Japan Farmers Markets

Cutest eggplant ever at Yurakacho. It seems impossible to believe that November is already here, but it's true as evidenced by the number of sweet potatoes and squash people giving me. The abundance of winter greens , daikon mabiki , and the sprouting garlic I see in my garden that autumn is here in full force. Shorter days inspire cozy meals and cooler temperatures make hot cups of tea that much tastier. Head on out to one of these great farmers markets (including a brand new one in Yokohama!) and find the latest taste of the season for yourself! Ebisu Market Every Sunday in November Ebisu Market management are going all-out this month and hosting a market every Sunday. They've been recruiting more staff and hunting up vendors, so head on out to be part of the action. A recent visit showed this always lovely market remains charming as ever with an excellent selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, scrumptious looking snacks, and crafty items. I'd also  re

Fuji-san has gone all festive with a smattering of snow, and even though temperatures during the day are warm, nights are cool. Sweet potatoes, squash, and greens are filling market tables left and right. New vendors pop up all the time, too, doing exciting things with what comes in from the fields. Don't miss the chance to check out what is on offer this weekend! Ebisu Market Every Sunday in October Ebisu Market management are going all-out this month and hosting a market every Sunday. They've been recruiting more staff and hunting up vendors, so head on out to be part of the action. A recent visit showed this always lovely market remains charming as ever with an excellent selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, scrumptious looking snacks, and crafty items. I'd also  recommend a trip to Afuri Ramen  when you're done for some of the best yuzu tsukemen in town. 11am to 5pm Map Earth Day Market Saturday, October 25th I could go wax on forever abo

Sammu's rice field art project in full color. My time at various farmers markets around Tokyo and Yokohama have afforded me the opportunity to meet many a great farmer. And like farmers everywhere, they are creative, community-minded folks doing good work that reverberates beyond their fields, crops and customers. Tomohito and Nagisa Minowa are one such pair. Passionate farmers, they are also passionate members of Sammu, their community in Chiba. A recent rice field art project they helped get going has brought together people from all across the community, and will they hope, bring some new international friends out, too. Read the full text of the article here , and then venture on out to Sammu.

A bounty of markets are on this month and this weekend, as usual, is no exception. Pick one of these most fantastic markets and head on out to see what seasonal gems you can find. Enjoy! Ebisu Market Every Sunday in October Ebisu Market management are going all-out this month and hosting a market every Sunday. They've been recruiting more staff and hunting up vendors, so head on out to be part of the action. A recent visit showed this always lovely market remains charming as ever with an excellent selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, scrumptious looking snacks, and crafty items. I'd also  recommend a trip to Afuri Ramen  when you're done for some of the best yuzu tsukemen in town. 11am to 5pm Map Koenji Farmer's Market Saturday, October 17th A new market I spotted while riding the train a few years ago on a Saturday morning into the city center is still going strong. That circle of red awnings in front of the  Za-Koenji Public Theatre  could only

Inspired by what I read while reviewing The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer   for Permaculture Magazine , I took the opportunity to talk to Jeff and Melanie Carpenter, the authors, about their work and the potential this new field of farming has to offer. Fascinating stuff, if I do say so myself. Check out the full piece over at Civil Eats .

Vivid apples at the UNU Market. The typhoons appear to have finished their work for the time being, so take advantage of these lovely days and cooler temperatures to head on out to one of these great markets. The wee bit of rain forecast for this weekend will be welcome to the seedlings getting settled in their new fields, so don't fuss about heading out in it. This time of year also signals that delicious tradition of mabiki (thinning of seedlings) particularly wonderful for daikon . Those emerald green leaves pack a great flavor punch that matches well with other seasonal treats. Don't miss it! Ebisu Market Every Sunday in October Ebisu Market management are going all-out this month and hosting a market every Sunday. They've been recruiting more staff and hunting up vendors, so head on out to be part of the action. A recent visit showed this always lovely market remains charming as ever with an excellent selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, scrumptious

A view from one corner of the Tokyo organic farm where I helped. My five years spent helping at my friend's organic farm in Tokyo is an experience I will never forget. The mornings spent in the field and greenhouse are some of my fondest memories, and Takashi-san and C-chan taught me so very much. They are more dear to me than words can say. However, as a writer, I gave a shot at putting all of that into words and this essay at Turtle Island Quarterly, The Last Harvest . Scroll down the page and give it a read. I hope you enjoy it.

Spaghetti squash and friends at the Market of the Sun. The wind seems to be coming from the north now, and it's time to get the garlic in the ground. Winter greens are already growing, and the rice harvest continues apace everywhere I look in our Kanagawa neighborhood. The rich bounty of this season is not to be underestimated, and I confess I"m probably packing on some hibernation weight with all of these chestnuts, squash, greens, and daikon. Don't miss your chance to fatten up on some of the best the fields have to offer! Ebisu Market Every Sunday in October Ebisu Market management are going all-out this month and hosting a market every Sunday. They've been recruiting more staff and hunting up vendors, so head on out to be part of the action. A recent visit showed this always lovely market remains charming as ever with an excellent selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, scrumptious looking snacks, and crafty items. I'd also  recommend a trip to