingo tickets?

Keep your receipts from purchases at the festival. Every ¥2,000 in combined receipts gets you one bingo ticket at the exchange booth, while supplies last.

How do I get there from Matsudo Station?

Take a Keisei Bus Chiba West bus from Matsudo Station East Exit and get off at Sogo Shijo-mae, a 3-minute walk, or Fujimidai, a 5-minute walk.

Source: Matsudo City press release (PR TIMES, October 27, 2026). Details may change, so check the official announcement before you go.