Your Complete Guide to Supermarkets Across Japan
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Essential tips for shopping at Japanese supermarkets
Before we delve into the details of various supermarkets, here are four key tips for shopping at Japanese supermarkets. Keep these in mind for your next shopping spree to navigate Japanese supermarkets like a local.
1. Check for nearby supermarkets when choosing accommodation
While most tourists prefer staying in city centers for convenience, these bustling areas often have fewer residential neighborhoods and thus fewer supermarkets. If you plan to do grocery shopping, check the supermarketsâ official websites for store locations before deciding on your accommodation. This will save you from lugging heavy shopping bags over long distances. We recommend choosing large supermarkets for a more comprehensive shopping experience.
2. Look out for supermarkets on your first day and note discount days
Many Japanese supermarkets offer discounts on different product categories on specific days. Sometimes, you might even catch special promotions with limited-time products. Don't leave these discounts to chanceâcheck the supermarketsâ official websites or pick up a discount flyer in-store to plan your shopping spree.
3. Do snack shopping at supermarkets instead of convenience stores
Japanese convenience stores can be tempting with their attractive packaging, but stay calm. Common snacks and cookies are actually cheaper at supermarkets, which gets you more for your budget.
4. Hit the supermarkets around 8:00 p.m. for discounts
One of the most exciting aspects of Japanese supermarkets is the evening discount on bento boxes. Staff apply discount stickers to bento boxes, sushi, grilled chicken skewers, and various prepared foods around 8:00 p.m.
Top 7 Japanese supermarkets by customer satisfaction
With numerous supermarket brands in Japan, itâs difficult to figure out which ones are the most satisfying ones for customers. To save time, refer to the seven best supermarkets selected in a former JCSI (Japanese Customer Satisfaction Index) survey. Let's explore what makes them so appealing.
OK Supermarket: "High QualityâEveryday Low Price"
OK Supermarket has over 130 stores in Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures. Their slogan "High QualityâEveryday Low Price" has consistently provided consumers with great deals. They don't hold special promotional events, allowing them to pass these advertising savings directly to customers, offering low prices on daily necessities year-round.
If youâre residing in Japan, make sure to sign up for their membership card, granting an additional three percent discount on food with every purchase.
OK Supermarket
Store locations: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama prefectures
Official websites: https://ok-corporation.jp/ (in Japanese only;) OK Supermarket store locator: https://ok-corporation.jp/shop/ (in Japanese only)
Costco: Membership-only warehouse retail store
Costco, a famous retail store chain from the U.S., is known for its large quantity-products and ultra-low prices. To enter the store, youâll need a membership card, however, if you have one from the U.S. or any other country, you can simply walk in.
The store offers a vast array of products, including both domestic and imported items. You'll find food, electronics, auto parts, furniture, jewelry, books, cosmetics, clothing, and more. After shopping, many customers make it a tradition to enjoy a hot dog or pizza in the food court.
Costco
Store locations: Nationwide in Japan
Official websites: https://www.costco.co.jp/; Costco store locator: https://www.costco.co.jp/store-finder
Seijo Ishii: A treasure trove of imported goods
Seijo Ishii stores can be found on streets, in department stores, shopping centers, and office buildings. What sets it apart from regular supermarkets is its focus on higher-priced quality items and unique products that make up about 30 percent of the inventoryâitems you won't find in other supermarkets. While not the cheapest option overall, the rich variety of products continues to attract consumers.
Seijo Ishii
Store locations: Kanto, Kansai, Tohoku, Chugoku regions
Official websites: http://www.seijoishii.co.jp/en/; Seijo Ishii store locator: http://www.seijoishii.co.jp/shop/
Gyomu Super: Budget-friendly shopping experiece
Gyomu Super offers great deals daily and has stores from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Here, you can find inexpensive bulk and large-sized products, making it a go-to supplier for many Japanese food businesses. The store primarily stocks long-shelf-life items, with popular must-buy products including frozen Sanuki udon noodles, meatballs, grilled chicken skewers, and cheesecake.
Gyomu Super
Store locations: Nationwide in Japan
Official websites: https://www.gyomusuper.jp/english/index.php; Gyomu Super store locator: https://www.gyomusuper.jp/shop/index.php (in Japanese only)
Trial: Comprehensive selection of food and daily necessities
Originating in Fukuoka, Trial now has over 300 stores nationwide, from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. Not only are their prices low, but they also offer a wider range of products than typical supermarkets, including daily necessities, clothes, food, and even various home appliances.
Their natural carbonated water is particularly cheap and a must-buy for many. While most products cater to family households, stores in urban areas tend to focus more on individuals and small families. It's a great place to shop and browse.
