From sushi and specialty sweets to ceramics, tea, and rare design finds, this Japanese marketplace is taking over Queen Street West — and after checking it out opening weekend, I can confidently say it’s worth the visit.
The moment I stepped inside, I honestly felt like I had been transported straight to Japan — the soft bursts of cherry blossoms throughout the space set the tone immediately. It’s immersive in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re actually there.
Now, in its final weekend, Next Stop Japan Marketplace has added new vendors and a rotating lineup of live demonstrations to continue its rich program of cultural experiences.
Within the marketplace, guests will find a curated mix of food, craft, and design that brings together specialty confectionery, authentic Japanese green tea, anime, and artisanal goods, many of which are rarely found in Toronto. I ended up picking up some beautiful stationery and pens (if you know me, you know I can’t resist a good notebook moment), along with matcha to bring home.
Threaded throughout is Sakura: soft bursts of cherry blossoms that shape the atmosphere and anchor the experience in something more meaningful. In Japan, they mark the arrival of spring; in Toronto, they carry a deeper history, dating back to 1959 when Tokyo gifted the city thousands of cherry trees as a symbol of friendship.
And the food — I grabbed a couple of packages of tempura shrimp and veggies that were so delicious and perfectly crisp, and don’t even get me started on the mochi… easily one of the top highlights.
Throughout the weekend, guests will be treated to knife demonstrations, tea rituals, wagashi desserts shaped by hand, live piano, and much more. It’s an interplay between object and experience, tradition and discovery that gives this marketplace its captivating pull.
Behind it all is a collaboration between the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan Foundation, organizations focused on sharing Japanese culture globally.
For those looking to step into something immersive and distinctly transportive, Next Stop Japan offers a final opportunity to do exactly that on Queen Street West this weekend. I’m already planning to go back with my husband so he can experience it (and do a little shopping of his own, wasabi anyone?).
Where: Welcome Market, 938 Queen St W., Toronto, ON
Date and Time:
Friday, March 20: Noon – 8:00pm
Saturday, March 21: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday, March 22: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Sandy’s Kitchen 