Every October, the backstreets of Nihonbashi turn into one long market for two days. Nihonbashi Bettara-ichi (日本橋べったら市) is a traditional fair that has run for more than 300 years since the Edo period, and it is named after one thing: a sweet, lightly fermented radish pickle. In 2026 it takes place on Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20.
Expect around 500 stalls, plenty of street food, and a shrine glowing under roughly 1,500 lanterns once the sun goes down. Here is what you need to know before you go.
| Event | Nihonbashi Bettara-ichi |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 19 (Mon) and 20 (Tue), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00–21:00 (reported; check the official site) |
| Where | Around Takarada Ebisu Shrine, 3-10-11 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Nearest station | Shin-Nihombashi (JR Sobu Line), about 3 minutes on foot |
| Admission | Not stated in the information we have; check the official site |
| Organizer | Takarada Ebisu Shrine Bettara-ichi Preservation Society (宝田恵比寿神社べったら市保存会) |
What is Bettara-ichi?
The fair is tied to Takarada Ebisu Shrine (宝田恵比寿神社), a small shrine in Nihonbashi Honcho. Each year the shrine holds Ebisu-ko (恵比寿講), a festival where people pray for good business, and Bettara-ichi is the market that opens on the day before it. In other words, it started as a lucky fair for merchants.
The name comes from the pickle. Long ago, the market sold offerings for Ebisu-ko, and a radish pickled in sweet rice koji became so popular that people began calling the whole market after it. That story has stuck for more than three centuries.
The star of the fair: bettara-zuke
Bettara-zuke (べったら漬) is daikon radish pickled in sweet rice koji. It is crunchy, mildly sweet, and very different from the salty or sour pickles many visitors expect.
Long-running local pickle makers still bring it to the fair. Tokyo Niitakaya (東京にいたか屋) is one of them, selling Tokyo bettara-zuke made from a whole radish, so you can take home a full-length piece rather than a few slices.
Not sure which one to buy? Some stalls let you taste before you pay, which is the easiest way to find the level of sweetness you like.
What else you will find at the stalls
About 500 stalls line the streets around the shrine. Pickles are the headline, but there is a lot more to browse and eat.
| Type | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Pickles | Bettara-zuke and other Japanese pickles |
| Sweets | Wagashi (Japanese confectionery) |
| Crafts | Amezaiku (sculpted candy) |
| Seasonings | Shichimi (seven-spice chili blend) |
| Street food | Oden, takoyaki, yakisoba |
Prices for pickles and food are not listed in the information we have, so check at each stall.
Why the evening is the best time
Daytime is fine for shopping, but the fair really comes alive after dark. Around sunset, about 1,500 lanterns are lit with Takarada Ebisu Shrine at the center, and the whole area takes on a soft, old-Tokyo glow.
Because it sits in a business district, many people drop by on their way home from work. That gives the evening a relaxed, grown-up feel: grab a skewer of oden, pick up a pickle, and wander.
How to get there
The fair centers on Takarada Ebisu Shrine at 3-10-11 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku. Three stations are within walking distance.
| Line | Station | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| JR Sobu Line | Shin-Nihombashi (新日本橋駅) | about 3 min |
| Tokyo Metro | Kodemmacho (小伝馬町駅) | about 5 min |
| Toei Shinjuku Line | Bakuro-yokoyama (馬喰横山駅) | about 9 min |
Tips before you go
- Check the hours first. The official site describes the fair as a two-day event. The 10:00–21:00 hours come from event listings, so confirm on the official page before heading out.
- Aim for sunset if you can. The lanterns go on around then, and it is the most atmospheric time to visit.
- Taste before you buy. Some stalls offer samples of bettara-zuke, which helps if you have never tried it.
- Bring some cash. Payment options at individual stalls are not listed, so having cash on hand is a safe bet. If you are still sorting out how you pay in Japan, our guide to which credit card to get first as a foreigner is a good place to start.
- Plan a whole-radish carry. A pickle made from an entire daikon is long, so a sturdy bag makes the trip home easier.
Looking for more autumn outings in Tokyo? The same month also brings the Setagaya Tamagawa Fireworks, with tips on where to watch and how to get home, and if you want a cheap way to unwind afterwards, see our guide to the ¥300 half-price coupon for Tokyo bathhouses.
FAQ
- When is Bettara-ichi in 2026?
- On Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Hours of 10:00–21:00 have been reported, so check the official site before you go.
- Where is Bettara-ichi held?
- Around Takarada Ebisu Shrine at 3-10-11 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The closest station is Shin-Nihombashi on the JR Sobu Line, about a 3-minute walk.
- Is there an entrance fee?
- The information available does not mention an entrance fee or pickle prices. Check the official site for the latest details.
- When are the lanterns lit?
- Around sunset. About 1,500 lanterns are lit with Takarada Ebisu Shrine at the center.
- Can I taste bettara-zuke before buying?
- Yes, some stalls offer tastings, so you can find the flavor you like before choosing one.