Grocery shopping in Tokyo can be challenging for foreigners, particularly when searching for specific food products from their home countries. Standard Japanese supermarkets may not offer a diverse range of items, and options for vegetarians or those seeking halal products, or healthy choices like organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO, may be limited. Here are five grocery stores that could prove helpful.
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KINOKUNIYA
Kinokuniya is a renowned supermarket known for its high-quality products. Established in 1910 in Aoyama, it has played a significant role in introducing foreign culinary traditions to Japan, especially during a period when other supermarkets had limited imports of foreign foods. Notably, Kinokuniya made history by becoming the first in Japan to airlift natural cheese from France.
Under the KINOKUNIYA umbrella, there are various brands. For instance, “KINOKUNIYA” offers a diverse range of products, spanning from fresh produce to processed foods, while “KINOKUNIYA entrée” provides compact formats and can be found in locations such as stations and department stores. For specific store information, please refer to the details below. (Note: The information is available only in Japanese, so please use your browser’s translation feature.)
Further Details: KINOKUNIYA
Store Location: KINOKUNIYA STORES
KALDI COFFEE FARM
KALDI is also well-known as a store that deals in imported foods. The brand started its business by roasting coffee beans and engaging in wholesale operations to coffee shops. When you visit a KALDI store, you’ll find a wide variety of coffee beans, and they can roast them for you on-site. The stores offer a range of products, from condiments and canned goods to beverages and frozen foods, originating from various countries, spanning Asia to Europe. One distinctive feature is the abundance of products stacked up to the ceiling, as seen in the photo. Exploring the store is like searching for treasures, making the discovery of new foods an enjoyable experience. For specific store information, please refer to the details below. (Note: The information is available only in Japanese, so please use your browser’s translation feature.)
Further Details: KALDI COFFEE FARM
Store Location: KALDI STORES
SEIJO ISHII
“SEIJO ISHII,” with its founding dating back to 1927, boasts a rich history. Originally established in the upscale residential area of Seijo, where there used to be a film studio. Their customers were movie stars and directors who used to visit abroad frequently. Seijo Ishii responded to the requests of their customers and imported a variety of goods. Today, with a presence of over 200 stores, it is recognizable by its distinctive red signage. Inside, you’ll find an array of imported food products. Additionally, while Japan may not commonly offer additive-free processed foods like sausages, at Seijo Ishii, you can discover a selection of such additive-free products.
For specific store information, please refer to the details below.
Further Details: SEIJO ISHII
Store Location: SEIJO ISHII STORE
NATIONAL AZABU
National Azabu is an international grocery store with locations in Minami Azabu, Den-en-chofu, and Hiroo in Tokyo. Specializing in imported products from various countries, it caters to the diverse demands of its customers. Although its offline stores are limited to these three locations in Tokyo, National Azabu has an online store that facilitates deliveries across Japan.
Finding specific food and drinks with characteristics such as organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, no additives, no antibiotics, lactose-free, or halal can be challenging in Japan. National Azabu addresses these demands by offering a range food products that meet these specific requirements.
For specific store information, please refer to the details below.
Further Details: NATIONAL AZABU
Store Location: NATIONAL AZABU STORE
NISSIN WORLD DELICATESSEN
NISSIN World Delicatessen is a supermarket located in Higashi Azabu. It specializes in imported foods, offering a variety of fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy products that may not be readily available at typical Japanese supermarkets. Additionally, you can find a diverse selection of groceries and beverages from various countries.
The supermarket is known for selling seasonal imported items, including live Christmas trees. It’s worth noting that the first floor serves as a car park, providing convenience if you plan to make substantial purchases to take home with you.
Further Details: NISSIN WORLD DELICATESSEN
Store Location: NISSIN WORLD DELICATESSEN STORE
