Japan Farmers Markets

Kei's Pan (Bread) at Oiso Market. Some yeastly goodness there! Summer will soon be in full swing, although the solstice has passed and this writer-farmer is grateful for those shortening days. I'm a fan of winter and winter vegetables , after all, so it should be no surprise. Meanwhile, those on the hunt for tasty garden treats for pickling , fermenting , or eating fresh need look no further than one of these lovely markets. Always worth a trip, the markets promise a nice selection of old favorites, and most likely something new, too. Enjoy! Greenmarket Sumida *No Market Until September!* (Disappointing, but true.) Just over the bridge from Senso-ji is the newest market in the heart of the city. A collaborative effort between the local government and the same folks who manage Market of the Sun and Yokohama's Kitanaka Marche,  Greenmarket Sumida  aims to fill the supermarket gap in this old neighborhood. An excellent selection of food trucks nourish weary shoppers w

Masako Konuma of Farm Canning at the Earth Day Market. While the markets are a bit quieter at the end of the month, there is still a nice selection to wander out to over the weekend. Catch the last of the ume if you can and the first of the summer vegetables as they roll in. I'm already dreaming of pickles galore, although what will most likely happen is simply salad! Or a trip to one of these great farm-to-table restaurants ! Kamome Marche Saturday, June 24 Set on the upper level of the Yokohama Bay Quarter, this little market offers nice variety given its size. Vendors from Yamanashi, Yokohama, and other parts of Kanagawa brave the steady ocean breeze and offer everything up from fruit to wine to fresh vegetables. 11am - 5pm Map Kamakura Farmers Market Every day This market is an absolute treasure of a small local affair featuring Kamakura heirloom fruits and vegetables raised in or nearby another one of Japan's former capitals. Head in early to get the best s

My meal at We Are The Farm's Standby Farm in Ginza. As a big advocate of farmers, I was very excited to learn of these two restaurants, Noz by T.Y. Farm and We Are The Farm , doing farm-to-table in Tokyo in a very special way. Both offer excellent fare at their restaurants, but the twist on the story is that both do it using ingredients from their very own organic farms. Read the whole story here at Savvy Tokyo , and then head out to both to sample what good stuff they have in store. You will not be disappointed.

Kenichi Ishikawa and his natsumikan at the Earth Day Market. Check out Motherearthclub.com to see what else he's up to! The rainy season is lurking out there somewhere, but until it arrives in full force folks should plan to head out to one of these great markets this weekend. There are certainly plenty to choose from, so don't hold back! Kichijoji's adorable little market is great for the early riser, whereas Koenji's is fun for being in a funky part of the city. Further afield are markets in Oiso and Yokohama, while the regular weekly markets never disappoint. Good luck deciding, and happy eating! Koenji Farmers Market Saturday, June 17 Spotted a handful of years ago while riding the Chuo Line, this little market is still going strong. A circle of red awnings in front of the  Za-Koenji Public Theatre  marks the spot where friendly folks with good food and interesting stories await. 11am - 5pm Map Nippori Farmers Market Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, Jun

Commune 246, formerly known as 246 Market, is a slightly different take on foodly market delights. Made up of small food trucks and vendors, it is worth a peek on weekends or on weekdays when there is plenty of room to eat, stretch your legs, and enjoy a good coffee. A nice little round-up of markets this weekend, with the Earth Day Market making a quick return after last month's double feature. Take your pick of central Tokyo food hot spots to find some of the season's best or venture down to Kamakura's little gem of a market. Weekend sellers tend to be a bit sparse, but think of it as refined choice. Market of the Sun Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 The newest of Tokyo's farmers markets at two years old,  Market of the Sun (a.k.a. Taiyo Marche) , professes to be one of the largest. A short walk from Tsukiji Market and its wonderful surrounds, this market is worth a visit for its lovely selection of foodly and crafty items that rivals the goodies foun

A sweet little michinoeki near Shimoda. A busy month for markets and farmers. Rice seedlings are just finding their way a bit more above water, and vegetables are coming into their own as rain approaches and temperatures warm. Early tomatoes from greenhouses may be on tables along with cucumbers, but those growing solely in the great outdoors will still have plenty of tasty leaf crops on hand along with snazzy snap peas. Enjoy them while you can! Greenmarket Sumida Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 Just over the bridge from Senso-ji is the newest market in the heart of the city. A collaborative effort between the local government and the same folks who manage Market of the Sun and Yokohama's Kitanaka Marche,  Greenmarket Sumida  aims to fill the supermarket gap in this old neighborhood. An excellent selection of food trucks nourish weary shoppers while the Beer Truck is often on hand to slake their thirst. 10am to 4pm Asakusa Station Exit the station and cross the ri