Japan Supermarket Guide

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  • Ozeki (オオゼキ) A Market-Style Supermarket Loved by Locals

    Ozeki (オオゼキ) A Market-Style Supermarket Loved by Locals

    Ozeki is a neighborhood-focused supermarket found across Tokyo and the greater Kanto area, known for its outstanding selection of fresh produce, meat, and seafood. With buyers sourcing ingredients daily from markets like Ota Market, the store offers exceptional freshness and a strong focus on seasonal foods.

    Inside, you’ll find vegetables and fish displayed in abundance, creating the lively, market-like atmosphere Ozeki is known for. Trusted by chefs and food professionals — including being named No.1 Supermarket Supported by Professionals by dancyu magazine — each location reflects its local community through carefully tailored product selections and attentive service.

    Top 5 Must-Buy & Best Souvenirs 🛍️

    1. Vegetables & Fruits — A True Market Experience🥬 

    While some produce comes neatly packaged, many vegetables and fruits are displayed loose and piled high, creating the feeling of a traditional market. According to Ozeki’s own team, this “market-like atmosphere” is intentional — a space where even without a plan, you’ll want to stop and browse.

    If you’re looking for the most impressive selection, the Shimokitazawa store is especially recommended, offering everything from everyday staples to hard-to-find seasonal produce packed tightly into the space.

    2. Midori Sushi (寿司の美登利)— Sushi Without the Line 🍣 

    One of Tokyo’s most famous sushi chains, Sushi no Midori, is known for long lines — but at Ozeki, you can skip the wait.

    Their Nigiri Assortment is available for just ¥735 (tax included), making it one of the best-value sushi options you’ll find in the city. Fresh, generous, and perfect for a hotel dinner or quick indulgence.

    3. Crab Miso Bagna Cauda — A Cult Favorite 🦀 

    This Crab Miso Bagna Cauda ranked No.1 in a televised Ozeki popularity vote, and once you try it, it’s easy to see why. Rich, savory, and deeply umami-packed, it works beautifully as a dip for vegetables or bread. Compact and unique, it also makes a great edible souvenir.

    4. Retort Curry Collection — Browsing Like a Bookstore🍛 

    At the Asakusa Kaminarimon store, even the curry section is an experience. Retort curry boxes are displayed like books on a shelf, with their spines facing outward — giving the aisle the feel of a bookstore.

    Choosing by packaging alone is half the fun. With regional flavors and unique recipes, this is an easy way to explore Japan’s curry culture one box at a time.

    5. Apple Pie — ¥100 and Worth the Hype 🥧

    Ozeki takes pride in developing its own products, and its bakery is especially well-loved. Among them, the ¥100 apple pie stands out as a fan favorite. Crisp pastry, sweet-tart apples, and unbelievable value — some stores sell out quickly. If you see it, grab one (or two).

    📍 Location & How to Get There

    Ozeki operates neighborhood-focused stores across Tokyo and the greater Kanto area, many located just steps from major train stations. Found in busy residential areas rather than suburban malls, Ozeki serves as a true “second refrigerator” for locals — and an easy stop for travelers.

    🚉 How to Find the Nearest Ozeki

    The easiest way to locate an Ozeki near you is to search on Google Maps:

    Search: “Ozeki supermarket near me”
    or simply “オオゼキ”

    Store listings include opening hours, directions, and real-time location info. Some branches are compact, while others — like Shimokitazawa or Asakusa Kaminarimon — are known for especially strong selections.


  • Central Square Ebisu Garden Place: A Spacious, Premium Supermarket in the Heart of Ebisu

    Central Square Ebisu Garden Place: A Spacious, Premium Supermarket in the Heart of Ebisu

    If you’re a supermarket enthusiast, Central Square Ebisu Garden Place is a must-visit. This massive, well-stocked supermarket is a paradise for food lovers, offering an extensive selection of fresh produce, premium meats, artisanal bread, and international grocery items. Located within the upscale Ebisu Garden Place, it caters to both local residents and visitors looking for high-quality ingredients and gourmet products.

    Unlike smaller urban supermarkets, Central Square features wide aisles and a carefully curated selection of high-quality Japanese foods, making it a pleasure to explore. If you’re staying in Tokyo and want a memorable food experience without dining out, this supermarket delivers. Grab a bento, sashimi, yakitori, and a bottle of sake — and enjoy a truly local night in.

    Top 5 Must-Buy & Best Souvenirs🐟

    1. Fresh Sashimi & Sushi Using Seasonal Fish🍣

    The tuna sold here is purchased every morning at Toyosu Market by the store’s dedicated tuna buyer, ensuring exceptional freshness.

    From sashimi to sushi trays, the quality easily rivals casual sushi restaurants. Perfect for a relaxed evening drink back at your hotel — no reservations required.

    2. Bento Selection — The “Nori-Ben” Series🍱

    The bento selection here is exceptional, but the real standout is the “Nori-Ben” series, all priced at ¥780.

    Each bento highlights premium ingredients placed over fragrant Ariake Sea nori, letting the flavors shine without being overcomplicated. Popular options include:

    • Tuna Harami Steak
    • Saikyo-Miso Grilled Chicken Thigh
    • Aomori Yam & Black Maitake Mushroom
    • Aji Fry with Egg Tartar Sauce

    Simple, balanced, and deeply satisfying — this is everyday Japanese comfort food elevated to a gourmet level.

