Have you ever found yourself craving that specific, comforting taste of a freshly baked melon pan, or a hand made onigiri? With record numbers of people travelling to Japan in recent years, it’s likely you’ve tried these and other favourites like Takoyaki while on holiday or during your time living there. Right now in London, we’re lucky to have several Japanese markets and events, including Hyper Japan, Yokimono Market and Shotengai. We’re big fans of what each of those markets and events brings to London, however with Nishi Market, we want to build a new event that focus on the everyday aspect of Japan.
That focus on the everyday is exactly what you’ll see in our line-up of vendors and in our workshops. We want to showcase food and lifestyle goods that are considered part of everyday life in Tokyo or across Japan. Our goal is to make Nishi Market a welcoming, easily accessible event, where you can discover new shopping items or join unique workshops without breaking the bank.
If you’re free and in London, we’d love for you to join us at Nishi Market at Shepherd’s Bush Market (Arch 156) on August 1st! This is our personal love letter to the daily life, flavours, and craftsmanship we miss and want to introduce to London (on what we hope will be a regular basis)!
Why Nishi Market?
Beyond the food and crafts, we wanted to build a space with a bit more energy. We have curated a lineup of live DJ sets to keep the atmosphere lively as you browse, ensuring the market feels less like a quiet shop and more like a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo.
We are also opening up the floor for some local voices, and looking to have insider talks from members of the JET community, who will be sharing candid stories and practical advice about their time living in Japan. These are the kind of real-world experiences you will not find in a standard guidebook!
If you are feeling bold, stay until the end. We are planning to host a karaoke competition to wrap up the day. It is all about letting loose, singing your heart out, and celebrating the community we have built here together.
Read the full story on Instagram
A Quick Word from the Co-organisers
We asked our organising team what they’re most excited about for our first event!
According to Sosaku Onigiri, it’s all about the community: “We can’t wait to share the simple joy of a handmade onigiri with the West London community. It’s not just food as for me, it’s a piece of home we want to share with everyone.” Meanwhile for Rina, she agreed and noted that “having worked as an event planner in Japan, and now after living in London for almost five years, I’m thrilled to finally be able to bring my passion for event planning in the UK to reality. I hope you’ll enjoy experiencing a side of Japan that feels more familiar, and one that focuses on everyday life and the things around us”.
Finally for Best Japanese, this feels like a long time coming; after organising music and culture events in Japan and supporting Japanese events in the UK, we are happy to be showcasing the authentic side of Japan and Japanese travel that stays under the radar.
What to Expect
Beyond the food and crafts, we wanted to build a space with a bit more energy. We have curated a lineup of live DJ sets to keep the atmosphere lively as you browse, ensuring the market feels less like a quiet shop and more like a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo.
Come hungry and stay for a while! We’ve gathered an incredible selection of creators and food masters to make the day special:
- Authentic Eats: Get your fix of savoury Takoyaki from Chobo, pick up uniquely crafted Onigiri from Sosaku Onigiri, and enjoy fluffy Melon Pan and curry bread from Guchokipan. Cool down with a refreshing tea from Tencha, delicious fruit from Avanti & Rice Factory, or a treat from Pedlars Pitstop.
- Artisanal Design & Lifestyle: Explore Japanese design philosophy with hand-crafted ceramics by Noriko Nagaoka and traditional furoshiki from Tamakurya. You can also browse unique lanterns from Kata Ru, accessories from Mojocas, handcrafted items from Connyz, and lifestyle goods from Ki:ts.
- Vintage & Curated Finds: Discover one-of-a-kind vintage fashion from The Tone Collective and browse through the selection at Privacy Records.
- Live Music: We are keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the day with a curated lineup of DJ sets from DJ Mika, AZAZ Collective, and DJ Fred.
- Travel Inspiration: Visit our dedicated Japan Travel booth. Whether you are planning your first trip or looking to get off the beaten path on your next return visit, we will be there to share personal recommendations and tips on navigating the country like a local.
Hands-on Workshops
We want you to take a piece of Japan home with you, so we are hosting a series of intimate, hands-on workshops throughout the day:
- Japanese Flower Arrangement: Learn the art of ma (negative space) by crafting your own unique Japanese-style wreath using English spray roses.
- Shincha Green Tea Tasting: Dive into the freshness of the spring harvest, learn to use a kyusu teapot with confidence, and discover the nuances of hot and cold brewing.
- Origami Lily Workshop: Join artist Yukako Shibata for a mindful session where you will fold an elegant, lasting paper lily complete with its own stem.
These sessions are a fantastic way to dive deeper into Japanese craft and culture. Spaces are strictly limited to keep the experience intimate, so we recommend booking your place online before you arrive.
Getting Here & Pro-Tips
- Public Transport: The market is incredibly easy to reach. The Shepherd’s Bush Market Underground Station (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) is just a 1-minute walk away. Alternatively, Goldhawk Road Station is also a 1-minute walk, and Shepherd’s Bush Station (Central line and Overground) is about a 10-minute walk. Numerous bus routes, including the 207, 260, and SL8, also serve the area.
- Pro-Tip: Bring a sturdy tote bag! Between the ceramics, lifestyle goods, and takeaway treats, you’ll likely want a little extra room to carry your market treasures home comfortably.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Arch 156, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London
- Admission: Free Entry
Stay in touch with the Co-Organisers
We’ve poured a lot of heart into organising this market, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Come by, grab a snack, browse the stalls, and let’s celebrate a little bit of Japan together in the heart of West London.
📸 Follow us on Instagram for the latest event updates!
Best Japanese:@best.japanese | Sosaku Onigiri:@sosakuonigiri | Rina:@mipiace
Are you planning to attend? Please feel free to tag us in your photos on Instagram during the event!
Get Involved: Volunteer and Collaboration
We are looking for enthusiastic helpers to join our team and help make Nishi Market a success! As this is a volunteer-led community event, please note that this is an unpaid opportunity. We are ideally looking for people who can commit to at least two hours of support, though we would be absolutely delighted if you could stay for longer.
Your main role will be to help us keep the market running smoothly. In the case that the event space becomes too crowded, we would ask for your assistance in helping attendees form a queue and wait outside to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are you a vendor or performer? We are always looking to grow our community. If you are interested in working with us for future events, please reach out to us at the email address below.
If you are interested in volunteering or future collaborations, please send an email to: nishimarket.london@gmail.com
We hope that you will be able to join Nishi Market if you are in London on the day. For those looking for more Events in London, please check out our article on Shotengai Market.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in Japanese culture, why not check out our culture section?
Or you can head to our Instagram account for posts of Yokimono Market or other events, Japanese restaurants, and our Japan travel insights.
