A Guide to Japan's Supermarkets
What to Expect from Your Grocery Shopping Experience
Supermarkets are more than just places to buy groceries—they offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, cuisine, and culture of a country. If you're visiting Japan, exploring local supermarkets can be an exciting experience! This guide will introduce you to major Japanese supermarket chains, what to expect when shopping, and where to find international groceries.
🏬 Japanese Supermarket Chains
Japan has a variety of supermarkets, from nationwide chains to regional favorites. Some of the most common ones include:
Maruetsu
Izumiya
Seiyu (part of Walmart until 2020)
Daiei
Ito-Yokado
AEON (one of Japan’s largest retail groups)
Tobu Store
Inageya
OK
Each chain has its own strengths—some specialize in fresh produce, others in affordability, and some offer extensive ready-made meal selections.
🛒 What to Expect at a Japanese Supermarket
🍱 Plenty of Delicious Ready-Made Meals
While Japan’s convenience stores (コンビニ) are famous for their high-quality meals, supermarkets take it up a notch! You’ll find an impressive variety of bento (lunch boxes) filled with sushi, hamburger steaks, fried tempura, katsu (breaded cutlets), and more.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit a supermarket in the evening—many bento and fresh foods are discounted, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal at a lower price.
🛍️ Smaller Shopping Carts
In many countries, people do large weekly or bi-weekly grocery runs, requiring big carts. However, in Japan, it's common to shop every few days, so the carts are smaller—just enough for a few days’ worth of food.
🎫 Rewards Programs & Payment Options
If you’re staying in Japan for an extended period, check if your preferred supermarket offers a point card. Programs like AEON’s WAON allow you to earn and redeem points for future purchases.
💰 Payment Options:
Japanese supermarkets accept cash (yen), credit cards, electronic payments (Suica, Pasmo, PayPay, etc.), and some even accept foreign credit cards.
🌍 Lots of Plastic Packaging
One downside of Japanese supermarkets is the excessive use of plastic packaging—fruits, vegetables, and fresh items are often individually wrapped. While efforts are being made to reduce waste, it’s still a noticeable aspect of shopping in Japan.
🌎 International Supermarkets in Japan
Looking for familiar flavors or specific dietary products (gluten-free, vegan, halal)? Japan has several international grocery stores that cater to foreign residents and travelers:
Seijo Ishii – Upscale supermarket with imported goods.
Jupiter Import Foods – Wide selection of international groceries.
Kinokuniya (Tokyo) – High-end supermarket specializing in international foods.
National Azabu (Tokyo) – Popular with expats, offers a range of imported goods.
Costco – If you’re traveling with a group or staying long-term, Costco in Japan offers bulk shopping with international brands.
Kaldi Coffee Farm – Great for international snacks, coffee, and spices.
🗺️ Tip: These international supermarkets are mainly found in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.
💰 Grocery Shopping on a Budget in Japan
If you want to save money, consider:
✔ Shopping in the evening for discounted bento and fresh items.
✔ Buying store-brand products, which are often cheaper but still high quality.
✔ Exploring 100-yen stores (Daiso, Seria) for basic groceries and snacks.
🍣 Experience Japanese Supermarkets Like a Local!
Visiting a Japanese supermarket is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re searching for unique snacks, fresh sushi, or a quick bento, supermarkets offer a glimpse into Japan’s everyday life. Try stepping into one during your trip—you might discover your new favorite food!
🚀 Have you visited a Japanese supermarket? Share your experience in the comments!
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