[Event] Celebrating 100 Times! The Usual Sunday Spent at Isehara-ichi

Even though it's the 100th time, it's nothing special.
The usual Sunday is right here.
That is what's most amazing—I went to Isehara's "Mountain Isehara-ichi".

Held on February 22, 2026, at Isehara City General Sports Park, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
https://iseharaichi.jimdosite.com/

The official website also announced this day as the "100th Event Commemoration", and it seems that vendor fees were free only for this day.
The organizers are so stylish.
Up on the mountain, I have my usual spot.

What is Isehara-ichi?

"Isehara-ichi" is a community-based morning market and event held in Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. July 2018 It started at Isehara City General Sports Park and has been held almost every month since then.

It is hosted by the Isehara-ichi Executive Committee, operated by JCON Inc., and supported by Isehara City. And supporting Isehara-ichi is NPO Isehara-like.

➀ NPO Isehara-like

An organization established in 2017 by Isehara-born entrepreneur Juntaro Sakamoto with the goal of "city economic development and regional revitalization."

The organization name "Isehara-like" contains two meanings: "Isehara Like" (I like Isehara) and "Isehara Iku" (Go to Isehara). It has grown into an event representing Isehara, with about 2,000 visitors each time.
https://www.instagram.com/iseharaichi/

② Two Venues

Currently, it is held in two systems: "Mountain (Sports Park)" and "Station South Exit (Shonan Isehara place)". Basically, Mountain is the 4th Sunday and Shonan is the 2nd Saturday, but it varies by month, so it is best to check the latest schedule on the official SNS.

• Mountain Isehara-ichi: Isehara City General Sports Park (320 Nishitomioka)

• Shonan Isehara-ichi: Isehara Station South Exit Shonan Isehara place

The venue for the "Mountain Isehara-ichi" is Isehara City General Sports Park, the largest park in Isehara City. Equipped with a baseball stadium (Isehara Sunshine Stadium), a gymnasium, an open field, a children's playground, and an observation deck, it is located on high ground, offering a perfect location with a close-up view of Mount Oyama's silhouette. The cherry blossoms in spring and the ginkgo-lined paths in autumn are beautiful.

"Shonan Isehara-ichi" started in May 2022. It is held at Shonan Isehara place, right by the south exit of Isehara Station, and its appeal lies in how easily you can drop by since it is so close to the station.

3. What kind of event is it?

The venue is lined with food trucks, vegetable stands from local farmers, merchandise booths, and flea markets. The stage features live music, dance, and performances for children. There is also a festival corner and a superball scooping game, all at reasonable prices like 50 or 100 yen. From small children to adults, everyone can enjoy a relaxing day.

The top condition for opening a stall is "The customer/visitor's enjoyment comes first." It even states, "We decline those who prioritize their own store's sales above all else." It is such a refreshing event.

Event information is updated regularly on the official Instagram.

The usual scenery of the 100th time

When I arrive at the venue, the usual scenery spreads out before me.

A child sitting on a bench eating cotton candy, a father pushing a stroller, and a yellow food truck with takoyaki flags fluttering. It's the 100th time, but it's nothing special. A typical Sunday is here. I think that is what makes it amazing.

The main street is lined with food trucks. Khao man gai, motsuni (offal stew), nata de coco drinks, baby castella... It is a dangerous street where your appetite is stimulated from both sides.

The familiar green banners. "
Isehara Morning Market Isehara-ichi is open" The staff's green T-shirts also stand out. They have done this 100 times. It's amazing.

Stage events

There are stage events in the plaza.

In front of a local performer holding a tambourine, children are sitting on the ground, completely riveted. With Mount Oyama in the background, a relaxing time flows by.

This sense of distance is nice. A space where children are happy, parents are at ease, and everyone can spend time in a laid-back way.

Rariho Lunch

Heading to the top of Isehara-ichi (the summit of Isehara Sports Park).
This is my regular spot.
For me, this is the 'main event' at Isehara-ichi.

Gourmand's khao man gai.
Shonan Cafe Lazy's coffee.

Yes, victory.

A clear winter sky where the ridgeline of Mt. Oyama stands out sharply.
The luxury of eating food bought from a food truck while having this view all to myself. Once you know this, there's no going back.

・Bird's-eye view

Today, the words of a certain monk were stuck in my head.

'Loneliness is not a bad thing. It's a time when you don't have to compare.'

Indeed. Half-hearted relationships narrow your perspective.
To know deeply and engage deeply, you need time alone to look down from a bird's-eye view.

Walk alone like the horn of a rhinoceros.

……or so I was thinking.

A kite is circling overhead.
Its target isn't me, it's the khao man gai.

On top of the mountain, philosophy and survival coexist.

Food truck tour

The one in the front is Gourmand.
The 'Thai Street Food Khao Man Gai' banner is the landmark.
Authentic Thai cuisine featuring boiled chicken on rice cooked in chicken broth.
I'm also curious about the nata de coco drink and the mango & strawberry fruit drink.
I can also see a motsuni (offal stew) food truck in the back.

And this is Shonan Cafe Lazy.
A coffee stand with a retro Volkswagen bus that catches the eye.
They also have tapioca drinks.
I love this vibe.

Today's loot

"Funwari Pan Kobo."
The A-frame sign with a cat illustration standing next to it says, "Magical fluffy bread made by a bread class teacher."
Only available here, it says.
I'm a sucker for things like this.

Fluffy cakes made with 50% Shonan wheat "Chikugo-izumi" flour.
Plain, adzuki bean (with boiled adzuki beans and strained bean paste), and cocoa. ALL 250 yen.
Everything is 250 yen. Too reasonable.

"Sakamoto no Tamago" is rich and seriously delicious.
If you're a regular at Iseharaichi, you obviously know this.
If you don't, you should definitely try it next time.

100th Anniversary Novelty

And today's highlight. The Iseharaichi 100th Anniversary Novelty tote bag I received from Shonan Cafe Lazy.

"ISEHARAICHI 100 times -Thanks-"

A design with stars scattered over the silhouette of Mount Oyama.
It's cool.
Will this become a premium item? What do you think, Iseharaichi?

Took a commemorative photo with the cake from Funwari Pan Kobo.
The plain one with a "Plain" sticker and the "Azuki" one.
The expiration date is "26.2.24." ...That's only 2 days.
In other words, eat it right away. With pleasure.

Conclusion

100 times. To continue a monthly event for 100 times.

Rain or shine, in the sweltering heat, they gathered vendors, prepared the venue, set up banners, built the stage, and welcomed guests.

That accumulation is what creates this "usual Sunday."

The smoke from the food trucks, the cheers of children, and the view from that observatory overlooking Mount Oyama.

There is nothing special. But when I come here, I think, "Ah, this is nice." That is Iseharaichi.

The 101st will surely be a typical Sunday, too.
As long as there are people protecting our "typical Sunday."
I'll be back.