While traveling in Japan, many international tourists are eager to experience the unique food culture of each region. By visiting not only restaurants in tourist areas but also places frequented by locals, you can gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in Japan.
Located in Hitachinaka City, the "Nagasa Farmers Market Kokosuna" is a great spot for such an experience. This local market offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as the famous regional specialty "hoshiimo" (dried sweet potatoes). It's a community-focused direct sales venue where you can truly immerse yourself in the local food culture.
A farmers' market where the passion of local farmers comes together.
Koko Suna is a farmers' market operated by JA Hitachi, where you can find a variety of agricultural products harvested in Hitachinaka City and its surrounding areas. Since the producers ship their goods directly without going through markets or supermarkets, the vegetables and fruits are all fresh and reasonably priced. As you stroll through the store filled with seasonal ingredients, you can truly feel the essence of Japanese agriculture and the changing seasons.
In rural Japan, these direct sales shops are deeply rooted in people's lives and offer a chance to experience the "real Japan" that hasn't been commercialized for tourism.
A lineup of Hitachinaka's famous "hoshiimo" (dried sweet potatoes)!
When you visit Kokusuna, be sure to pay attention to "hoshimo." Hitachinaka City is known as one of Japan's leading producers of hoshimo, which is made by steaming and drying sweet potatoes. This traditional preserved food has a long history and is also a popular souvenir!
Inside the store, you'll find a variety of sweet potato snacks, including flat-dried and round-dried options. What sets them apart is that they are made without any added sugar, highlighting the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This gentle and natural sweetness makes them a delightful treat that is easy for international visitors to enjoy!
Fresh vegetables and fruits that reflect the four seasons.
At Nagasuna Farmers Market, the selection of products changes significantly with each season. In spring, you'll find leafy vegetables; in summer, tomatoes and eggplants; in autumn, root vegetables; and in winter, daikon radishes and Chinese cabbage. These vegetables are essential for Japanese home cooking and are abundant throughout the year!
Each item has slightly different shapes and sizes, which is one of the charms that makes them feel like "agricultural products, not industrial goods." You can learn how Japanese people support their daily meals right from the actual marketplace.
Not just vegetables: Local specialties
At Kokusuna, you can find not only vegetables and sweet potatoes but also locally processed foods for sale. A variety of products that grace the dining tables of households, such as miso, pickles, side dishes, and rice, are available, allowing you to experience the food culture of Hitachinaka City all in one place.
In addition, you can find a variety of houseplants, flower seedlings, and vegetable seedlings for sale, offering a shopping experience that is quite different from what you would find in a supermarket.
A convenient location that's easy to stop by during your sightseeing adventures.
Nagasa Farmers Market "Kokosuna" is easily accessible by car and has ample parking available. It's also recommended to combine your visit with nearby attractions like the National Hitachi Seaside Park. You are sure to discover the charm of Japan that isn't visible in typical tourist spots right here!