Ten Minutes to Understand How to Build a Direct Farm to Tokyo Produce Delivery Network

 I always start my mornings before the sun rises. On the farm I am up at four a.m. long before most people are awake. In this season bears sometimes come close so I adjust my start time a little to stay safe. When I walk into the fields the air is crisp and cold and I drink a hot cup of coffee while I breathe in the clean fresh air. That is my favorite part of the day. It is quiet and peaceful. I am alone with the land and it feels like the world belongs only to me. Maybe some of you have had a moment like this. I really love this time and I would not trade it for anything.

Azusa Limited Express Train Front View at the Station

On Thursdays my routine changes. Most of the week I live the slow grounded life on the farm but on Thursdays I catch the first Azusa train to Tokyo for my main job. I commute from a rural area to the city and this dual life is a big part of my story. I book my seat in advance because every seat on the Azusa is reserved. I buy my train ticket and express ticket online with a credit or debit card. I still pick up a paper ticket at the station. I usually use a QR code at the ticket machine. Because I paid online it is just about collecting the ticket before I board. Once on board I check my car and seat number. Above the luggage rack there are three small lights. Red means the seat is empty, yellow means a passenger is coming soon, and green means the seat is reserved. The system is smart and easy to understand. Tokyo is far from the countryside so it is comforting to know I will have a seat. I always watch my bags. There is a small restroom and a snack and drink trolley comes through the cars. On my way back at night I sometimes see people buying beer. The view out the window is amazing as the train moves through fields mountains and rivers.

Inside the Azusa Train Seat Reservation Status Lights Above Luggage Rack

Arriving in Tokyo I head straight to the office. The city crowds are always surprising. Riding the Yamanote Line is intense because it is crowded and I am in farm boots. I stand out and I know I look like a country bumpkin. The city moves fast but it has a kind of calm. People move with purpose and everything flows efficiently. This is different from the quiet of the farm but it has its own rhythm.

After my work is done I focus on my farm project. I do not grow massive amounts of vegetables but I have more than I need. I want to find people in Tokyo who appreciate organic produce. My vegetables might have insect marks or be imperfect but they taste real and fresh. I am starting with small deliveries to individuals cafes or restaurants that value farm to table produce. I am also considering a QR code system where people order online and I deliver on my weekly train ride. My first goal is to get one individual customer in Tokyo. I focus on quality and consistency.

This project is more than a side job. It is about connecting rural life with city life. It is about sustainable farming and local produce. By sharing my vegetables I create trust and community. I show people where food comes from and why rural farming is important. Every Thursday I carry my vegetables and my ambition on the Azusa. The commute connects my farm life with my urban life and supports my dream of bringing sustainable fresh food to city tables. If you want to try my vegetables you can contact me and maybe I will deliver some next Thursday.