Japan Farmers Markets

Family vegetable shopping at the Nippori Market As the year winds down, so do the farmers markets. This weekend only a very few regulars are open, but with a good selection of items for gifts , for holiday food preparation , and for the usual eating. Don't forget the added bonus of the Roppongi Farmers Market is the Refugees International Japan table! Good crafty stuff there with yummy vegetables and fruit only a few steps away. Sounds like heaven to me! UN University Market Saturday, December 29th A massive weekend affair that is great fun and features a variety of fruits and vegetables and prepared products from all over Japan. Plus, the curry I had during my last visit from one of the vendors was plate-licking good. (I refrained, but only just.) 10am to 4pm Map Roppongi Market Every Saturday until December 29th A first  visit to this market  was well worth the trek for the number of organic growers and getting to meet a Tokyo farmer from just down the tr

Mom's rice pudding a holiday breakfast feast! Even as a child, I loved rice. My mother served it in a handful of ways and to every one's astonishment I gobbled it up as quickly as I could. The taste, the texture, the look all seemed perfect to me. But then, I'm not really a fussy eater. Most internal organs are not on my favorites list, but I'll find something scrumptious about almost anything else. One year my mother served what she called rice pudding at Christmas. A big casserole dish with raisins, rice, cinnamon, sugar, and milk sat steaming on the table. I thought I'd gone to heaven. My brothers took their polite bites and turned up their noses, which pleased me to no end. More for me! She's served it ever since knowing full well that at least one of her brood will scrape the bowl clean. Since moving to Tokyo, though, Christmas is mildly challenging. I have no oven in which to make the cookies I adore, and hours of phone calls don't quite make

Presents are wrapped and in the closet (the tree is too small), and I'm looking up recipes for egg nog. Santa may well be on his way, and the star that signaled the start of it all twinkles in the crisp night air. Merry Christams and Happy Holidays, All!

Gouda Masaki with his cool mochi from Aomori-ken at the December Ebisu Farmers Market. He's joined by students and staff of NOPPO, a company that connects university students and farmers. (I'll be interviewing them early in 2013. Stay tuned!) As the holidays near the markets are getting a bit scarce, but don't let that deter you from heading out the door to find some of the best gifts ever . Vendors are ramping up their scrumptious offerings in preparation for New Year's celebrations, Christmas gift giving, and parties. (I take any opportunity available to buy and eat, personally, so thankfully we like hiking and biking.) It's worth going to any of these markets for this particularly festive moment. Nippori Farmer's Market Sunday, December 22nd, 23rd, and 24th 10am to 5pm A great long-weekend extravaganza at this wonderful little market where Tohoku farmers sport their best , there's live entertainment, and heaps of fun despite inclement weather.

Carrot and daikon awaiting transformation. My schedule seems to have slowed just enough to make time for making pickles or I've managed to forget something I'm supposed to be doing and have filled the resulting void with pickles and canning. Regardless, it's a lovely time. It could be, too, that I'm slightly homesick and canning is my balm. As I fill jars with sweet marmalade or these spicy pickles I think of my family and friends back home that set me on this path filled with colorful jars and flavorful food. They remain my inspiration. As does the harvest currently beginning at the farm. While greens like komatsuna are starting to roll in so are the daikon. We're growing two varieties this year - the usual torpedo-sized mammoths that lounge like rock stars in my bike basket and a short fat variety that snuggles in like a cat on the lap. Both are delicious and crunchy and bright and snappy, but the short fatties are ready now. I came home with two the ot

Life in Tokyo and Japan is literally and figuratively far away from my home country, the United States, but there are times when the finger of current events reaches me. This past year there have been many such moments: a recall election in my home state, a presidential election that show-cased some of our best and worst, new legislation in the state next dearest to me, and a handful of family crises. The latest, though, cuts me to the quick and I find myself so deeply saddened by it that my eyes fill with tears even as I type. A family crisis earlier this year did the same, sending me into a states of grief and sadness, anger, and finally resolution. Pen met paper in multiple ways. A new course was set, one I could live with. While no one in Newtown is my relative or even friend, it feels the same. I can't help but weep and grieve with this tragedy. I know the anger (mostly disgust at my culture's inexplicable fixation on guns and violence as the only solution to any gi

