Mitsugi Farm Direct Sales Stand

(⁴⁄₅ stars)
Beyond Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 12/​?
Even in the big city and heavily populated metropolitan neighborhoods of Tokyo, it’s nice to find little corner stands selling the day’s freshest veggies direct from the farm. In addition to a number of farmer’s markets, the surrounding area in my «semi-​suburban» city has several of these stands.
Normally you would miss these if you’re zooming around in your car, but as most people in the area get around on foot or by bicycle, the more leisurely pace allows you to notice such stands.
Highlights:
+ Products: 4.5÷5 stars (fresh, seasonal vegetables changing on nearly a daily basis; direct from farm; mostly organically produced; local)
+ Presentation: ⁴⁄₅ (each product is packaged and placed in an individual compartment with a glass door. Think of it as paid mailboxes or footlockers (literally shoebox sized) where you choose your product based on the compartment’s contents and the accompanying label)
+ Convenience: ⁴⁄₅ (it is extremely simple and easy to make your purchase — just insert one hundred yen coin, turn the lock and open the door. The minus one star is for the stand being only open on selected days of the week)
+ Access: ⁴⁄₅ (follow the Unilocal pin and address to locate the stand. It’s right on the side of somewhat busy secondary street. No dedicated parking but you can park in front of the Seven-​Eleven next door and maybe pick up something else there at the same time)
Cultural note: As previously mentioned, you’ll often see stands like this in residential neighborhoods, often in front of the house/​property where the veggies were grown. There are also stands selling fresh cut seasonal flowers grown on site, so keep an eye out for those. Payment is on the honor system for most stands, with a jar or slot where you insert your coin (s) as payment.
This stand is a bit different as the product «lockers» are automated, but secure, ample in number and clearly labeled by compartment contents (usually). Of all the times I’ve used this stand, I’ve only seen a person behind the counter area once, and he was the farmer restocking the compartments.
So you don’t come here for service or smiles, there are none. However, at ¥100/​product at good volume and high quality, it’s a great deal that competes nicely with bigger supermarkets in the area. That’s in the spirit of Unilocal,supporting and promoting local!