Kamakura City Farmers’ Market (Renbai)
What Is Kamakura’s Renbai Market? A Historic Farmers’ Market in the City
Just a 3-minute walk from Kamakura Station, Kamakura City Agricultural Cooperative Market—better known as Renbai—offers a glimpse into local life through fresh produce and friendly farmers. Established in the late 1920s, the market was inspired by a European-style open-air system introduced by a foreign pastor. Amid economic hardship, local farmers came together to sell directly to customers, creating one of Japan’s earliest community-run markets.
Today, 23 farms rotate in small groups to offer seasonal vegetables grown with care and minimal chemical use, ensuring safety and flavor.
Why Visit Renbai? Hidden Gems and Seasonal Colors
Renbai is famed for its “Kamakura Yasai”—a regional term for vegetables grown in Kamakura’s rich soil and mild climate. The flavor is often more concentrated, the colors brighter, and the aroma fresher than supermarket produce.
Each season brings a new lineup: rapeseed blossoms and bamboo shoots in spring, deep red tomatoes and eggplants in summer, burdock root and sweet potatoes in autumn, and spinach and napa cabbage in winter. You’ll also find unique greens like mizuna, red mustard, and endive that are perfect for creative dishes.
What to Buy and How to Enjoy It
Visitors love the pre-packed “steamed veggie sets” and “salad mixes”—easy to cook, even for beginners. These handy packs allow you to taste Kamakura’s seasonal flavors without effort.
But the real charm? Talking with the farmers themselves. You’ll hear tips like, “Sauté this for a nutty aroma,” or “Best raw with a drizzle of olive oil.” It turns shopping into a rich, memorable part of your travel story.
How to Get There and When to Go
Renbai is open from 8 AM to sunset and is closed only from January 1–4. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the selection is most abundant.
If you’re staying at Toshi’s Place, it’s just a short stroll away. Thanks to the fully-equipped kitchen in your room, you can cook what you buy right after your morning walk—making for a truly personal and local breakfast experience.
Best Time to Visit: Use Your Morning Freely
Aim to arrive between 8:00–9:00 AM. That’s when the farmers are most energetic and the produce is freshly displayed. The calm, uncrowded atmosphere also makes it ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful mornings.
Because Toshi’s Place is a self-catering smart hotel, you can explore at your own pace. Take advantage of the free morning hours before heading out for more sightseeing or enjoying a homemade brunch.
What’s Nearby? Walk, Taste, and Discover Kamakura
The area around Renbai is dotted with charming local businesses—bakeries, cafés, and lifestyle shops perfect for a slow stroll after your market visit. It’s also just a short walk from major attractions like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi Street.
Whether you’re into food, culture, or simply enjoying slow travel, this area lets you do all three in one relaxed morning.
Who Should Visit Renbai?
- Travelers curious about local food culture
- Fans of cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Morning explorers who enjoy a quiet start to the day
- Kitchen enthusiasts and ingredient lovers
- Anyone on a flexible, self-guided trip
For guests staying at Toshi’s Place, it’s a perfect stop to grab fresh vegetables and turn them into a unique, self-made breakfast or dinner. Take a slow stroll, chat with local farmers, and bring Kamakura’s taste straight to your plate.
Summary: A Taste of Kamakura Mornings
More than just a market, Renbai is a vibrant meeting point between visitors and local life. Here, fresh produce comes with stories and smiles from the farmers themselves.
Staying at Toshi’s Place allows you to take full advantage of this early-morning gem: walk out, shop local, and cook your own Kamakura meal—all before most tourists are out the door.