Steaming cups of amezake abound! As always this middle weekend of the month is abuzz with markets. Hankering after yuzu for shu or marmalade or for the bath? Now's your chance. Not to mention all the lovely citrus to be found  in general as the season really starts to kick it. The usual winter greens and root crops are on hand in all their verdant loveliness, too. See you there! Ebisu Market Sunday, December 16th 11am to 5pm A nice sized market held on the terrace just in front of Ebisu Garden Place that will always be special to me for introducing me to dried natto and  tea seedpods . Map Koenji Farmer's Market Saturday, December 15th A new market I spotted while riding the train on a Saturday morning into the city center. That circle of red awnings in front of the  Za-Koenji Public Theatre  could only mean one thing! Sure enough, I found a small group of area growers and producers, and the bounty surely continues! 11am - 5pm Map UN Universit

Yuzu peels sugared and drying 'Tis the season for yuzu, and once again I'm venturing into the world of marmalade and shu ; however, this year I'm trying something a bit different. Inspired by a homemade brew our local sake shop master made of yuzu and nihon shu (sake), I did a version of my usual plopping of fruit in a jar with rock sugar and alcohol. A bit rushed, I neglected to closely review my own instructions. I did not cut the fruit as I should have, so the past three weeks whole sunny yuzu soaked away in our shu closet. Based on a sample of a previous brew resurrected the the back of said closet where, peels and all, it languished for six months of more (very bitter), I opted to be slightly more prompt. Yuzu's flavor is a delightful balance of bitter and sour that is gently tamed by the sugar that joins it in a jar of marmalade or jug of yuzu shu. The sake master warned that including the peel at all would make it too bitter, and if that's true it'

Adorable strawberry cats at Kichijoji's Farmers Market In case you didn't notice, I'm a big advocate of farmers markets and shopping locally. I'm also a fan of a good pickle , a nice jar of jam , and food in general. And don't even get me started on assorted craft items. We could be here for hours. So, it should be no surprise that I managed to worm my way into Metropolis Magazine , a Tokyo publication for the hip and happening about all things  happening and hip in our fair city, with a blurb on farmers markets . While I'd like them to give over an entire issue to markets and the wonderful people and items to be found there, I'm more than glad at the moment to have crafted their most recent The Goods column . Check it out along with the markets listed (plus a few more) for some terrific shopping, new ideas, and just general fun! Small aside: I might also mention that Refugees International Japan , an organization I support, has a table of goodies

Miyamotoyama Farm at Tokyo's Earth Day Market Cold winds and clear skies swing us toward the New Year, and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this stunning weather to hit the farmers markets . As the end of the month nears, farmers and brewers and jammers and weavers and canners alike begin turning their attention to family and friends and celebrating the coming year. Markets close down to give time to those gatherings, so don't wait a moment to go on out and pick up gifts that will more than satisfy those on your list. (I might also suggest hauling home a foodly treasure or two for yourself, too.) Seriously, anyone can go to a department store. Bust out of that usual holiday grind and get your shopping done in festive sunshine! Gyre Market Saturday,  December 8th and Sunday, December 9th A gem of a market hidden away in one of Tokyo's high-end shopping districts offering seasonal favorites in a way that feels homey yet rather boutique-y. 11am

Komatsuna nearly ready to harvest! When I first arrived in Japan nearly four years ago, I had no idea what I might discover in terms of vegetables. I suspected I would find a fascinating variety of old and new, and so I did. Broccoli and cabbage, old friends from way back, greeted me on a first foray to the grocery store and at the first neighborhood market I stumbled upon, as did potatoes and onions. But there were plenty of odd looking things  - roots, greens, mushrooms and more - that I didn't recognize at all. In our Michigan life we ate buckets of salads and piles of kale. I saw some leafy things, but had no idea what they were. I bought and chopped, oblivious to names and recipes and traditions. All were delicious, but I felt a bit rude not knowing what to call them. Thankfully, I started helping at the farm where the farmers began teaching me not just about urban farming in Tokyo, but about the vegetables we grew. Komatsuna, a leafy green we grow in the winter months

