Ever wondered what foreign residents in Japan keep in their shopping baskets? We tagged along with Sam, a New Zealander who has lived in Japan for four years, as he shopped for his favorites at Ito Yokado, one of Japan’s most popular supermarket chains.
The Omori branch is conveniently located just 20 minutes by train from Haneda Airport and Shinagawa Station, and is an ideal stop for visitors to Tokyo.
Read on for Sam’s must-buy picks, plus helpful tips and recommendations from the store’s staff.
Everyday Shopping: Seasonal Fruits
┃Sam: Seasonal fruit here in Japan is one thing you don’t want to miss out on! With a huge selection of fresh produce throughout the year, Ito Yokado is the perfect place to discover fruits at their best. My personal favorite is peaches in summer!
Produce Staff: Freshness and quality are what matter most to us, and we even stock fruits that come directly from the farm. When picking fruit, a good tip is to look for ones that have a nice round shape and feel full, as they’re more likely to be sweet and delicious!
Everyday Shopping: Katsu Curry
┃Sam: Curry is a beloved staple of Japanese home cooking. When I don’t have time to cook from scratch, freshly made katsu curry is one of my go-to choices. It’s quick, filling, and full of flavor.
Deli Staff: If you’re looking for something filling, we recommend our fried rice bento made with the same chicken used for our teriyaki chicken. For those who prefer a healthier option, the “Veggie Box” is a perfect choice, offering a generous serving of vegetables.
Everyday Shopping: Hatomugi Skin Conditioner & Skin Conditioning Gel
┃Sam: These are some of my everyday skincare essentials. It’s always a nice surprise when I find great deals, like sample gifts or limited-edition sets.
Beauty Section Staff: Our 3D masks are a customer favorite, especially for those looking for fine line care around the eyes and mouth. QUALITY 1ST face masks are another staple.
Souvenirs to Take Home: The “Sugar Butter Tree” Series
┃Sam: The strawberry butter flavor(*) is my personal favorite. Of course, it’s delicious, but also affordable, and the perfect size for a souvenir.
*This is a limited-edition flavor available while stocks last.
Souvenir Section Staff: One item I regularly buy myself is “Kinomito,” made with caramel and walnuts. It’s an Ito Yokado store exclusive, so you can’t get it anywhere else!
Don’t Miss the Local Specialties Available at Each Store
┃At the Omori store, you can find products such as nori seaweed and tsukudani from a long-established local shop with more than 100 years of history. Be sure to check out other Ito Yokado stores as well, where you can discover famous local products unique to each area.
Ito Yokado Omori Branch
JR Omori Sta. (Keihin-Tohoku Line) → 10-minute walk / Omorikaigan Sta. (Keikyu) → 5-minute walk
10:00–22:00 / 2F & 3F: 10:00–21:00 (*)
*Tax-free shopping is also available at Ito Yokado. After making your purchase, you can complete the tax-free procedure at the in-store service counter on the same day. For details, please visit the official website.
*Please complete tax-free procedures 1–2 hours before closing.
Ever wondered what foreign residents in Japan keep in their shopping baskets? We tagged along with Sam, a New Zealander who has lived in Japan for four years, as he shopped for his favorites at Ito Yokado, one of Japan’s most popular supermarket chains.
