Written by Greg Lane
Editor’s note: After 30 years, the Mammoth Flea Market ended in October 2024.
Officially it’s the “Manmos Flea Market Z”, but that’s just the transliteration of the Japanese word for Mammoth. Either way, this TV Aichi organized market is big.
The market happens twice a year and was first held in 1994. The venue is Hall 1 of Port Messe. About 1,500 booths and 30,000 visitors are expected to converge in a spree of bargain hunting madness.
Asides from the shopping, there will be a stage with entertainment throughout the two days with lots of TV Aichi celebrities whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
Unfortunately, entry is not free. Cynically, there are two pricing levels — one which allows entry from 9 a.m. (so you can pinch all the early bargains) and another which gives entry from 10 a.m. Presales for the early ticket are ¥1,000 while the post 10 a.m. ticket costs ¥500. Add ¥300 to each if you turn up and buy your ticket on the day. Advance tickets can be bought at Seven-Eleven’s Pia machines or the HMV L-Tike machines.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
