Japan Farmers Markets

Ebisu Marche awesome every weekend! As the month winds down, the markets become a little scarce but not impossible to find. Head on out to one of these lovely spots and see what you might find! The farmers will be there, bundled up, and ready to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy! Kamome Marche Saturday, February 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 Paradise Alley's charcoal-infused bread while you're there. They also make an excellent cup of coffee

Happy Valentine's Day! Salty sweet snack from Kichijoji Marche. Welcome to the most farmers-markety weekend of the month! There are no shortages of great markets to visit, awesome growers and producers to meet, and, of course, heaps of good food to be had, too. Peruse the list, take your pick, and head out the door! Koenji Farmers Market Saturday, February 16* 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. *A wee bit of a best guess here as they haven't updated  their blog  yet. Do check before making the trip over there. I haven't been wrong yet about the date, but there is always a first time for everything. 11am - 6pm Map Oiso Farmers Market Sunday, February 17 This little gem of a community shindig is one of the best things going outside of the Earth Da

Snacks and cool soap at Kichijoji's Asaichi! Get up and get down there! A tidy little handful of markets this weekend. Snow is forecast for Saturday, so be aware that things may get slowed down some. Be patient with yourself and others as you hunt for veg for whatever tasty dish you've got in mind. Be careful, too, as Tokyo and environs are populated with people who don't always know exactly what to do when it snows. Check market websites before heading out to make sure they are still going or going the full amount of time. Market of the Sun Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 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.

The riot of greens going on in my garden right now. You might be surprised that I still visit farmers markets in winter, or that winter is my favorite season for vegetables in Japan. "What is growing now?  It's too cold, isn't it?" you ask with eyebrows raised and often leaning back a bit as though afraid of what I might say next. When I talk about winter vegetables, you may lean even further back, and I'll worry that you might fall off your chair. It is then my pleasure to tell you (or anyone else within earshot, frankly) of foods you already know: daikon and kabu, komatsuna and hourensou (spinach) as well as some you may not - norabo and kale (including the ornamental variety in pots just now), shungiku (edible chrysanthemum greens) and karashina. Mizuna, too, is on the list as are negi (long onions) and hakusai (Chinese cabbage) plus those old friends, kabbetsu (cabbage) and broccoli. Many of these are available real round in grocery stores, but winte

Tasty chai mix at Kichijoji Asaichi! This short month is off to a tumultuous start. Warm, then cold, then warm, then snow. Who knows what each day will hold?  Luckily, each one can hold some tasty food! Head on out to one of these lovely markets and see what wonders you can find. Market of the Sun Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 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. Koenji Farmers Market Saturday, February 16* Spotted a handful of years ago while riding the Chuo Line,  this little market  is still going strong. A circle of