Yoshida Manzoku-kan [吉田まんぞく館] - True sushi experience—classic, unpretentious, and part of local life.- Kicchow

Local producers’ market in Japan, bringing together the flavors and crafts of the countryside.

Japanese markets have changed greatly over time. In the past, farmers would bring their harvests directly and sell them themselves. As distribution systems developed, producers delivered their goods to wholesale markets, and sales were handled by shops instead. With this shift, Japan’s commercial style became more standardized, but the distance between consumers and producers also grew. Today, many vegetables and fruits are sold without showing who grew them.

At Yoshida Manzoku-kan, however, you can still find the traditional spirit of a farmers’ market. Fresh, seasonal produce is brought in directly by local farmers, so you know exactly who grew the food you are buying. It’s a place where you can enjoy the taste of the countryside with confidence and connection.

Japanese Vegetable Seeds

Taking home Japanese vegetable seeds is a wonderful way to keep your travel memories alive and bring a piece of Japan into your daily life. At local markets like Yoshida Manzoku-kan, you can find seasonal seed packets—ranging from radish and spinach to unique Japanese greens—that change with the time of year. Growing these vegetables in your own country allows you to experience the flavors of Japan at home and share them with family and friends. Even if you are not familiar with gardening, don’t worry—many videos on YouTube and online guides show step-by-step instructions for planting and caring for Japanese vegetables. By trying this, you are not only cultivating healthy food but also continuing your connection to Japan’s countryside culture. Each seed is more than just a plant—it’s a story of local farmers, seasonal traditions, and the simple joys of rural life.

Fresh Local Vegetables from Ureshino

At Yoshida Manzoku-kan, farmers bring in freshly harvested vegetables each morning. Seasonal produce like eggplants, peppers, and leafy greens are sold directly, ensuring both freshness and quality. Prices are kept affordable, which makes the market popular not only among local residents but also with visitors who come from other parts of Saga and even outside the prefecture. It’s a place where freshness, value, and community come together.

Home-Style Simmered Fish

At Yoshida Manzoku-kan, you can find packages of simmered fish prepared in the traditional Japanese way. These dishes reflect the simple, home-style cooking of the countryside, where fresh local fish is slowly simmered with soy sauce and seasonings. Since moving to Ureshino, I have come to appreciate these flavors and learned how local people prepare fish in ways I had never experienced before. Each bite carries the taste of tradition and the wisdom of everyday cooking, making it more than just food—it’s a lesson in local life.

Ureshino Green Tea – A Taste of Japan’s Countryside

Ureshino is one of Japan’s most famous tea-producing regions, known especially for its smooth and mellow green tea. The misty climate and fertile soil of the hills surrounding Ureshino create ideal conditions for growing tea leaves with a delicate flavor and gentle aroma. At Yoshida Manzoku-kan and other local shops, you can buy freshly harvested tea directly from farmers, often packaged in small batches that reflect the season. Since moving here, I have discovered that tea is not only a drink but also a way of life—shared with neighbors, offered to guests, and enjoyed daily as part of the countryside rhythm.

Manzoku Manjū – A Sweet Taste of Ureshino

Manzoku Manjū is a local sweet that has become a favorite among visitors to Yoshida Manzoku-kan. These soft, steamed buns are filled with sweet bean paste, offering a simple yet comforting flavor that reflects Japan’s traditional wagashi culture. Made with local ingredients and sold fresh, they are perfect as a snack during your stroll through Ureshino or as a souvenir to take home. Since moving here, I’ve found that enjoying a warm manjū with a cup of Ureshino green tea is one of the small joys of countryside life.

My Way of Enjoying Mandokukan

When I visit Yoshida Manzokukan, the first thing that catches my eye is the fresh, seasonal vegetables. Every item reflects the pride of the farmers—nothing misshapen or low in quality ever makes it onto the shelves. The bento boxes, starting from just 600 yen, are homely and satisfying, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy them is to buy a box and eat it on a nearby bench. Sometimes, I also pick up ingredients and take them to Hirokawara Campsite (also known as Lake Forest Campsite) in Ureshino, where cooking local produce in the middle of nature feels truly special. What surprises me every time is how affordable everything is compared to its quality. Shopping here is not only about food, but also about feeling the spirit and dedication of local farmers. For me, Yoshida Manzokukan is a place that always makes me want to come back.

Why I Recommend This Place

Yoshida Manzokukan is more than just a local market—it’s a place where you can truly feel the pride and spirit of the farmers. I recommend it because:

Fresh Vegetables – Only the best seasonal produce is sold, carefully selected with no low-quality items.
Delicious Bento – Homestyle lunch boxes start from just 600 yen, perfect for a quick meal on a nearby bench.
Great Value – High-quality products are surprisingly affordable, making shopping here a joy.
Perfect for Outdoor Fun – You can buy ingredients and take them to Hirokawara Campsite (Lake Forest Campsite in Ureshino) for cooking and camping by the lakeside.
Local Spirit – Every item reflects the pride of the farmers, giving you a taste of the community’s dedication.

For me, Yoshida Manzokukan is not just a shop—it’s a special place that combines taste, value, and local culture, and that’s why I recommend it to anyone visiting Ureshino.