Trial
Store locations: Nationwide in Japan
Official website: https://www.trial-net.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Trial store locator: https://www.trial-net.co.jp/shops/index_map
Mandai: Offers weekly deals
Centered in Osaka, Mandai is well-regarded for its rich product selection and quality. Their house brand "Mandai Select" offers many food items, daily necessities, pet supplies, and alcoholic beverages tailored to Kansai Region consumers' preferences.
They hold "Tuesday Uniform Sale" and "Friday Market" events every week. Tuesdays feature JPY 98 or JPY 108 sections, while Fridays offer discounted fresh foods. The most popular event is the "Mandai Monthly Market" held on the 1st of each month (except January 1st,) where many people come early to buy super cheap vegetables, meat, rice, and daily necessities like toilet paper.
Mandai
Store locations: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Mie prefectures
Official websites: http://www.mandai-net.co.jp/; Mandai store locator: http://www.mandai-net.co.jp/shopsearch/
Life: Rich in private-label products
Life supermarkets are concentrated in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Kinki Region, with a strong presence in Tokyo. Their standout feature is the abundance of private-label products, ranging from budget-friendly items to natural food lines and premium offerings.
Inside, you'll find brands like "Smile Life," "Life Premium," "BIO-RAL," and "Star Select." Must-buy recommendations include the "Select Milk" from Hokkaido's Toyotomi Town, as well as yogurt and pudding products.
Life
Store locations: Kanto, Kansai regions
Official website: http://www.lifecorp.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Life store locator: http://www.lifecorp.jp/store/
Editor's Pick: 5 more supermarkets not to miss
After introducing the supermarkets above, here are five more supermarkets highly recommended by our editorial team. Most of these can be easily found in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including some smaller supermarkets similar in scale to convenience stores. Don't forget to pop in when you pass by and experience the unique charm of each supermarket.
Seiyu: Some stores open round the clock
Founded in 1963, Seiyu supermarket has over 250 stores nationwide and offers many cheap products, making it a favorite among locals. Their private brand "Endorsed by Everyone" series includes only products that received over 70 percent approval in pre-launch consumer evaluations.
Another key point to note is that many Seiyu stores operate round the clock. This is great for travelers who return to their hotels late at night, allowing them to leisurely browse the supermarket without rushing.
Seiyu
Store locations: Nationwide in Japan
Official website: https://www.seiyu.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Seiyu store locator: https://www.seiyu.co.jp/searchshop/ (in Japanese only)
Maruetsu: Multiple supermarket formats offer different shopping experiences
Maruetsu has over 300 supermarkets in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, divided into three formats: regular Maruetsu, small-scale Maruetsu Petit, and upscale Lincos. They offer fresh and affordable produce, and while there are no fixed discount days, they hold periodic sales events. Their brand "eatime" lets you taste flavors from different regions. Must-buy items include nut ice cream, natto, and tofuâall excellent in terms of ingredients and taste.
Maruetsu
Store locations: Mainly Tokyo and surrounding prefectures
Official website: https://www.maruetsu.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Maruetsu store locator: https://www.maruetsu.co.jp/index.php/shop (in Japanese only)
Summit: A great place for residents' leisure shopping
Summit supermarkets are located in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. Many stores have eat-in corners for customers to dine or rest. The deli section offers a rich variety of grilled meats and fish. Don't miss the bakery section with freshly baked bread and pizza. Besides food, Summitâs household goods section lets you buy all sorts of daily necessities.
Summit
Store locations: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba prefectures
Official website: https://www.summitstore.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Summit store locator: https://www.summitstore.co.jp/store/ (in Japanese only)
My Basket: Convenience store-like mini supermarket
Aeon's small-scale supermarket My Basket is mainly available in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama prefectures. It's smaller than regular supermarkets, more like a large convenience store. Despite its size, it offers everything you'd find in larger supermarketsâfresh foods, drinks, snacks, ready meals, and more. It also carries many products from Aeon's private brand "Topvalu." It's an indispensable presence for families and singles living nearby.
My Basket
Store locations: Tokyo, Kanagawa prefectures
Official website: https://www.mybasket.co.jp (in Japanese only;) My Basket store locator: https://www.mybasket.co.jp/shop/ (in Japanese only)
Ito-Yokado: Massive general supermarket chain run by the 7-Eleven Group
About 70 percent of Ito-Yokado stores are located in the Kanto Region, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In addition to food, they offer daily necessities, clothing, home appliances, and pharmaceutical products, with prices varying slightly between stores.
When you visit, don't miss their popular private label brands, which cover everything from food to household items. One standout line is the "Kao ga Mieru O-Shokuhin (Food with a Face)" series, which has been featured on TV programs. This series includes vegetables, fruits, fresh fish and meat, rice, and processed foods.
