[Morning Market Exploration] The largest scale in Kanagawa, "Oiso Market," is an event held monthly that can still be enjoyed even if you oversleep

The "Oiso Market," the largest in Kanagawa. It's a special morning market that only takes place once a month on the third Sunday. It's a recommended spring outing spot, so how about adding it to your plans for April?

The monthly morning market "Oiso Market" that you can easily drop by even in the afternoon

is held at Oiso Port, right in front of Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture. A variety of food trucks and tents selling local Oiso specialties and unique handmade goods are lined up, making it one of the largest morning markets in Kanagawa. It is held on the third Sunday of each month from 9 AM to 2 PM. While morning markets often have the image of being accessible only to "early risers," this one allows for a more leisurely visit.

It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Oiso Station. The nearby paid parking can get crowded, so public transportation is recommended. On this day, I accessed it by car, but there was a bit of a wait.

Oiso Port
Location: Oiso 1398-6
Oiso Market's operating hours: Third Sunday of the month from 9 AM to 2 PM. *From July to August, it is held from 5 PM to 8:30 PM

Among the various morning markets I've visited in the Kanto region, Oiso Market is particularly vibrant. The variety of shops also ranges from gourmet food to various goods. Just walking around lifts your spirits. Perhaps because it is close to Shonan, I feel like I've somehow stumbled into a seaside festival, giving me a sense of openness.

Enjoying the hustle and bustle while searching for delicious food

Since it's a special occasion, I want to enjoy the gourmet unique to Oiso. What caught my eye was the banner for Oiso Menchi. It seems to be handled by Meat House Sasaya, which was established in 1936. I was also curious about the croquettes, but I decided to buy the "Oiso Menchi" (120 yen).

When I took a bite of the crispy coating, the juicy flavor packed with the taste of meat spread in my mouth. With its deep flavor, it goes perfectly with the sauce! It's wonderful to enjoy this quality for just 120 yen. I can understand why it has been loved across generations.

And the one that was standing out in line at Oiso Market was PIZZA MONTE COSTA. The food truck is equipped with a pizza oven, and they carefully bake each pizza after you order. On this day, the level of attention was so high that even a television crew came to cover it, raising expectations.

All the pizzas looked delicious, but this time I chose the "Bianchetti" (1500 yen) topped with tiny dried sardines. Of course, it's piping hot since it's freshly baked.

What surprised me was the texture; the dough is wonderfully chewy. The umami from the sardines and the punch from the garlic create a deliciousness that far exceeds my expectations. Perhaps because it's baked in a genuine pizza oven, the aroma that wafts through is also clearly felt.

Next, I became interested in Yasuda Burgur. It stands out from traditional food trucks with its cool appearance. Drawn by this presence, I found myself lining up. Unfortunately, the smash burger I was aiming for was sold out, but instead, I chose the "W Thick Beef Aburi Soy Sauce Style Single" (1200 yen), which is a Japanese-style burger that I had never eaten before, heightening my expectations.

Immediately, I took a big bite of the hamburger. I couldn't help but exclaim "Oh!" because the thick-cut meat was overwhelmingly present. The sweet and savory Japanese-style sauce enhanced the original deliciousness of the meat, and it paired perfectly with the melting cheese. Both the pizza and the burger offer a deliciousness that completely transcends the kitchen truck framework. My family, who were with me, seemed so moved by the incredible taste that they ran off to buy another one.

In contrast to the lively Oiso Market, the leisurely scenery also

is right next to the bustling venue, showcasing one aspect of Oiso Port as a fishing harbor. During the day, a relaxed landscape unfolds.

Along the wharf, there are people quietly enjoying fishing. Although the port is usually a quiet place reserved for fishermen, it must be enveloped in excitement on the days of the Oiso Market. Nearby, people enjoying meals and those with dogs are spending their time in their own ways, creating a wonderfully unique blend.

In the grassy area, a music event was taking place. It seems people set up pop-up tents and leisure sheets to enjoy meals purchased at the Oiso Market. Although it was a day when I still felt a bit chilly, the pleasant sunlight pouring down made it quite comfortable.

I would like to come back on the third Sunday of April

It was a day of rediscovering the charm of Oiso, overwhelmed by delicious gourmet food that exceeded my imagination. Now that we are entering a more pleasant season, I've heard that events will be held at night in July and August to avoid the heat. I'm looking forward to enjoying a fantastical atmosphere that is different from daytime, and I think I will visit again.

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