Discover Fresh Local Produce at Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market: A Must-Visit in Yamanashi
Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and has long been an object of religious worship and artistic inspiration within the country. The beautiful and majestic appearance of Mt. Fuji is popular worldwide, attracting many tourists daily to the surrounding areas who want to see this symbol of Japan up close.
For this reason, Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mt. Fuji is located, has been working to welcome visitors through local attractions and culinary experiences. Today, we'll introduce the "Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market," where you can taste the flavors of Yamanashi, one of Japan's premier fruit-producing regions. We'll explain the characteristics of products sold and how to access the market conveniently, so please use this as a reference.
Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market: A Local Market with Incredibly Affordable Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
The Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market is a marketplace where you can purchase fresh vegetables and fruits grown in Yamanashi Prefecture at low prices. Because Yamanashi Prefecture produces large quantities of vegetables and fruits, high-quality products are sold at remarkably low prices.
Beyond affordability, the quantity, quality, and variety of products are also attractive points of the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market. Recently, English price tags have been prepared for international tourists, so you can enjoy shopping with peace of mind.
Yamanashi: One of Japan's Top Produce-Growing Regions
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan's largest producers of vegetables and fruits. There are three main reasons why Yamanashi can produce delicious vegetables and fruits:
1. Long hours of sunlight
2. Large daily temperature variations
3. Good water drainage
Crops accumulate sugar content when exposed to sunlight and experience temperature variations. As a result, vegetables and fruits from Yamanashi Prefecture are characteristically sweet.
Additionally, in mountainous areas with steep slopes, water doesn't accumulate on the ground, creating an ideal environment for moisture-sensitive fruits like peaches.
Yamanashi Prefecture has many fields and orchards, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the year. We recommend visiting during the peak season of your preferred produce.
3 Highlights of Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market
Surprisingly Affordable Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
Source:Google Maps
One of the highlights of Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market is the pricing of their products. Since many vegetables and fruits are produced locally in Yamanashi Prefecture, freshly harvested items are sold at incredibly low prices.
For example, cherries, which are popular in early summer, typically cost 1,500-2,000 yen per pack in Tokyo, but at Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, you can buy them for under 1,000 yen.
Visitors often comment that "this place is so attractive that it's hard to shop anywhere else" due to the exceptional prices.
Traditional Japanese Foods Including Pickled Vegetables
Source:Google Maps
One of the pleasures of visiting Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market is discovering traditional Japanese cuisine.
Products like Tsukemono and Rakkyo (vegetables preserved in salt or vinegar), which are less familiar overseas, are sold here and attract attention from foreign tourists.
Among the traditional foods sold at Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, Takuan is recommended. It's a type of pickled radish with a slightly sweet flavor that's generally palatable to foreign visitors.
Enjoyable Local Rural Japanese Atmosphere
Source:Google Maps
When visiting Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere typical of rural Japan, quite different from large supermarkets.
The sight of products displayed in cardboard boxes and buckets is characteristic of markets close to production areas.
The simple storefront amid natural surroundings exudes the charm of rural Japan. Observing local shoppers and glimpsing Japanese daily life is another way to enjoy Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market.
5 Must-Buy Yamanashi Specialties at Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market
Cherries
Source:Google Maps
When visiting Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, be sure to buy cherries. Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan's top cherry producers, and the local market advantage allows you to purchase high-quality products for around 900 yen per pack.
For the best cherries, visit during the peak season from early May to late June. Yamanashi produces many varieties, including the elegantly sweet Satohnishiki, Takasago, and the jewel-like Kai Ruby, allowing you to enjoy comparing different types.
If you're lucky, free samples might be available to help you find your favorite flavor.
Sweet Corn
Source:Google Maps
At Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, sweet corn is one of the recommended products. You can buy a large bag full of sweet and satisfying corn for the incredibly low price of 1,200 yen.
Yamanashi Prefecture, which has long been active in corn production, grows many varieties. Some varieties have higher sugar content than grapes, which might surprise first-time tasters.
Due to the significant temperature variations across different areas in Yamanashi Prefecture, corn is produced over an extended season. During the off-season, processed products such as wine and dressings are also available.
