Hello everyone! I’m Zackie-saurus, a family camper raising two growing kids with bottomless stomachs!
When you go camping, don’t your kids get hungrier than usual from playing outside?
“Mom, I’m hungry!” “Is there any more meat?”
Hearing this makes me happy, but I also worry about my wallet! (Laughs)
Today, I want to introduce a “Hidden Gem” shopping spot in Mashiki, Kumamoto that my family always visits before heading to Aso for camping.
It’s called “Furusato Market” (Hometown Market).
Not only is the food cheap, but you might also be able to get a stylish camping item for FREE! It’s truly like a treasure chest.
▲ View from the Family Mart side. A mountain of treasures awaits inside!
Perfect for Big Families! “Furusato Market” has EVERYTHING
“Furusato Market” is just a 5-minute drive from Aso Kumamoto Airport towards Tawarayama.
It is a huge direct sales store run by a local company with a cool name: “American Farm.”
They have a massive parking lot that can hold 500 cars, but on weekends, it’s packed! It feels like a theme park.
Looking around the parking lot, I see cars not only from Kumamoto but also from Fukuoka, Oita, and other prefectures!
I’ve even heard people say, “We come here once a month to stock up on everything!”
The fact that people travel from other prefectures proves the quality and price are unbeatable.
🥬 Not Just Veggies! Amazing Selection for BBQ
When you step inside, the first thing you see is an overwhelming amount of vegetables and fruits!
But the amazing part is not just the vegetables.
Usually, before camping, you have to go to a supermarket, then a butcher, then a liquor store… it’s tiring, right? But here, you can get EVERYTHING in one stop!
- Seasonings & Sauces: Forgot the BBQ sauce or oil? No problem. They have tons.
- Tofu & Pickles: Delicious local tofu and Japanese pickles perfect for rice.
- Meat & Fish: They have a great meat section for BBQ. Plus, there is a fish shop right next door for seafood BBQ!
No need to hop between supermarkets. This gives you more time to relax at the campsite!
Zackie’s Report: Get Free “Wooden Crates”?!
Now, here is the main tip.
Another reason I love this market is… “Wooden Crates”!
📦 How to get the boxes
Check the side of the shop (near the Family Mart).
Sometimes, wooden crates used for vegetables or fruits are stacked there.
Look at this god-tier sign!
It says “Please take home freely” (ご自由にお持ち帰り下さい).
【Zackie’s Note】
Since they were used in the market, they might have some sand or dirt on them. I recommend putting a leisure sheet in your car before loading them!
My family visits here often, so we take one box each time.
It’s our tradition to go home happy, saying, “We got something good for free!” (Laughs)
How we use these boxes:
- Camping: Use it as a stylish storage box. Just placing it at your campsite creates a cool vibe.
- At Home: Stack them to make a shelf! Perfect for storing kids’ toys or books.
- Next Plan…: Since we got another one recently, I’m planning to use it as a compost bin for our balcony garden.
*It depends on stock, so please consider yourself lucky if you find one!
Crowded? No Stress at Checkout!
“If it’s so popular, the checkout line must be long…” you might think.
Don’t worry!
Although there are many people, the checkout process is surprisingly fast!
The staff are veterans and very efficient. You can finish shopping before your kids get bored.
Shop Information
📍 Furusato Market (Mashiki Store)
| Address | 938-18 Sugido, Mashiki-machi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto (5 min drive from Aso Kumamoto Airport towards Tawarayama) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed | Every Wednesday |
| Parking | 500 spaces (Easy even for large minivans!) |
| Highlights | Veggies, Meat, Fish, Sauce… All in one place! Chance to get free wooden boxes! |
Check Location on Google Maps ＞
👜 Zackie’s “Must-Haves” List for the Market (Click to Open)
Here are the items I always keep in my car when visiting the market.
🛍️ Large Shopping Bags
You will definitely buy more than you planned! A large, sturdy eco-bag is essential.
❄️ Powerful Ice Packs (Summer Essential)
There is ice available at the market, but bag quantities might be limited.
I recommend bringing your own powerful ice packs from home!
🥦 Keep Veggies Fresh
Bought too much? These bags keep your vegetables fresh longer.
🐻 My Favorite Cooler: “ORCA”
I use the “ORCA” cooler.
It’s a bit heavy, but the insulation is perfect! It keeps food cold for a 3-day camping trip.
If you freeze drinks (tea or water) before leaving home, they work as ice packs too!
Summary: Let’s Go Hunting for “Wooden Boxes”!
“Furusato Market” in Mashiki is not just a grocery store. It’s a place where families can get excited asking, “I wonder if we’ll find something good today?”
You can fill your stomachs with fresh, cheap food, and if you’re lucky, you can even get wooden boxes for DIY.
If you are heading to the Aso area for camping or BBQ, you shouldn’t miss this place!
Clear some space in your trunk and go visit like you’re hunting for treasure!
Have a Good Camp & Happy Family Time!