INSIDE CHABARA: AKIHABARA’S STYLISH FOOD DESTINATION

For food lovers, CHABARA AKI-OKA MARCHE in Akihabara is a worthwhile stop on any culinary tour of Tokyo. Nestled underneath the elevated train tracks between Akihabara and Okachimachi stations, this unique food destination built on the site of the former Kanda Fruit and Vegetable Market has been reborn as a stylish “food theme park.” Chabara, a portmanteau of Yatchaba (“fruit and vegetable market”) and Akihabara offers more than 6000 artisanal products highlighting Japanese food, culture, and tradition. This bustling market is the perfect destination to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Japan. Whether for a quick lunch stop or a leisurely shopping trip just strolling the aisles, Chabara has something for everyone.

Your culinary tour begins at the market’s entrance. You’ll hear the noise of the trains rumbling overhead as you enter. It is a bit cramped, but like Japan itself, no space is wasted. The aisles are neatly arranged by Japan’s prefectures and regions and feature local delicacies. To the left, you can sample umeboshi, or salty pickled plums, from the Kansai region. These extremely salty and sour fruits are definitely an acquired taste. See if you can eat one without puckering!

Then you can walk past the fragrant spices, green teas, and matcha of the Kanto region or head to Kyushu, known for Hakata tonkotsu ramen. This signature dish is made from noodles served in a pork-flavored broth flavored with mushrooms, green onion, and pickled ginger. If that doesn’t tempt you, you might sample some otsumami (finger foods) such as pickles and fried vegetables, that are usually served with alcohol. You can wash down the otsumami with some gin or vodka craft cocktails from the Tottori region.

Or if you’re in the mood for a full meal, Chabara has a “shojin ryori” restaurant that features vegetarian cuisine inspired by the food served at Buddhist temples in Kamakura. No meat or fish is served. Instead, the menu focuses on small colorful dishes with seasonal vegetables and subtle flavors. All meals come with miso soup and rice and can be accompanied by sake, beer, matcha, or amazake, a sweet drink made with fermented rice.

Before leaving, you can’t miss the enormous wooden barrel laid on its side. You’ll be encouraged to climb inside it (after removing your shoes) and take pictures. This barrel is part of the “Kioke Craftsman Revival Project.” Until the late Edo Period, fermented Japanese seasonings such as soy sauce, miso, mirin, and vinegar were all brewed in wooden barrels (also called “kioke”). Ever since then, the trade has died out with only a few traditional craftsmen still choosing to use them. The wooden barrels promote the growth of microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast, which brings a unique flavor to the fermented products. The problem, however, is that the wooden barrels being used today were all built before World War II and will be unusable in 50 years. The Kioke Craftsman Revival Project aims to stop the extinction of traditional barrel-aging culture.

Part grocery store, part farmer’s market, part food court, Chabara offers a unique gastronomic shopping adventure in the heart of Japan’s capital. You can enjoy the culinary wonders of Japan without ever leaving Tokyo. The signs are all in Japanese writing, so it might be helpful to brush up on kanji characters or, better yet, go with a guide to fully appreciate the experience. Chabara Aki-Oka Marche is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a cultural and sensory experience. As you navigate the market, take time to engage with the vendors. Many of them are passionate artisans who are more than willing to share stories about their products, from the painstaking process of crafting traditional foods to the history and significance of regional specialties. This interaction can deepen your appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Japan.

Address: 8-2 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0022

Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/R2MZ6q6

Website: https://www.jrtk.jp/chabara/

Hours: Open 11 am to 8 pm 7 days a week

Featured Photo Credit: Graydon Lavallee

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