With 350 stalls and 20,000 people arriving at the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market (館鼻岸壁朝市・Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi) every Sunday morning, this sprawling, little-known event is considered to be Japan’s largest morning market.

It’s the sort of place you can walk around for 4 hours and try nearly every Japanese food you can dream up: from ramen and sushi to fried chicken and yakisoba, there’ll be something to whet your taste buds along the way, without having to break your wallet.

Food aside, the market has a truly bustling, vibrant and unique atmosphere, as it’s situated in a harbor overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With one breath you can smell the fresh sea air and the scent of hundreds of different foods being fried around the market.

Don’t just take our word for it, though—experience the atmosphere for yourself by watching Abroad in Japan’s visit to the market, where host Chris eats his way through half a dozen dishes and almost buys a new car, all before 8 a.m.

Given that the market is in Aomori Prefecture in the north of Japan, it may seem quite far away. However, it’s just a 2.5-hour journey away from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, and would make an excellent weekend break away from the city.

The market is open every Sunday morning from March 12 all the way through to December. Be sure to get there early (6 a.m. early!) if you want to see the market in full swing.

Check out more on northern Japan below!