Tokyo boasts a wide variety of fresh, farm-sourced produce available at numerous markets scattered throughout the city, both in the center and the outskirts.
One of the highlights of visiting Tokyo’s farmers’ markets in the fall is the vibrant display of colorful produce at each stall. This experience brings back fond memories of urban and rural farmers’ markets in the northeastern United States, like the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City and the many farms along the East Coast that welcome visitors during autumn.
Large, Small, & Hidden Gems
Farmers’ Markets
Traditional farmers’ markets in Tokyo typically take place on closed-off streets or in parks, where open-air stalls are set up by farmers selling their products directly to consumers. Several of these markets operate on weekends in downtown Tokyo (the full list will be provided in the next section). The largest and most well-known is the Farmers’ Market @UNU, held every weekend.
Direct Sales Farmers’ Centers
Another option for buying directly from farmers is through direct sales markets, such as the JA Group’s various farmers’ centers located throughout Tokyo and Japan. Farmers deliver their produce in the morning for sale at the center throughout the day. Although these centers lack the vibrant atmosphere of weekend open-air markets—feeling more like large vegetable stands—the quality of the fresh produce remains excellent, and the convenience is unmatched.
Garden Centers and Cafes
Don’t forget to check out the garden centers at major hardware stores like Joyful Honda. Some locations feature a “Joy Marche Market” that offers locally-produced items, including freshly baked pastries and bread. Additionally, some farm-to-table cafes even host their own farmers’ markets. For instance, Mr. Farmer’s Komazawa Olympic Park Store runs a market every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So, next time you’re at your favorite farm-to-table café, inquire about any local produce for sale or flyers for upcoming markets.
10 Farmers’ Markets in Tokyo
© Photo by iStock: electravkIf you’re seeking fresh produce this fall, here are some great markets to explore.
1. Farmers’ Market @UNU
- When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 3-3-11 Midori Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
2. NKB Marche Markets
When: Various dates and times; check the website for the next date
Where: Locations include Nerima Ward Office, Ebisu Garden Place, Keio Crown Street, Tsuruma Park
3. Taiyo No Marche (The Sun Market)
- When: Second Saturday and Sunday of every month
- Where: Tsukishima 2nd Children’s Park, 1-9-8 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
4. Earth Day Market
- When: Held irregularly; check the website for the next date
- Where: Inside Yoyogi Park, 2-2-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
5. Ark Hills Marche
- When: Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: ARK Karajan Place, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
6. Futakoza Market
- When: Monthly, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: Futako-Tamagawa Rise Galleria, 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo
7. Chigasaki Story Marche
- When: Second Saturday of the month, every two months, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Matsuo Construction Co., Ltd., 3-1-15 Higashikaiganminami, Chigasaki City, Tokyo
8. Zanoichi
- When: Third Saturday of every month, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Za Koenji, 2-1-2 Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo
9. Hadanowa Earth Market
- When: Held irregularly; check the website for the next date
- Where: Shirasasa Inari Shrine, 1089 Imaizumi, Hadano City, Kanagawa
10. Yokohama Kitanaka Market
- When: Third Saturday and Sunday of every month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: The Tower Yokohama Kitanaka, 5-57-2 Kitanakadori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
What To Buy at Tokyo Farmers’ Markets
© Photo by iStock: ahirao_photoWhat should you look for at Tokyo’s farmers’ markets? While I was surprised to discover cider donuts, I also encountered many unfamiliar Japanese vegetables. After consulting some farmers about fall shopping tips at the markets, here are their top picks:
Kaki (Persimmons)
To select a ripe persimmon, look for a bright orange color and a firmness similar to a ripe avocado, which gives slightly under pressure. The flesh inside is juicy and sweet, and the skin can be eaten or peeled using a vegetable peeler.
Root Vegetables (Turnips, Radishes, Carrots & Ginger)
This season offers a variety of root vegetables, including the Shinagawa radish, which resembles a white daikon but is about the size of a large carrot, in addition to yellow carrots alongside the typical orange ones.
Mixed Greens
Ome Farm, available at the Farmers’ Market @UNU on Saturdays, provides bags of mixed greens that often include komatsuna (Japanese spinach), Chinese greens, wasabi leaves, or rocket—small leaves with a peppery taste. If you can’t make it to UNU, grab various greens for a similar effect. This season, look for kale and shungiku (edible chrysanthemum leaves) as well.
Kabocha & Butternut Squash
While butternut squash is originally American, it’s occasionally found at Tokyo farmers’ markets. I made the sweetest butternut squash soup ever with the one I purchased. Kabocha, or Japanese pumpkin, appears green on the outside but has bright orange flesh inside. Use it in any savory dish that requires pumpkin or squash.
Honey
Although honey is typically harvested in the summer, farmers sell a variety of raw honey during this season, perfect for autumn recipes.
Yakiimo (Japanese Roasted Sweet Potatoes)
The annou imo (安納芋 or あんのういも) is an exceptionally sweet variety of sweet potato that roasts beautifully at home. Alternatively, yakiimo are sweet potatoes already roasted and ready to eat. Much like cider donuts are to American markets, yakiimo are a beloved treat in Japan. They’re hot, fresh, and have a delicious seasonal aroma, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack. In the years to come, while enjoying the smell of cider donuts at northeast American markets, I might find myself reminiscing about the delightful aroma of yakiimo.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for these five seasonal vegetables to enhance your autumn cooking.
Have you visited any of these farmers’ markets in Tokyo? Share what you discovered!
This article has been updated with the latest information by the Savvy Team for 2024.