Kosuke Yamaki and family at Tokyo's Earth Day Farmers Market. Cold temperatures have settled in and there's frost at the farm every morning now. Out and about at farmers markets around town the winter harvest is in full swing with a full selection of greens , daikons (yup, there's more than one kind of giant white radish to be had!), kabus, and more. The Earth Day Market last month featured crisp apples, pears, kaki (persimmon), and some of the sweetest mikan to be found. Don't miss the chance to find good food to share with friends as gifts or at the table. There's no better way to end the year (or start the new one, for that matter) than with something delightful for the taste bud and tummy. **Do note, though, that the schedule this month may be a bit tricky given the upcoming holidays. Monthly markets are happening a bit earlier while weekly markets stop running about a week before the New Year until about a week after. SUN Grocery in Shinjuku Satur

A glorious November Earth Day Farmers Market in Yoyogi. This past weekend found me talking to folks at Oxfam Japan's monthly educational session about farmers markets and why I think they're worth the effort . Since I can't help but chat a bit even while I'm meant to be all official and everything, we ended up having some really nice conversations about food, memory, family history, and farming. Nearly everyone decided to join me the next day for a visit to the Earth Day Farmers Market in Yoyogi. The whole gang ready to discover new food and fun! Hello, apples. Sunday bloomed beautifully sunny with just the right of amount of cold in the air as we headed over to the stalls set up under the elms. Verdant winter greens, carrots of all colors, jams galore (a personal favorite), apples, pears, mikan, daikon, kabu, honey, and more greeted us. Winter vegetable sampler Steaming amezake Welcoming samples of grilled mochi and cups of hot amezake (A

Ishizaki-san at Hamamatsu Organic Farmers Market Temperatures are dropping and Fuji-san has plenty of snow on his shoulders already. It's a great time of year to head on out to the markets and gather up an assortment of seasonal goodies for eating. Newly harvested rice, mabiki, early greens, a few last eggplants, and a whole bounty of other goodies to warm body and soul as winter approaches! Gyre Market Saturday, November 24th and Sunday, November 25th A gem of a market hidden away in one of Tokyo's high-end shopping districts offering seasonal favorites in a way that feels homey yet rather boutique-y. 11am to 5pm Map Earth Day Market Sunday, November 25th I could go wax on forever about how great this market is and how important it is for the future of Japanese farming. Instead, I'll just insist that folks go and see for themselves what great things the market and these innovative growers are doing. 10am to 4pm, Ra

Heirloom kabu at the Earth Day Market! Just a quick reminder that this weekend I'll be giving a talk about farmers markets and why they're such a great idea for farmers as well as those who like to eat. The Saturday workshop will be informative, fun, and interactive, and the Sunday visit to the Earth Day Market will be all of that and more. Note: The Oxfam International Volunteer Group events page is suffering some technical difficulties at the moment. If you're interested in coming, please leave a comment here with your email and I'll get you registered. Look forward to seeing you there! Oxfam International Volunteer Group Awareness Workshop: Why Farmers Markets Matter Saturday, November 24th 2pm to 4pm National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre , Central Building, Room #108 1,000 yen (all proceeds to Oxfam!) Earth Day Farmers Market Tour Sunday, November 25th 10am to 12pm Meet on the bridge to Meiji Shrine near Harajuku Station. I'll be the tall w

Makiko, intern at Hikari Noen, wears a tsurukubi squash. The middle of the month always brings a bounty of farmers markets full of the best the season has to offer. This time of year visitors should start looking for the first yuzu for marmalade or shu making, early winter greens like komatsuna and karashina, mabiki (daikon thinnings), sweet potatoes , mukago ( satoimo seed potatoes), and so much more. Heavens, I'm already hungry. See you there! Ebisu Market Sunday, November 18th 11am to 5pm A nice sized market held on the terrace just in front of Ebisu Garden Place that will always be special to me for introducing me to dried natto and  tea seedpods . Map Nippori Farmer's Market Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th 10am to 5pm Another great market in the city found with a little help from friends, this one is sure to not disappoint. My first visit was wonderful despite cold temperatures and a smattering of

Loving the Nara Organic Farmers Market! Autumn is a wonderful time to head to Kyoto and Nara to take in the sites in their coats of colorful leaves. We were just there two weeks ago with my mother-in-law and all three of us fell in love with both cities all over again. One of the best parts of Nara, though, other than the giant Buddha and Nigatsu-do, is the organic farmers market. A monthly event quite similar to Tokyo's Earth Day Market (the managers know each other), the Nara market is smaller but just as bounteous. It's a nice change from temple viewing, and it gives tourists a welcome opportunity to momentarily step off that beaten path of monumental buildings and historic sites. The free samples alone make it worth a stop. Check out the article over at Japan Tourist , and add it to the list of things to see and do when in the neighborhood!

