Hanamaru Market is a morning television variety program. While it is not a food program, it introduces the favorite food of each day’s guest. I have found this program a great way to be introduced to products I would not necessarily come across. Food items include regional items from guests’ hometowns to some local favorites in Tokyo.

The Omeza Fair at Shinjuku Odakyu is a food fair that introduces some of these popular foods. Some of my favorites include Azabu Juban’s osembei shop, Mamegen’s shio okaki. These deep-fried rice crackers are simply seasoned with salt. These are addictive so watch out.  From Kyoto, Gion Kinana’s kinako ice cream, an ice cream flavored with toasted soybean powder, and Izumiya chirimenjako, small sardines and sansho peppers, perfect for topping over a bowl of rice. As well as pickles, mentaiko, umeboshi, gyoza, shumai, pork buns from Nagasaki, and much, much more.

If you are in Shinjuku stop by as it is near the station. The event runs from today until Tuesday, October 4^th. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on the last day the event closes at 5 p.m.

Shinjuku Odakyu 11^th floor.