Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2014

Oiso Market

Fresh vegetable vagabonds will find more than a little to whet their appetites at this lively port bazaar. Oiso’s monthly market runs year-round, but in summer this Sunday morning event turns into an evening extravaganza. Musical performances entertain those settled on party sheets in the grassy area behind the port building, while smaller stages scattered among vendor tables showcase individual singers, musicians and performance artists. Tables groan with the best the Shonan-area growers and producers of Kanagawa Prefecture have to offer, including local heirloom fruits and vegetables, such as Lee’s Bread from Chigasaki and Atsugi’s Sankt Gallen Brewery. Food trucks galore offer everything from Yaad Food’s spicy jerk chicken to ramen. Itadakimasu!

Every third Sunday of the month. 5-9pm. Oiso Port.  Nearest stn: Oiso.

Earth Day Market

Dreaming of fresh organic seasonal fruits and vegetables with perhaps a steel drum band playing in the background? Look no further than Tokyo’s Earth Day Market in Yoyogi Park, where each month area growers and producers—all organic, all fair trade, all the time—gather to share the best their fields and furrows have to offer. Live music, workshops and samples of yummy, organic wine make for one of the city’s best shopping experiences. Those hunting for staples such as rice, flour and tea will find easy prey, as will those searching for nifty gifts. Beat the heat with an ice-cold organic beer from Sun Brewery while munching on a spicy curry from Tamana Shokudo.

Last Sunday of each month, 10am-4pm. Yoyogi Park Elms.  Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Nippori Market

Nestled in the plaza just outside the east exit of Nippori station, this little market is always breezy in summer and full of good fun. Music and comedy performances help keep the heat at bay, while a rotating set of regional merchants keep taste buds ever on the alert. Regular vendors like Kimura-san from Aizu in Wakamatsu, with her homemade tsukemono (pickles) and fresh vegetables, supply customers for the long haul-—and Onaya-san, with her oh-so-delicious homemade manju (four kinds, all worth trying) and cups of ice-cold green tea are always on hand. August finds growers, producers and customers banding together to celebrate obon with a mini-Bon Odori festival and dance around the square.

Every third Sat-Sun of the month, 10am to 5pm.  Nearest stn: Nippori.