A typical swingin' Earth Day Market in Tokyo! Oxfam Japan and the Oxfam International Volunteer Group put on an awareness-raising event each month in an effort to let folks know what is happening globally and locally around an issue of import. Inspired by the global organization's GROW Campaign (check out the report on their findings thus far ) the November event will be all about farmers markets. Yours truly will be speaking about why farmers markets matter to producers and consumers of food, rural economies and communities, and more. The following day I'll be taking interested folks around to the Earth Day Farmers Market in Yoyogi to meet some farmers, producers, and new vegetables. Come join in the fun!* *The events page appears to be troubled at the moment, so just drop me a note in the comments below or via Twitter and I'll get you registered. Oxfam International Volunteer Group Awareness Workshop: Why Farmers Markets Matter Saturday, November 24th

Ishida-san and his daughter at the Hamamatsu Organic Farmers Market. Oh, the days are simply glorious just now. So much sunshine and blue sky I can barely stand sitting at my desk to write. Thank heavens for the farm , the garden , and all these farmers markets to haul me out of my chair and into the light. I'll be filling my bags this weekend with goodly amounts of genmai (brown rice) , red and black rice, millet, whole soba grains, hatomugi (Job's tears) , and all the other fixings I toss in to cook with our rice. And just think of all those chestnuts in season now simply waiting to be made into something scrumptious. It does make for a heavy bag, but I think of it as weight training with a vegetable bonus. Gyre Market Saturday,  November 10th and Sunday, November 11th A gem of a market hidden away in one of Tokyo's high-end shopping districts offering seasonal favorites in a way that feels homey yet rather boutique-y. 11am to 5pm Map

Autumn leaves at Nikko. While I've said time and time again how much I love winter ( and it's accompanying vegetables ) autumn also holds an undeniable charm. My recent guest post for Dona Bumgarner shares some of the pleasures of the season here in Japan, although I should have added a note about the joy of sweet potatoes , too. Go have a read, then step outside to soak up some of these extraordinary moments brought to you by Nature. Go a little Japanese while you're at it: lay a tarp on the ground, set out a beverage of choice , a seasonal snack or two, and settle in with friends.

Young radish in the November sun. Winter in my native American Midwest is when the garden is but a seed-catalog fed fantasy. Autumn is when the garlic gets tucked in, manure and straw loaded on the beds, and I head in for the first in a long series of cups of tea. And a nip or two of homemade wine crafted by good friends. Here in Tokyo, though, it's a different story. Farmers here tuck nothing in except another bunch of seeds in their pockets and head on out to the fields once more. Manure and various other items - nuka (rice bran), momigara (rice hulls), and good old-fashioned compost - get flopped on the soil, tilled in, covered with mulch, and a fresh round of vegetables go in the ground . As much as I long for the days of looking out at a snow-covered garden from a wood-stove warmed home with a knitting project and cat on my lap simultaneously, I'm also grateful for these winter crops. As I've said time and time again, they are easily my favorite part of the Ja

Ishizaki-san at Hamamatsu Organic Farmers Market Temperatures are dropping and Fuji-san has plenty of snow on his shoulders already. It's a great time of year to head on out to the markets and gather up an assortment of seasonal goodies for eating. Newly harvested rice, mabiki, early greens, a few last eggplants, and a whole bounty of other goodies to warm body and soul as winter approaches! SUN Grocery in Shinjuku Saturday, November 3rd 11am to 3pm A once-a-month outreach effort by the students running a neighborhood grocery featuring fruits and vegetables from independent farmers. Map Ebisu Market Sunday, November 4th Sunday, November 18th 11am to 5pm A nice sized market held on the terrace just in front of Ebisu Garden Place that will always be special to me for introducing me to dried natto and  tea seedpods . Map Gyre Market Saturday,  November 10th and Sunday, November 11th Saturday, November 24th and Sunday, November 25th A gem of a m