    3. Japanese Sake Selection🍶

    This supermarket offers an impressive seasonal sake lineup, especially around the holidays. Alongside osechi ingredients, kagami mochi, and soba for New Year’s Eve, you’ll also find a carefully curated selection of Japanese sake and o-toso.

    Whether you’re looking for something celebratory or just a bottle to enjoy in your hotel room, this is a great place to explore regional and seasonal options.

    4. Yakitori — Charcoal-Grilled Junwa Akadori Chicken🐔

    A must-try if you find it in-store:

    “Charcoal-Grilled Junwa Akadori Yakitori”

    Each skewer uses 50g of premium Junwa Akadori chicken, grilled in-store over direct flame. The result is juicy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.

    Junwa Akadori is known for its perfect balance of firmness and rich umami. This item is available only at select locations, so consider yourself lucky if you spot it.

    5. BIORAL Okara Cookies🍪

    A great option for health-conscious travelers:

    BIORAL Okara Cookies are:

    1. Made with no animal-based ingredients
    2. Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin E
    3. Packed with generous amounts of okara (soy pulp)

    Light, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying — perfect as a guilt-free snack to keep in your bag while exploring Tokyo.

    📍 Location & How to Get There

    🗺️ Address: Central Square Ebisu Garden Place, 4 Chome-20-7 Ebisu, Tokyo, Japan
    🚉 Nearest Station: Ebisu Station (5-minute walk)
    🕒 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM

  • Seijo Ishii (成城石井) A Gourmet Supermarket for Food Enthusiasts in Tokyo

    Seijo Ishii (成城石井) A Gourmet Supermarket for Food Enthusiasts in Tokyo

    Intro

    Often referred to as “the Louis Vuitton of supermarkets” by a British journalist, Seijo Ishii has earned a reputation as one of Japan’s most premium grocery chains. Founded in Setagaya’s upscale Seijo neighborhood, it is known for its carefully curated selection of gourmet products — blending high-quality imported foods with refined Japanese flavors.

    With locations across Tokyo, Seijo Ishii offers a consistently elevated shopping experience wherever you go. From artisanal cheeses and specialty wines to handcrafted Japanese delicacies and exclusive house-brand items, it’s a trusted destination for food lovers. Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or staying longer, Seijo Ishii is a reliable place to find something truly worth bringing back — or enjoying the same night.

    Top 5 Must-Buy & Best Souvenirs

    1. Seijo Ishii desica Uji Matcha Polvorón🍵🍪

    『成城石井 desica 宇治抹茶のポルボローネ』
    100g / ¥530 (tax included)

    This house-brand matcha polvorón is one of Seijo Ishii’s most beloved sweets — and for good reason. Made with fragrant Uji matcha, the cookie has a delicate, crumbly texture that melts effortlessly in your mouth. The balance between buttery richness and deep matcha bitterness is refined, not overly sweet.

    It’s compact, shelf-stable, and unmistakably Japanese, making it one of the best souvenirs you can buy at a supermarket.

    2. Masumi Junmai Ginjo “Nokaze” Japanese Sake 🍶

    『真澄 純米吟醸 野可勢』
    720ml / ¥1,859 (tax included)

    Produced by Masumi, one of Nagano’s most respected sake breweries, Nokaze is a clean, elegant Junmai Ginjo with subtle aroma and excellent balance. It’s approachable even for those new to sake, yet refined enough for seasoned drinkers.

    Seijo Ishii’s strength lies in selections like this — premium sake that feels special, without requiring a visit to a specialty shop. An excellent choice for gifts or a quiet night in.

    3. Seijo Ishii Producer-Limited Potato Chips 🥔

    成城石井 生産者限定ポテトチップス
    Limited seasonal item

    A seasonal favorite that many locals look forward to every year. These potato chips are made exclusively with potatoes grown by designated producers in the Honbetsu area of Hokkaido. The result is a clean, honest potato flavor with just the right level of salt.

    They’re limited-time only, so availability depends on timing — if you see them on the shelf, consider yourself lucky and grab a bag.

    4. Japanese Craft Beer Selection 🍺

    A curated set of Japan’s best craft beers

    Seijo Ishii regularly curates selections of Japanese craft beer from breweries across the country. From familiar pilsners to hop-forward IPAs and fruity white beers, the lineup changes, but quality stays consistent.

    Perfect for warm evenings, this is an easy way to explore Japan’s craft beer scene without visiting multiple specialty shops. There’s usually something for every preference.

    5. Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Salsa 🦐🌶️

    Seijo Ishii Shrimp Cocktail

    If there’s one prepared food locals buy again and again, this is it. Soft, plump shrimp paired with a tangy, spicy salsa that delivers real heat. The sharp acidity and spice make it dangerously addictive.

    The salsa is fairly spicy, so if you’re sensitive to heat, locals recommend mixing it with mayonnaise for a milder — but still delicious — version. Ideal as a hotel-room snack or light dinner with wine or beer.

    📍 How to Find Seijo Ishii in Tokyo

    Seijo Ishii has many locations across Tokyo, often near major stations and residential neighborhoods.

    🗺️ To find the nearest store:
    👉 Open Google Maps and search “Seijo Ishii near me”
    or
    👉 Search “Seijo Ishii” + your current area (e.g. Shibuya, Ginza, Meguro)

    🕒 Opening hours vary by location, but most stores are open from morning until late evening.