Grapes
Source:Google Maps
At the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, grapes are one of the most popular items. Grapes from Yamanashi Prefecture are harvested at the perfect time after sugar content testing, ensuring exceptional quality and amazing taste.
Yamanashi Prefecture is Japan's largest grape-producing region and has developed many original varieties. When you visit, be sure to try unique local varieties like "Sunshine Red" (a cross between regular grapes and Shine Muscat) and "Kai King," known for its large berries and rich juice. These flavors are unique to Yamanashi Prefecture.
Prices vary by variety, but you can purchase one pack of Kyoho grapes for around 500 yen.
Peaches
Source:Google Maps
If you visit the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market from June to August, peaches are highly recommended. Peaches grown in Yamanashi's basin, bathed in abundant sunlight, are exceptional in both appearance and sweetness.
Peaches develop their sweetness and beautiful pink color through sun exposure. Yamanashi Prefecture, with its long hours of sunlight, is ideal for peach cultivation.
At the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, you can purchase a pack of 4 peaches for the reasonable price of 650 yen. Be sure to enjoy the fresh, juicy taste right there.
Persimmons
Source:Google Maps
During autumn and winter, persimmons at the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market are highly recommended. In Yamanashi Prefecture, where persimmon cultivation flourishes, you can learn about various ways to enjoy this fruit.
Persimmons are categorized into "Amagaki" (sweet persimmons) that can be eaten immediately, and "Shibugaki" (astringent persimmons) that need to be dried to remove astringency.
From September onwards, the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market offers sweet "Fuyugaki" persimmons with their mild sweetness and dried "Koshu Hyakume" persimmons known for their exceptional sugar content.
Fuyugaki persimmons are priced at around 500 yen for three fruits.
Strawberries
Source:Google Maps
Strawberries are popular at the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market. High-quality strawberries are sold at incredible prices, so be sure to purchase them when you find them.
Yamanashi Prefecture benefits from volcanic, nutrient-rich soil and mineral-rich snowmelt water. Strawberries grown in this rich natural environment are exceptional in both taste and appearance, making them a popular souvenir among tourists.
One pack costs around 600 yen. It's recommended to buy various varieties and share them with your group.
Try the Popular Japanese Way - With Condensed Milk!
Source:Google Maps
When you purchase strawberries at the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, try the new experience of eating them with condensed milk. The combination of juicy strawberries and creamy condensed milk is sure to impress.
Condensed milk is made by concentrating milk with sugar, creating a thick, creamy texture. In Japan, it's also used on shaved ice and other desserts.
Look for condensed milk near the strawberry section, where it's often sold.
Access to Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market
<Store Information>
・Address: 7-26-8 Kamiyoshida Higashi, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
・Access:
[By Train] Tokyo station→(JR Chuo Line Rapid)→Shinjuku station→(JR Limited Express Fuji Kaiyu 15)→Fujisan station→(Fujikyu Bus Fujikko-go clockwise)→Fujisan Museum park→6-minute walk
[By Highway Bus] Basta Shinjuku→(Highway Bus)→Oshino Hakkai→Kandurubashi→(Fujikyu Bus)→Fujisan Museum park→6-minute walk
Visit Various Spots Including the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market with "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" by Magical Trip
If you want to experience local cuisine and hidden spots in Yamanashi Prefecture, join the Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car.
With this guided private tour, you can smoothly visit locations that only locals know about and places that are typically difficult to access, allowing you to fully experience Japan without missing anything.
This tour is perfect for those thinking, "I want to visit the Fuji Northern Foot Fruit and Vegetable Market, but access seems difficult."
During the tour, you'll travel by private car to visit traditional wasabi fields, secluded beautiful waterfalls, and shrines where you can feel Mt. Fuji's history.
A guide who knows the local area thoroughly will introduce you to delicious foods and Instagram-worthy spots that other tourists haven't discovered yet. Please take advantage of this opportunity to create memorable experiences in Japan.
<Tour Information>
・Meeting point: Pick-up available from Shinjuku or your hotel
・Tour area: Around Mt. Fuji
・Start time: 8:00