The pandemic has had a wide variety of effects, and one of these is that people have taken a greater interest in their food. Some of that interest sprang out of supply chain breakdowns and some of it sprang from the fact that going to the grocery store or farmers market felt risky. Farmers found themselves receiving an increased number of requests for their produce and CSA memberships. A number of folks expressed a desire to keep up these new connections even after the pandemic abated. Good stuff, if you ask me.
Here in Japan, farmer’s markets have been canceled since April 2020 or so, and I’m avoiding travel as much as possible until I’m fully vaccinated. So, I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of these farms in one place so people could peruse as they wished and find what they wanted.
Following is an alphabetical list of farms and farmers, their products, primary language, and links to their websites when possible. Offerings are organic unless otherwise stated; however, you should always ask to be sure.
If you know of a farm or farmer to add, please let me know!
Base Side Farm
Located near Yokota Air Force Base, Base Side Farm uses both organic and conventional methods to grow vegetables including kale, beets, and popcorn (highlight!) year-round for delivery or farm pick-up. Contact via Facebook page or email.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://www.basesidefarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaseSideFarm/
Biocreators
A group of nine Kobe-area organic farmers got together to offer customers a spectacular array of fresh produce, rice, and even flour year-round. Contact via website to order or stop by the Eat Local Kobe Farmers Market to chat!
Japanese only, but don’t hesitate to reach out! They’re terrifically kind.
Website: https://www.biocreators.org/
Kasamatsu Farms
Set in the mountains of Kanagawa, Kasamatsu Farms uses the principles of permaculture to grow vegetables and fruit (yes, you read that correctly: fruit!) and will happily send you some fresh eggs, too. Boxes vary in size and content, so peruse their website to see what you might like. They also have a lovely gift box option. Contact via website, Facebook, or Instagram!
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://kasamatsu-farms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kasamatsu.farms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasamatsufarms/
Midori Farm
Set in Shiga but not terribly far from Kyoto, Midori Farm is a mecca of fun, community, and delicious vegetables. Delivery is local only, but farmer Chuck Kayser also organizes on-farm and online events that are always interesting. Check out the website to see about delivery.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://www.midorifarm.net/
MomoG Farm
Located in Nagano, MomoG Farm offers a plethora of traditional and modern vegetables, rice, and popcorn for delivery or pick-up at the UNU Farmers Market or one of the other markets Tomonori Nakayama visits. Contact via website or Instagram.
Japanese only! Don’t hesitate to reach out, though. Nakayama will find a way to help you!
Website: https://momogfarm.mystrikingly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momogfarm/
Nagano, Naturally
Comprised of three farms near Matsumoto, Nagano, the trio of organic producers offers fruit, veg, and sometimes rice and flour. Vegetable boxes are available for delivery from somewhere in June to September or October. Contact via website to order. I will add that they are an excellent source for rhubarb!
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://naganonaturally.com/
Niseko Green Farm
All the way up in Hokkaido, this organic farm offers up tasty veg, a farm experience, and even a pizza-making option for those who can visit. Single and multiple-variety boxes are available May to October. Contact via website to order.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://nisekogreenfarm.com/
Oishimon Farm
Year-round vegetable boxes are the name of the game at Oishimon Farm in Saitama. Boxes vary in size from small to large and are packed with seasonal goodness that includes everything from kale to beets (yes, you read that correctly) to tomatoes and Swiss Chard. Contact via website or Facebook page to order.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://oishimon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Oishimonorganicfarm/
Ome Farm
Herbs, an assortment of vegetables, and honey can all be found at this lovely farm nestled in the hills and valleys of Ome. You can also find them at the UNU Farmers Market and a few other spots about town if you feel safe wandering over. Contact via website.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://www.omefarm.jp/
Pitchfork Farms
Located on Mukaishima, Hiroshima, Pitchfork Farms’ fields not only offer up a wonderful bounty of vegetables in soil fertilized by sheep but look out to nearby islands for stunning sunrise views. Surely, this makes things extra delicious? Contact via Facebook.
English and Japanese ok!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchforkfarms
Shiga Kajiwara Farm
Also located in Nagano, Shiga Kajiwara Farm grows about 50 varieties of organic vegetables for delivery on a weekly or bi-weekly basis from late May to mid-December. Contact via website.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://www.shigakajiwaranouen.jp/
Sho Farm
Located in neighboring Kanagawa, Sho Farm offers plastic-free vegetable box delivery for those in eastern Kanagawa starting in May of each year of a selection of vegetables and eggs. Contact via website or email.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: http://sho-farm.sunnyday.jp/
Suirin Natural Farm
Suirin Natural Farm in Nagano uses a combination of organic and natural farming methods to grow roughly 100 different types of vegetables. Delivery is available from about June to December and vegetable sets range in size from small to large. Contact via website to order.
Japanese only! Don’t hesitate to reach out, though. They are lovely!
Website: https://suirin-naturalfarm.com/
Tanaka Vegetable Farm
Located in Yamaguchi, Tanaka Vegetable Farm grows more than 60 different varieties of vegetables for their vegetable boxes. Size ranges from small to large, and you can arrange for delivery on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.
English and Japanese ok!
Website: https://tanakayasai.net/
