Tokyo and Yokohama Regional Farmers Markets: Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15

Wojcik Farms at The Tecumseh Farmers Market!

That last typhoon certainly did some damage and local farms felt it as much as anyone with greenhouse roofs damaged and row covers flung hither and yon. While the fruit and veg you see this weekend may have some bumps and bruises, don't hesitate to purchase. After you whack it up for cooking, who will know? We're all in this together, so supporting these farmers is one of the best things you can do for the future!

Market of the Sun

Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15

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.

Oiso Farmers Market
Sunday, September 15*
This little gem of a community shindig is one of the best things going outside of the Earth Day Market. Started a handful of years ago, it blossomed into a full-on monthly festival that just happens to feature Shonan area produce in its fresh, seasonal form as well as pickled, dried, and prepared-hot-in-a-bowl varieties. In summer, it transforms into a night market, while year-round a much smaller version takes place every Saturday. Lee's Bread alone is worth the journey. Read my full review at Outdoor Japan's Traveler Magazine.
9am - 2pm
*Construction at the port has changed things about a bit. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates!
Oiso Port Building

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

Ebisu Market
Every Sunday
A small handful of years ago, the Ebisu Market became a weekly Sunday event. Part of the original Marche Japon movement, this market carries on with a nice selection of regional farmers, seasonal veg, baked goods, and the addition of arts and crafts. It does bill itself as all organic, and there are some; however, I recommend asking vendors to be sure. I also recommend a trip to Afuri Ramen to fortify yourself with some of the best yuzu tsukemen in town.
11am to 5pm
Map

UN University Market
Every Saturday and Sunday
A massive weekend affair that started out as the flagship market for Marche Japon busted out on its own a few years back. Now one of the most happening places on the weekend, the market features a variety of fruits and vegetables and prepared products from all over Japan. Winter vegetables can be found here, but produce offerings do vary in amount by season. There is a most excellent selection of food trucks whipping up everything from salad to zingy curry to roast chicken and falafel! Oh, and don't forget the craft beer truck, too!
10am to 4pm
Map

Hills Marche Farmers Market
Every Tuesday and Saturday
The Ark Hills Marche in Roppongi is perhaps one of the best things going in this part of Tokyo. Originally created to serve residents of the nearby high-rise, it is a bountiful and booming event. Don't miss the chance to meet a grower from Tokyo's very own Kokobunji, take in a little music, and sample a variety of other seasonal delights.
Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Tuesday, 11am to 7pm**
Map

Yurakucho Farmers Market
Every Saturday and Sunday
Smaller than the UNU Market, the Yurakucho Market takes its cue from the antenna shops located nearby and features a particular region of Japan each week along with an excellent selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Growers from nearby Chiba, Kamakura, and Saitama do come weekly, though, with some excellent treats.
11am to 5pm
Directions: Turn left out of Yurakucho Station and cross the courtyard toward Tokyo Kouku Keitan. Look for the fun under the overhang!

Know of a market? Give me a shout, and I'll add it to the list!

Women of Taste Series Opener!

Oasis 21 Organic Farmers Asaichimura in Nagoya.
Photo courtesy of Takako Yoshino.

The first article in a series called Women of Taste is up at The Japan Times. Takako Yoshino, manager of the Oasis 21 Organic Farmers Asaichimura in Nagoya, is the first. Yoshino is a visionary and a community-builder focused on creating a sustainable market for farmers and eaters. Her work weaves a connection between the tables set up each Saturday morning at Oasis 21 to the rural areas surrounding Nagoya as well as between the customers and farmers who join her there. What she is doing is extraordinary, delicious, and wonderful.

Others in the series will include a baker, a food photographer and designer, a farmer, and a chef. These are all women I have met or known for some years and whose stories I have long wanted to tell. I'm grateful to The Japan Times for sharing my excitement and taking on this series. If all goes well, it may get extended, so please read and share the articles. Most of all, enjoy them and perhaps you'll find something to inspire you, too!

Also, if you happen to know someone you think would be a good fit for Women of Taste, please let me know!

September Farmers Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama

Elaine from Needle Lane Farms representing at The Tecumseh Farmers Market.

Summer is winding down, although the temperatures in these early days of the month seem to convey something else. Yet, these warm days turn fields into a cornucopia of delights that farmers bring to market tables each weekend. It also means that as the temperatures gradually cool, it will be good weather for canning up tomato sauce or other delights to be enjoyed over the winter months. So, grab a hat, a shopping bag, and head on out to one of these lovely markets!

