Japan Farmers Markets

Festive wreaths at the UNU Farmers Market. As the solstice arrives don't miss the chance to brighten your days with a trip to one of these great markets around town. Last minute gifts, outings with friends, or some general frolicking before heading off for a hot bath and a tasty meal, these markets are sure to please. Don't forget the holiday markets still going on this weekend, too! Kamome Marche Saturday, December 23 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 selection and pick up a loaf of Parad

Yuzu ready for the bath. The winter solstice is upon us once again. Touji, as the solstice is called here in Japan, is marked in a wonderfully traditional and appropriate way: bright yellow yuzu are set to float in the bath. Some say it is to remind bathers of the sun, others say for the healing property of the fruit. Regardless, it's a delightful tradition enacted in homes, onsen, and as Stephanie Crohin, Sento Ambassador and author of the recently published  銭湯は、小さな美術館 or Sentos: Small Museums. Read all about Stephanie's fascinating sento adventures in my recent article , and then check out her handy website, DokodemoSento , to see where to get your sento fix and celebrate the solstice right.

Honey always makes a sweet gift... Welcome to the most farmers-markety weekend of the month! There is no shortage of foodly fun to be had this weekend, and as always, I will say that these markets are the best places for gift shopping. I will surely be perusing the stalls at the Earth Day Market for some tasty treats to nibble while I open gifts as well as some nifty gifts. Farmers markets and holiday markets are a great place to buy directly from growers, producers, and makers, which is a great way to support the local economy. It's also ridiculously fun! Earth Day Market Sunday, December 17 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 Sund

A fresh round of kurasunoendou (vetch) in my garden. There are two things that perhaps define my gardening practice: laziness and curiosity. Together, these two things have led to a number of discoveries that have made my garden productive and insect friendly. (It also makes it a bit untidy, but that as Michael Phillips' mentions in The Holistic Orchard , is something we should probably just give up.) It also means that I physically and mentally make room for newcomers in my garden, and that includes a number of plants that others term 'weeds.' One of these is vetch (Vicia sativa) a.k.a. kurasonoendou in Japanese, which literally translates as crow's field pea. A member of the legume family, it is often used as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop on farms that gets plowed in before it can set seed. Vetch is also grown as livestock fodder or as a companion plant for cereal crops. Humans ate it once-upon-a-time, too, although these days we prefer their close relative, the

Honey at the Nippori Market. Temperatures are dropping and there is frost on the greens nearly every morning now that turns them wonderfully sweet. Camellia blooms are everywhere, and it is beginning to feel a wee bit festive. Head on out to one of these great markets for a snack or two, and don't forget to check out the holiday markets currently underway, too! Market of the Sun Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 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 absolute treasure of a small local affair featuring Kamakura heirloom fruits and vegetables raised in

Yokohama Christmas Market One delightful thing about this time of year is the absolute abundance of holiday markets in Tokyo and Yokohama. While I've published my usual list of markets for the month, I'm going to add a note or two about special holiday events to help get folks in the spirit. It isn't exactly the same as a holiday at home, but it is fun, festive and delicious! Marche de Noel Another little hidden market, the Marche de Noel at the French Institute is an intimate and wonderful affair full of good food (of course!), beautiful gifts, and more. Venture over for a wee taste of the best of Europe and more than a little bit of fun! It is also worth noting that they are offering a Christmas dinner and other foodly-focused events . Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 12pm to 8pm http://www.institutfrancais.jp/tokyo/fr/events-manager/marche-de-noel-3/ UNU Farmers Market Holiday Market A festive annual affair, the UNU Market does a lovely job of bri

Most excellent baker at Onomichi Farmers Market! The New Year is just around the corner with a bevy of holiday celebrations all around it. Start celebrating with some local treats at these great markets. They are also an excellent source for gifts! Organic wine, sake, and other delectables or simply beautiful, hand-crafted items can all be found this month. Happy hunting and Happy Holidays! Greenmarket Sumida Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 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 river towards the Asahi Building. Turn left and fo