Living in a foreign country is both exciting and challenging at the same time, especially if you’re not familiar with the language and culture. As a foreign resident staying long-term in Japan, it is essential to have access to affordable and convenient grocery shopping.
Grocery shopping in Japan is easier than you think. We’re here to help! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best stores to tips on how to save money.
What to Consider Before You Start Shopping
Before shopping, you need to think about a few things. Planning makes it easier. Here’s all you need to know:
Point System or Cards
Many Japanese shops use point cards. You earn and accumulate points when you buy anything. These points can be used to purchase other things. It’s like getting freebies. It saves you money. The popular point cards are Waon Points, Rakuten Points, and dPoint. There are extra discounts at certain shops with these cards. For example, Rakuten Points can be used online. The exciting part is that you get one if you visit the same shop often! Registration is free! All you have to do is ask at the counter.
Metode Pembayaran
Like in any other country, payment methods in Japan vary from store to store. Most supermarkets allow the use of credit cards for payments. They also accept electronic payments like Suica or PayPay. In big supermarkets, foreign cards are also accepted. Smaller shops, however, may not accept cards. You may need cash as a backup. ATMs are available at some convenience stores in case you are stuck. Cash is king in the countryside.
Phrases to Know
Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to speak Japanese to shop. But you would have to learn a few words. Everyday words like “bag” (fukuro) or “price” (nedan) will help. To say “How much?” all you have to say is “ikura desu ka?”. You may need to use language translator apps to help you convert text to speech. This would help you learn the correct pronunciations. Japanese culture is big on respect, so once you have been attended to, say “Arigatou” (thank you) with a smile. The staff may not speak English but they will appreciate your efforts.
Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)
A golden tip for grocery shopping in Japan is reusable bags. One regular plastic bag costs up to 15 JPY, while a reusable one costs 110 JPY at Daiso. It saves you money in the long term. Plastic bags are expensive in Japan to discourage wastage. There are also collapsible bags that can fit in your pocket. Some stores sell cute designs. You’ll fit in like a local when you carry one.
Grocery Stores When You’re on a Budget
There are stores in Japan that offer cheap grocery shopping. These discount stores provide excellent quality at low prices. You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy good food.
LIFE・ライフ
LIFE ・ライフ is one of the many stores with affordable groceries. It’s great for a tight budget. You will find various foods such as fresh veggies, meat, and snacks. Prices are as low as 100 JPY for bread. You can find LIFE ・ライフ in cities and suburbs.
OK Super
OK Super is another cheap grocery store. They are known to sell products of high quality. They focus on essential food items like rice and fish. You can get a meal for under 500 JPY. OK Super is less common but a worthy find. They are available online too. You can look them up.
(MEGA) Don Quijote
Don Quijote, also called “Donki” by locals, is a hot spot for grocery shopping in Japan. You can find almost anything there. Discounts are available from 6 pm to 9 pm every day. “Donki” also sells household goods. It’s loud and busy but fun. If you don’t like crowds, bring headphones along.
Big Chain Supermarkets Control Almost Every Neighborhood Throughout Japan
Supermarket chains operate throughout most of Japan. These stores maintain affordable rates and do not offer the lowest prices. They’re also easy to spot.
Aeon
Aeon is everywhere in Japan. It has lots of products. The cost of buying groceries at Tokyo, Japan supermarkets or other locations fits within reasonable boundaries. Japanese products, along with imported goods, are available at the stores. Aeon has bakeries inside, too. A loaf costs about 200 JPY. These stores maintain late operating hours that extend up to 10 pm.
Seiyu
Seiyu belongs to Walmart. It’s easy to find. The store offers an adequate selection of products. They sell cheap clothes too. Seiyu keeps prices steady year-round. The price tag for a rice bag at Japanese retail stores is 1,000 JPY. Big cities in Tokyo contain stores at any time of day and night.
Ito-Yokado
Ito-Yokado is another big chain. It’s reliable. People will find everything they need for their grocery shopping list in Japan at this location. They have fresh fish daily. The price of a salmon fillet at this store reaches up to 300 JPY. Ito-Yokado often has kid-friendly areas. Take your entire family while shopping together at this location.
Missing Home? Consider International Markets
Home cooking sometimes becomes missable. International stores can help. They stock hard-to-find items.
Costco
Costco sells imported goods, which incur international shipping expenses. However, you will pay extra for these items. You’ll find familiar items here, such as peanut butter or cereal. A yearly membership costs 4,840 JPY. Making bulk purchases at Costco enables you to get better deals. Since Costco is outside city limits, you must plan your shopping trip.
Kaldi Coffee Farm
Kaldi has international products. The store functions perfectly for any vegan customer buying food in Japan. The higher costs at this store provide exceptional value for your money. This store offers customers spices, pasta products, and coffee items. A small 500 JPY jar contains this salsa product. Kaldi is in malls. You don’t need a membership.
Rural Grocery Stores
The move to a rural Japanese residence requires you to rethink your purchasing possibilities. Japanese country grocery shopping follows this procedure. Options are fewer but workable.
Find Your Nearest Gyomu
Gyomu is a chain store. It’s in every prefecture. Look for one near you. This establishment provides bulk frozen along with dry goods for sale to customers. The price of a large chicken pack at Gyomu amounts to 800 JPY. The prices at Gyomu are more affordable than those found in ordinary rural stores. Travel to Gyomu using bicycle or automobile transportation.
Closest Drug Store
Drug stores sell groceries too. The selection is small. The essential food items at these stores include tofu and carrots. A block of tofu costs 50 JPY. The aisles containing food items are located at Matsumoto Kiyoshi stores. They’re suitable for quick needs.
Mom and Pop Stores
Mom-and-pop stores are small. They’re family-run. They sell local goods. The stores have limited operation hours, which end at 6 pm. Japan-based stores sell fresh eggs at 200 JPY each. They’re friendly but cash-only.
Online Shopping and Delivery
Don’t want to leave home? Japan has numerous online stores where customers can buy groceries quickly and easily. Take note that you’ll need a good internet connection when placing your orders.
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Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh delivers groceries. It’s easy to use, and their delivery service lets customers order the most essential items like milk and vegetables. Delivery is free for orders over 4,000 JPY.
Co-op
Japan residents can buy groceries through the Co-op website platform. It’s suitable for rural areas. The delivery service will transport your food to your doorstep. Customers can get rice at 1,200 JPY for a single bag through Co-op. Membership at Co-op requires payment of about 1,000 JPY. You will receive value for money by placing frequent orders through the platform.
Conclusion
There are many options when choosing your grocery store and a lot to consider. Your location will ultimately determine the available stores and what you can buy at these stores. If the journey to the grocery store is too far, you can always have your groceries delivered via the services mentioned above.
But whether you’re checking out a new supermarket or shopping from home, OMORIWIFI can support you by providing a pocket-friendly SIM card and data plans. Our Long-term SIM, home Wi-Fi, and pocket Wi-Fi ensure you are always connected to reliable internet providers. Find out more about our plans here.