Market of the Sun

Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15

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, September 21*
Spotted a handful of years ago while riding the Chuo Line, this little market is still going strong and has grown considerably based on a recent visit. A cluster 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, September 15*
This little gem of a community shindig is one of the best things going outside of the Earth Day Market. Started a handful of years ago, it blossomed into a full-on monthly festival that just happens to feature Shonan area produce in its fresh, seasonal form as well as pickled, dried, and prepared-hot-in-a-bowl varieties. In summer, it transforms into a night market, while year-round a much smaller version takes place every Saturday. Lee's Bread alone is worth the journey. Read my full review at Outdoor Japan's Traveler Magazine.
9am - 2pm
*Construction at the port has changed things about a bit. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates!
Oiso Port Building

Nippori Farmers Market
Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22
This charming market in the heart of old Tokyo abounds with a sense of community and friendliness as well as good food. Lively, particularly on Saturday, Nippori runs with a theme of chisanchisou (local production for local consumption) and aims to feature more farmers and growers from the surrounding areas. However, regular vendors still include most excellent Tohoku growers and some of the best steamed manju in the world.
No map, but just head out the East Exit and look for the green awnings.
10am to 5pm

Yokohama Kitanaka Marche
Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22
One of the best markets going in the Yokohama area, and it's perhaps no coincidence that they are only moments away from Baird Beer's Bashamichi Taproom. Started by the same folks who created the Market of the Sun, the Kitanaka Marche to be growing steadily with tasty offerings of fresh seasonal veg, fruit, baked goods and preserves. Read my other review over at Outdoor Japan's Traveler Magazine for the full scoop.
10am to 4pm
Bashamichi Station, Exit 2*
Note that the market has moved, so come out of the station, turn right, and take the next right turn. Keep walking past the construction site and keep an eye out for the white tents running along next to the river.

Kichijoji Harmonica Yokocho Asaichi
Sunday, September 22
Early birds on Tokyo's west side should count themselves lucky to find this little market in the warren of shops just north of the station. While fruits and veg are a bit lacking, the market is big on craftsmen and women doing interesting work, excellent baked goods, miso, rice, and other tasty treats. It's worth noting that a number of places offer breakfast deals in the market!
Look for my review in Outdoor Japan's Spring Traveler!
7am - 10am

Kamome Marche
Saturday, September 28
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, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
This new market in Yokohama is one I have only seen a poster and website for, but not been to yet. The venue should be beautiful, and I have no doubt the offerings will be good. Keep in mind that it is relatively new, so it might be small. However, markets don't get bigger and better if you don't go to them and support the people there. I can't go this month, but I'd love to hear from anyone who does!
10:30am to 3:30pm
Nihon-Oodoori Station
Look for the exit for the International Ferry Passenger Terminal and follow the signs.

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

Ebisu Market
Every Sunday
A small handful of years ago, the Ebisu Market became a weekly Sunday event. Part of the original Marche Japon movement, this market carries on with a nice selection of regional farmers, seasonal veg, baked goods, and the addition of arts and crafts. It does bill itself as all organic, and there are some; however, I recommend asking vendors to be sure. I also recommend a trip to Afuri Ramen to fortify yourself with some of the best yuzu tsukemen in town.
11am to 5pm
Map

UN University Market
Every Saturday and Sunday
A massive weekend affair that started out as the flagship market for Marche Japon busted out on its own a few years back. Now one of the most happening places on the weekend, the market features a variety of fruits and vegetables and prepared products from all over Japan. Winter vegetables can be found here, but produce offerings do vary in amount by season. There is a most excellent selection of food trucks whipping up everything from salad to zingy curry to roast chicken and falafel! Oh, and don't forget the craft beer truck, too!
10am to 4pm
Map

Hills Marche Farmers Market
Every Tuesday and Saturday
The Ark Hills Marche in Roppongi is perhaps one of the best things going in this part of Tokyo. Originally created to serve residents of the nearby high-rise, it is a bountiful and booming event. Don't miss the chance to meet a grower from Tokyo's very own Kokobunji, take in a little music, and sample a variety of other seasonal delights.
Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Tuesday, 11am to 7pm**
Map

Yurakucho Farmers Market
Every Saturday and Sunday
Smaller than the UNU Market, the Yurakucho Market takes its cue from the antenna shops located nearby and features a particular region of Japan each week along with an excellent selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Growers from nearby Chiba, Kamakura, and Saitama do come weekly, though, with some excellent treats.
11am to 5pm
Directions: Turn left out of Yurakucho Station and cross the courtyard toward Tokyo Kouku Keitan. Look for the fun under the overhang!

Know of a market? Give me a shout, and I'll add it to the list!

Eat Local Kobe Makes Local Food a Real Choice

Clearly, I'm a big fan of farmers markets and local growers and producers. Organic growers and producers, too, are among my very favorites. I talk about this a bit in my About Me page, but suffice it to say that I believe that those farmers are where our best hope lies for the future.

It was a real pleasure then to write about Eat Local Kobe for The Japan Times and help spread the word about some very good work underway in that city. The market is a wonder, and the farmers there are the kind of people who make you want to up stakes so you can talk to them regularly and help out. Eat Local Kobe is the kind of food hub the world needs. Read my story about it here and plan to head on down there to see it for yourself!