Shopping for Foreign Products: Costco & International Supermarkets in Japan
Discover where to find your favorite comfort foods and foreign brands in Japan. From the bulk aisles of Costco to the hidden gems of Kaldi and Seijo Ishii, this guide helps you navigate international grocery shopping while managing your budget and storage space.
The Costco Japan Experience: Bigger is Better
If you are from North America, Costco needs no introduction. But did you know that Costco is incredibly popular in Japan? It is not just for expats; Japanese families love it too. Visiting a Japanese Costco is a unique cultural experience that blends the familiar warehouse vibe with distinct local twists.
What is the Same and What is Different?
Walking into a Costco in Japan feels remarkably similar to walking into one in the US or Canada. The layout is identical, the concrete floors are the same, and the smell of the bakery wafts through the air. You will find the Kirkland Signature brand, the giant muffins, and the rotisserie chickens.
However, the product mix is about 50/50. You will find American staples like bagels, vast quantities of beef, and oversized bags of chips. But you will also find giant bags of Japanese rice, bulk packs of miso soup, and a massive seafood section featuring high-quality sashimi.
One major difference is the crowd. Japanese homes are generally smaller, yet the appetite for bulk buying is huge. You will often see groups of friends “share-buying” (splitting a large package of bread or meat) in the parking lot to fit everything into their compact freezers.
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The Membership and Payment
Your Costco membership is global. If you have a valid card from your home country, you can use it in Japan. If you need to sign up in Japan, the Gold Star membership costs around 4,840 JPY (including tax) per year.
Payment can be tricky. Costco Japan generally accepts only Mastercard credit cards. Visa and Amex are usually not accepted unless they have changed policies recently, or you use the co-branded Costco card. Cash is always accepted, but carrying large amounts of cash for a bulk shopping trip can be inconvenient.
Getting There
Most Costco warehouses are located in the suburbs, far from train stations. This makes having a car essential for a proper haul. If you live in the city and don’t own a car, many expats use car-sharing services for their monthly “Costco Run.”
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Must-Buy Items at Costco Japan
| Category | Item | Why It’s a Win |
| Bakery | Bagels & Muffins | Authentic size and taste, much cheaper than Japanese bakeries. |
| Deli | Rotisserie Chicken | Incredible value (usually under 800 JPY) and ready to eat. |
| Cheese | Sharp Cheddar/Mozzarella | Hard to find real, large blocks of cheese elsewhere. |
| Pantry | Peanut Butter | Giant jars of Skippy or Kirkland, a rare find in local shops. |
| Household | Paper Towels | The Kirkland paper towels are thicker and stronger than local brands. |
Kaldi Coffee Farm: The Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
If Costco is the giant warehouse, Kaldi Coffee Farm is the cluttered, charming attic full of treasures. You will find Kaldi stores in almost every major shopping mall and train station across Japan. You can spot them easily: just look for the store with the narrow aisles packed floor-to-ceiling with colorful packages.
Why Expats Love Kaldi
Kaldi is not exclusively an import shop, but it is the most accessible place to find international ingredients. Their selection rotates seasonally, which makes every visit a surprise.
- Asian Cuisine: They have an excellent selection of Thai curry pastes, coconut milk, Vietnamese pho kits, and Korean gochujang.
- European Goods: You can find decent Italian pasta, olive oil, German sausages, and a surprisingly good selection of affordable wines.
- Seasonal Treats: During Christmas, they stock advent calendars and gingerbread. At Halloween, they have spooky candies. It is a great place to feel the seasons change.
The vibe at Kaldi is welcoming. Before the pandemic, they were famous for handing out free cups of sweet, milky coffee at the entrance. This service is slowly returning in some locations. It is a great place to browse when you don’t need 5kg of something but just want a treat.
Seijo Ishii: The Upscale Convenience
Seijo Ishii is a supermarket chain often found in or near large train stations. It positions itself as a higher-end grocery store. While it is more expensive than your average neighborhood supermarket, the quality is undeniable.
This is your go-to spot for “fancy” foreign goods. If you are looking for French cheese, jamón ibérico, or high-end chocolate, Seijo Ishii is the place. They also have an excellent deli section with salads and ready-to-eat meals that lean towards Western flavors (like pasta salads, olives, and quiches).
