Maurice SkinnerSouvenirs, also known as ‘omiyage’, is an ingrained part of Japanese culture. Now, sustainable select shops selling perishable goods have become quite popular throughout Japan. Each year in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, new shops are popping up. These shops sell an assortment of delicious foods that are not only sustainable, but also organic and sometimes free of additives and artificial supplements. These are five shops that are beginning to show up on our radar.
Farmer’s Market @ UNU
It’s no surprise that farmers markets are becoming widespread throughout Japan. The country boasts some of the best fruits and vegetables that you will ever sink your teeth into. Farmer’s Market @ UNU is no exception.
Farmer’s Market @ UNU (UNU standing for United Nations University) is located in the district of Aoyama, which is one of Tokyo’s most lavish districts. The market is led by a community of farmers, craftsmen and people who live in the city. The farmer’s market is a close-knit community, and organizers always make attempts to visit fields of farmers who open stores within the market. Furthermore, the organizers of the Farmer’s Market @ UNU also lend a helping hand at local farm sites.
One of the main aims of the farmer’s market is to create a sustainable and energetic society that eliminates the need for excessive packaging found in supermarkets, as well as reduce the use of plastic bags. There is a large assortment of items to choose from, such as fruits and vegetables, chocolate, coffee and chocolates. Finding the perfect souvenir, whether it be tea or even a bar of soap, Farmer’s Market @ UNU has you covered. The market is organized and run by the Farmer’s Market Association in Japan, and is open during the week and weekends.
Dandelion Chocolate
Up next on our list is Dandelion Chocolate. This chocolate company is unique in the sense that it has several store locations around the world. Although its primary factory is in Tokyo’s Taito ward, it has since branched out not only throughout Japan, but also in locations such as San Francisco, California.
What makes Dandelion Chocolate different from larger manufacturers is their commitment to use cacao from only one location. As their website explains, many large corporations use a variety of cacao beans in order to reduce costs, but Dandelion Chocolate has made an effort to keep their chocolate pure. Furthermore, the company’s packaging uses recycled cotton fiber paper that has been purchased from India.
Furthermore, their main store, Factory & Cafe Kuramae not only sells chocolate, but offers tours and courses for those interested in the company’s chocolate making process. Each of Dandelion Chocolate’s other locations, which are located in other parts of Japan, San Francisco and Las Vegas, have their own atmosphere and style. Locations in Tokyo include the Bean to Bar Lounge Omotesando GYRE, the Cacao Bar in Kyoto, and the storefront in Kamakura.
BIO-RAL
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BIO-RAL keeps it real with its organic, healthy, and local products. Life, a supermarket chain throughout Japan, has done a remarkable job in order to bring an incredibly large selection of goods to its customers. While considering itself to be a natural supermarket, BIO-RAL has opened several different locations in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka and many other prefectures. Not only is this store an outstanding provider of food, wine, and souvenirs, but it also boasts a large array of everyday items.
85 (Hachigo)
It’s no secret that Japan prides itself on its food, especially its assortment of ‘tsukemono’. 85 (Hachigo) is a specialty goods store that has a dedicated section to fermented Japanese-style pickles. Stores are located in both Tokyo and Nagoya, and provide its die-hard pickled food lovers organic vegetables, as well as eco-friendly products. Seasonings such as soy sauce, miso paste and vinegar are also available.
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85 (Hachigo) strives to provide foods and products that are not only good for your body, but also the environment. The store considers itself to be organic, ethical, natural, additive-free, and timeless. The store has perfect gifts for those die-hard fermented pickled fans in Japan and abroad.
Sugimoto Tea
Although Sugimoto Tea does not have a dedicated store, they provide some of Japan’s most delicious tea that can be purchased from the company’s website. What makes Sugimoto Tea special is their dedicated enthusiasm to supplying tea that is both ethical and sustainable.
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The company supports supplying eco-friendly products by using Chagusaba farming. This farming technique, which is recognized by the United Nations as a Globally Agricultural Heritage System, was designed to protect the land, as well as the insects that dwell within.
Furthermore, Sugimoto Tea has implemented this system as a way of enriching their land that is used in farming, instead of destroying the surrounding environment. Moreover, Sugimoto Tea strives to make sure that local farmers are given their fair share of the profits that are being made through the production of products. Sugimoto’s tea is considered organic and contains no additives or GMOs. If buying tea from an ethical standpoint is important to you, Sugimoto Tea has what you need.
Japan has always been a large industry when it comes to making products and food as souvenirs, and now more companies and stores are selling items from a sustainable, ethical, and environmental standpoint. It is more than certain that more dedicated shops and stores will pop up in the future.
