Grocery tourism—exploring supermarkets while traveling—is gaining popularity as a new way to experience a destination. Local supermarkets offer a unique glimpse into regional food culture and everyday life, revealing a side of Japan that you won’t find at typical tourist attractions. From prepared dishes and local specialties made with regional ingredients to exclusive seasonings and private-brand (PB) products, there’s plenty to discover. In this article, we introduce seven distinctive local supermarket chains from across Japan and the unique appeal of each.
Tsuruya Karuizawa Store
Fresco Horikawa Store (Kyoto Prefecture)
┃Fresco is a local supermarket chain you’ll find throughout Kyoto, combining the convenience of a supermarket and a convenience store.
Some locations are open 24 hours. Fresco Horikawa Store, about a 12-minute walk from Nijo Castle, stands out for its traditional machiya-style exterior that blends in with the surrounding streetscape.
Inside, you’ll find local Kyoto vegetables and pickles, as well as matcha ice cream created in collaboration with a long-established Uji tea shop—a treat not to be missed.
Suzukiya Zushi Station Store (Kanagawa Prefecture)
┃Just a 5-minute train ride from the popular tourist destination of Kamakura, Suzukiya Zushi Station Store is a local supermarket located right in front of Zushi Station, offering a glimpse into everyday local life.
Along with fresh produce from nearby farms and fishing ports, you’ll also find products from popular local restaurants and specialty shops.
Its deli section has won numerous awards, and the Cha Cha Nori Ben is especially popular. Enjoy it as a rice bowl, or pour the accompanying clear broth over it to make a delicious ochazuke-style meal.
Don’t miss local specialties such as Hayama Beef Curry and ZUSHI COFFEE, a fair-trade coffee brand from Zushi.
┃The spacious store offers more than 50 varieties of private-brand jam, many of them made with fruit grown in Nagano Prefecture. They make popular souvenirs unique to Nagano, one of Japan’s leading fruit-producing regions.
Don’t miss Tsuruya’s private-brand dried fruits and local craft beers, as well as products created in collaboration with Maruyama Coffee, a popular café in Karuizawa.
Access
Nakakaruizawa Sta. (Shinano Railway) → 16 min walk
┃Smaller than a supermarket but just as full of local character, Seicomart is a must-visit. It is Hokkaido’s largest convenience store chain by number of stores.
Its Hot Chef meals, freshly prepared in in-store kitchens, are especially popular. You’ll also find a wide variety of products made with Hokkaido ingredients, including milk and melon. The store’s original Secoma brand offers everything from ice cream and other sweets to prepared foods and beverages.
Daikyo Value Yanaga store (Fukuoka Prefecture)
┃Daikyo Value Yanaga store is renowned for its outstanding deli selection. It has won prizes at the Bento & Prepared Meal Awards for 14 consecutive years, attracting many customers who come specifically for its prepared foods.
Some popular items are available in limited quantities—as few as 10 servings a day—and often sell out quickly. The Sunday morning market is another local favorite, with shoppers lining up even before the store opens.
Don’t miss the store’s signature grilled pig’s trotters.
Another must-try is Nama Cream Ohagi, an original sweet made with fresh cream sandwiched inside traditional ohagi. Its popularity even led to the opening of a specialty shop next to the supermarket.
Access
JR Hakata-Minami Sta. → 9 min by bus → Yayanaga Danchi Bus Stop → 3 min walk
┃Founded in Okinawa as a cake shop selling imported foods and daily necessities, Jimmy’s has become a beloved local favorite with a unique blend of Okinawan and American food culture.
Freshly baked apple pies, bread, cookies, and garlic chicken made with Yanbaru Young Chicken from Okinawa are among its most popular items. The deli section offers a wide selection of dishes, from traditional Okinawan cuisine to international favorites.
The restaurant next to the Naha Branch is also worth a visit. Enjoy the chef’s signature steak set or the popular buffet, where even whole cakes are included in the all-you-can-eat menu.
Jimmy’s original merchandise is also available, making great souvenirs from Okinawa.
At a staffed checkout, simply take your basket to the register. A cashier will scan your items and process your payment. After paying, move to the packing counter and pack your purchases into your own shopping bag. At a self-checkout, place your shopping bag in the packing area beside the register, then scan your items one by one and place them directly into the bag. Some self-checkout systems automatically check the weight of the bagged items to help ensure that every item has been scanned. Just follow the instructions on the screen. Some machines also allow you to switch the display language to English or Chinese.
┃2. Can I use the plastic bags provided at the packing counter?
Yes. These plastic bags are provided for wrapping fresh foods and other items that may leak or contain moisture, helping to keep your shopping bag and other groceries clean. They are free to use, but please take only as many as you need.
┃3. I noticed some items with discount stickers. When are they usually applied?
In many supermarkets, discount stickers are often applied from late afternoon until closing time. Items such as prepared foods and bento boxes, especially those nearing their expiration date, are frequently discounted.
┃4. Can I use the microwave oven and hot water dispenser provided at the supermarket?
Yes. You can use them to heat prepared foods purchased at the supermarket or to add hot water to instant cup noodles. However, they are intended only for items purchased at that store and should not be used for products bought elsewhere.
