Japan Farmers Markets

Tasty treats await! Even as gray clouds linger, it seems no rain is particularly interested in falling. My garden is dry as the day is long. A little tender care, though, goes a long way in keeping the harvest going. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and even a few stray greens are still coming in along with a bountiful harvest of tsurumurasaki . The markets, however, will be overflowing and worth a visit to reward yourself with yummy seasonal treats and the farmer with some well-earned praise for their efforts in the fields. Enjoy! Kamome Marche Saturday, July 29 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

Sugita Takayuki with treats from down south. (Yes, those are beets on that top shelf...) A nice round of regular markets this weekend as July continues to roll along. The Kamakura Market is lovely for its proximity to the beach, while Ebisu is nice for its fun location and friendly vendors. The UNU Market is always rocking it, and let's not forget that it is just down the way from Common 246, the food truck-like heaven in the heart of Tokyo. (No farmers, just lots of people doing good stuff with the things farmers produce.) Head on out, and see what you can find! 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 selection and pick up a loaf of Paradise Alley's charcoal-infused bread while you're there. They also make an excellent cup of coffee. 7am until sold out Map Ebis

Saitama farmer, Kenjiro Yomoto, at the Ebisu Marche! Hot weather seems to be here to stay. A friend said recently that the rainy seasons are not so rainy of late; however, she also noted that once rainy season is declared over, the rain pours down. More and more research points to the fact that this will impact our future , beyond having to water my tomatoes and cucumbers a bit more. All the more reason, I say, to head out to a farmer's market and support the folks that grow food.  Earth Day Market Sunday, July 16 I could wax on forever about how great this market is and how important it is for the future of Japanese farming and global food security. However, I'll just insist that folks go and see for themselves what great things the market and these innovative growers are doing. Come find some good food and fun! 10am to 4pm, Rain or shine Map Kichijoji Harmonica Yokocho Asaichi Sunday, July 16 Early birds on Tokyo's west side should count themselves luck

Organic vegetables at the Oiso Market! Warm, humid and damp may sound somewhat unappealing, but keep in mind that these balmy days are idea for favorite summer vegetables. We recently opened a jar of nasu (eggplant) pickles , and their tangy flavor was a nice reminder of why I search out those majestically purple beauties. (I don't grow them , but there is never a shortage.) Grab a hat and some sunscreen and head out to one of these lovely markets to find a summer treat! Market of the Sun Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 One of Tokyo's newer markets,  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 found at the UNU Market. 10am to 4pm Step out of Kachidoke Station at Exits A4a or A4b and look for the tents. Kamakura Farmers Market Every day This market is an ab