Japanese Grocery Shopping: A Guide for Foreigners
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japanese supermarkets are clean, organized, and full of unique ingredients. Here's what you need to know.
Japanese supermarkets are clean, organized, and full of unique ingredients. Here's what you need to know.
Supermarket Chains
| Chain | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Seiyu (Walmart) | ¥ | Budget shopping |
| Aeon | ¥–¥¥ | Wide selection |
| Life | ¥¥ | Good quality, reasonable |
| Ozeki | ¥¥ | Fresh food, local |
| Kinokuniya | ¥¥¥ | Premium, imported goods |
| TRIAL | ¥ | Discount supermarket |
What to Buy
Fresh Food
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (5kg) | ¥1,500–3,000 | Koshihikari is premium |
| Eggs (10) | ¥200–400 | Very fresh |
| Tofu | ¥100–300 | Multiple types |
| Fresh fish | ¥200–1,000 | Sashimi-grade available |
| Meat | ¥200–500/100g | Beef, pork, chicken |
| Vegetables | ¥100–500 | Seasonal, fresh |
Prepared Foods
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bento box | ¥400–800 | Fresh, ready to eat |
| Onigiri | ¥120–180 | Rice balls |
| Sushi | ¥300–1,000 | Fresh, good quality |
| Salad | ¥200–400 | Pre-washed, ready |
| Bread | ¥200–400 | Japanese milk bread (shokupan) |
Drinks
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green tea | ¥100–300 | Bottled or packet |
| Coffee | ¥100–300 | Canned or bottled |
| Water | ¥100–200 | 2L bottle |
| Sake | ¥1,000–5,000 | Wide selection |
Discount Times
Most supermarkets discount ready-to-eat food:
| Time | Discount |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | 10–20% off |
| 6:00 PM | 20–30% off |
| 7:00 PM | 30–50% off |
| 8:00 PM+ | Up to 50% off |
Look for 半額 (hangaku = half price) stickers.
Grocery Shopping Tips
- Bring your own bag — plastic bags cost ¥3–5
- Check expiry dates — Japanese food is very fresh
- Try regional specialties — each area has unique products
- Buy seasonal — cheaper and better quality
- Use points — most stores have point cards
- Cash is king — some stores don't accept cards
- Ask for help — staff are friendly and helpful
📱Get a Japan eSIM
Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.