It adheres to five principles: using only domestically produced agricultural and marine products, carefully selecting ingredients from safe production environments across Japan, displaying the names of producers, introducing the producers' commitment to their ingredients, and conducting thorough inspections to minimize pesticides and pharmaceuticals. These principles ensure consumer peace of mind and bring producers and consumers closer together.
Some stores also feature in-store tastings from the Japanese-Chinese cuisine specialty store "Kanseien" gyoza. Another popular item is the "Super Wrinkle-Free Shirt." Since Ito-Yokado started as a clothing retailer, these shirts, which claim to stay crisp without ironing, are a big hit for their time-saving convenience.
Ito-Yokado
Store locations: Chubu, Kanto, Tohoku, Hokkaido regions
Official website: https://www.itoyokado.co.jp/special/global/en/; Ito-Yokado store locator: https://www.itoyokado.co.jp/special/global/en/shops/
Japan's regional supermarkets
As you explore different regions of Japan, you'll likely encounter supermarket brands that are unfamiliar to you. These stores often carry local specialty products, which are not only favorites among locals but have also been gaining popularity with international travelers in recent years.
Arcs: Hokkaido's large-scale supermarket chain
With over a dozen stores in Sapporo, Arcs has become an integral part of local residents' daily lives. Not only are their prices affordable, but they offer even better deals on sale days. The stores mainly sell food and daily necessities, including health products, items for seniors, and local Hokkaido specialties you can't find elsewhere. As a larger-scale supermarket, most Arcs stores provide parking facilities.
Arcs Supermarket
Store locations: Hokkaido Prefecture
Official website: https://www.douhoku-arcs.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Arcs store locator: https://www.douhoku-arcs.co.jp/store/map/ (in Japanese only)
Tsuruya: Packed with local Nagano specialties
The most attractive feature of Nagano Prefecture's Tsuruya supermarket is its abundance of private label products. As Nagano is famous for fruit production, you'll find a large jam section upon entering the store.
If you're unsure which to choose, try the most popular "Shinshu Apple Butter" In the wine section, alongside Shinshu products, you'll find a wide selection of imported wines, including Tsuruya's own brand. The highly-rated "Shinshu Wine" series is available for less than JPY 1,000.
Another special product is the coffee line produced in collaboration with Karuizawa's famous café "Maruyama Coffee." It includes varieties like "Karuizawa Blend," "Mild,", "Medium-Dark Roast," and "Dark Roast," allowing you to choose based on your taste preferences.
Tsuruya
Store locations: Nagano, Gunma prefectures
Official website: https://www.tsuruya-corp.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Tsuruya store locator: https://www.tsuruya-corp.co.jp/store/ (in Japanese only)
Tamade Supermarket: Cheap Osaka-based supermarket
With an exterior reminiscent of a pachinko (gambling game) parlor, Tamade Supermarket's interior is adorned with neon lights, exuding a unique style. True to the "super cheap" (æżćź) sign on its storefront, many products are priced unbelievably low.
They also offer a special "JPY 1 Sale," where customers spending over JPY 1,000 (before tax) can buy select items for just JPY 1. Recently, Tamade has started developing its own brand, with products like the "Juku Kobo" toast becoming quite popular.
Tamade Supermarket
Store locations: Osaka, Hyogo prefectures
Official website: http://www.supertamade.co.jp/ (in Japanese only;) Tamade Supermarket store locator: http://www.supertamade.co.jp/store/index.html (in Japanese only)
You Me Town: Supermarket and specialty stores in Western Japan
Headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, You Me Town is a comprehensive shopping mall combining a supermarket with numerous specialty stores. They offer everything from food to clothing and household goods. Some branches even include clinics, photo studios, and cafes, catering to various lifestyle needs beyond shopping.
You Me Town
Store locations: Chugoku, Kyushu, Shikoku, Kinki regions
Official website: https://www.izumi.jp/tenpo/hiroshima (in Japanese only;) You Me Town store locator: https://www.izumi.jp/tenpo (in Japanese only)
Missed the store hours? Shop easily online on WAmazing Shop
If you canât make it to a Japanese supermarket during your trip, or simply can't find the snacks or souvenirs youâre looking for, head straight to WAmazing Shop. Here, you can get your hands on popular cosmetics, snacks, souvenirs from different regions across Japan, daily necessities, and moreâall available at tax-free prices. First-time users even get a JPY 1,000 discount, so make sure to not miss it.
You can easily collect your order from special lockers at desginated airports across Japan, including Haneda, Narita and Kansai International Airport, as well as major train stations, and other locations.
*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and donât drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.
*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.
