Japan Farmers Markets

GoKuRaKu Farm at the UNU Market. Done for this year, I look forward to their beets and kale in 2019! Autumn is one of the best seasons for hitting the farmers markets in Japan. I'm a big fan of everything that's rolling in this time of year - winter greens, sweet potatoes, first harvest rice, apples, and fun varieties of squash - and find it hard to resist buying everything I see. Recipes abound for the things in season, so don't be shy about shopping. If you buy something and you're not sure what to do, drop me a note , and I'll help out! Kamome Marche Saturday, October 27 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 Osonbashi Marche Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 This new market in Yokohama is one I have on

The McFerrins ready to hit the road. A while back my fellow farmers market enthusiast and blogger, Askans, wondered on Twitter why there weren't more recipes affiliated with farmers markets information. I'm paraphrasing him a bit, but essentially his idea was that if we want people to shop at farmers markets, they need to know what to do with the items they purchase.  Over the years, I've posted a number of different recipes that use seasonal ingredients. They often came from my own garden or the farm where I helped out in Tokyo . The recipes were either my own creative concoction or taught to me by neighbors, friends, or farmers. I've enjoyed making them all and look forward to them as the seasons come in turn. The following recipe is the first in a series aimed at helping people find a use for all those wonderful things they see at the markets. Made for us and subsequently taught to me by a Canadian family of five on the last bit of their year-long, ro

The Romantic Market in Shibuya. I'm always on the hunt for new markets, and so when I saw a posting about something called The Romantic Market I made a note to visit. While the description made it sound more like an antique and craft market, there was also mention of organic food and produce. Those two items put it on the agenda for the weekend! Just up the hill from Shibuya, but in the opposite direction from the UNU Market, The Romantic Market is tucked in a corner of the Shibuya Garden Tower Building. A well-placed sign on the sidewalk signaled where to turn in, and there I found a charming little set of tables and stalls. The first grouping offered primarily crafty items of the artisanal sort. Beautiful jewelry that was very difficult to resist as well as an assortment of clever items made from textiles, ceramics, and wood. Further in were booths offering a fascinating array of Japanese and European antiques ranging from kimono and yukata to ceramics and a portable wri

Kai Kato and his wife at the UNU Market with their chemical-free produce. Located not far from Odawara, they arrive every Sunday with tasty treats! Welcome to the most farmers-markety weekend of them all! This lovely weekend there is an excellent array of markets to choose from, and there will be no shortage of fresh produce, rice, and other delights to tuck under your arm for the trip home. While the UNU Market is always good fun, give some thought to trying some of the other markets scheduled this weekend. Koenji is small and fun, and the Kichijoji Market is similarly wonderful, albeit early. Those looking to venture further afield will find the Oiso Market a good excuse to get out, while the Nippori Market is in a fun section of the city. The possibilities really are endless, so head out and see what you can discover! Koenji Farmers Market Saturday, October 20* Spotted a handful of years ago while riding the Chuo Line,  this little market  is still going strong. A circle

Gourds and squash at the Roundy Family Farmstand. Partly cloudy, partly sunny, the weekend promises to cooler and perhaps a bit damp. Who knows, though? Pack an umbrella and head on out to one of these lovely markets for a fresh harvest of sweet potatoes , early winter greens and l ate summer veg . Don't forget that rice is rolling in fresh from the fields, too. While it is delicious any time of year when bought directly from the farmer, there is something a bit special about getting a taste of the first harvest of the year. See you at the market! Market of the Sun Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14 It's hard to believe this 'new' market is already five years old!  Market of the Sun (a.k.a. Taiyo Marche)  professes to be one of the largest, and it is certainly a good one. 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

Chef Cole pausing for a moment at Locale. Farmers markets are a passion of mine, but I also know that farmers, especially organic farmers, need to drum up multiple outlets for their produce. Some get people to sponsor the ducks on their farm, others network to sell at a local grocery or a recycle shop, and others supply restaurants. Chef Katy Cole works with two or three organic farmers to source her produce, meat, and fish. She is excited about them, their work, and the results, which she gets to serve to her guests five days a week at Locale in Meguro. Read my profile of her over at Tokyo Weekender, and then pay Chef Cole a visit. The farmers and your tastebuds will thank you.

A visit to the Roundy Farm Farmstand in September. Typhoons, flooding and earthquakes filled many of the days in September, and October seems to be starting off on something of a similar foot. Farmers are some of the most affected by these events as harvest is either completed early or damaged while still in the field. One of the best ways to support them and keep tasty food on your table is to head out to one of these great markets. Market of the Sun Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14 It's hard to believe this 'new' market is already five years old!  Market of the Sun (a.k.a. Taiyo Marche)  professes to be one of the largest, and it is certainly a good one. 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. Koenj