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Run by JA Itoshima (the Japan Agricultural Cooperative, Itoshima Division), Ito-Sai Sai is one of the biggest farmers markets in Kyushu. Registered farmers use the market to sell a huge variety of goods cultivated and produced in the local area. With meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, flowers and rice to choose from it was great to see local residents not only selling high-quality produce but contributing to a strong sense of local community in the process.

As the sun was shining so brightly I had to pay a visit to their dairy counter and try their special "Milk Ichigo" (Milk & Strawberry) ice cream. Made with one of Itoshima’s finest exports, the amaou strawberry, this is not to be missed. After living in Japan for almost 3 years I really miss my fix of British cheese, but Ito Sai-Sai may well fill that void as I spotted some top-quality locally produced, Itoshima cheese on sale.



These days it is possible to find cheap supermarkets but you would be hard pressed to find more reasonably priced fresh, local produce than what Ito Sai-sai has to offer. So for those of you reading this article, it is well worth the visit. If you live close by, the prices are reasonable enough for this to become your local supermarket. But if you live further afield it is a great place to spend an afternoon!