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Seijo Ishii is particularly good for those who want to eat healthy or have dietary restrictions. They often stock gluten-free pasta, organic granola, and herbal teas that are hard to find in standard shops.
Gyomu Super: The Budget Hero
“Gyomu Super” literally translates to “Business Supermarket.” Originally designed for restaurant owners, it is open to the public and has become a cult favorite among the international community in Japan for one reason: the prices are incredibly low.
The Import Section Surprise
While Gyomu Super is famous for its cheap frozen meats and vegetables, it is also a secret haven for direct imports. To keep costs low, they import products directly from factories around the world.
You can find:
- Halal Food: Gyomu Super is one of the few mainstream chains that reliably stocks Halal-certified chicken and mutton.
- Frozen Imports: Belgian waffles, Brazilian chicken, and Taiwanese pancakes.
- Pantry Staples: Large jars of pesto, tomato sauce, and spices at a fraction of the cost of other import shops.
The packaging might not be pretty, and the store aisles are often narrow and filled with cardboard boxes, but if you are trying to save money while still eating foreign foods, this is the place to go.
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Jupiter and Yamaya: For the Drinkers and Snackers
Jupiter is very similar to Kaldi but focuses slightly more on dry goods and coffee beans. They are often found in station buildings. If you can’t find an item at Kaldi, check Jupiter. They often carry cereals and teas that Kaldi misses.
Yamaya is primarily a liquor store, but don’t let that fool you. They have an extensive “World Foods” section. Because they deal in imports, they often have great deals on pasta, pasta sauces, snacks, and juices. And, of course, their selection of foreign beers, wines, and whiskeys is vast. If you are looking for a specific IPA from the US or a wine from Chile, Yamaya is your best bet.
The Legends: National Azabu and Nissin World Delicatessen
If you live in Tokyo, specifically in the expat-heavy areas of Azabu or Hiroo, you have access to the “Holy Grail” of international supermarkets.
National Azabu feels like a high-end supermarket in California. They stock everything from American turkeys at Thanksgiving to genuine Butterball turkeys, varying brands of cereal, and organic produce. It is expensive, but it offers a seamless shopping experience for those who don’t speak Japanese.
Nissin World Delicatessen in Azabu-Juban is famous for its “Meat Rush.” They have a massive meat selection, including hams and sausages made in-house. The third floor is dedicated to wines and liquors. It is a favorite for diplomats and long-term expats who crave high-quality western meats.
Online Shopping: iHerb and Amazon Japan
Sometimes, no physical store has what you need. This is where the internet saves the day.
Amazon Japan has a “Global Store” section. You can find almost anything, but be careful with the shipping fees. Sometimes a box of cereal can cost 2,000 JPY if it is being shipped from the US. Always check if the item is “Prime” eligible and shipped from within Japan to avoid high costs and long waits.
iHerb is a lifeline for health-conscious expats. Based in the US, they ship to Japan incredibly fast (often within 3-5 days). They are the best source for:
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Protein powders.
- Organic spices and baking ingredients.
- Natural beauty products.
- Herbal teas.
Shipping is often free if you spend over a certain amount (usually around 6,000 JPY).
Navigating the Labeling Laws
When you buy foreign products in Japan, you will notice a sticker placed over the original ingredients list. By law, all food products sold in Japan must have an ingredients list and nutritional information in Japanese.
Sometimes, this sticker covers the English cooking instructions! It can be frustrating. A pro tip is to use the Google Translate camera function on your phone to “read through” the sticker if possible, or just look up the product online.
Also, check the “Best By” dates. The date format in Japan is Year / Month / Day. So, 24.05.01 is May 1st, 2024, not January 5th. Mixing this up can lead to throwing away perfectly good food or eating something expired.
Managing Your Fridge and Your Wallet
Shopping for foreign goods can be dangerous for your budget. Imported items generally cost 20% to 50% more than they would in their home country due to shipping and tariffs.
To maintain a healthy financial balance:
- Mix and Match: Buy your fresh vegetables, rice, and eggs at the local Japanese supermarket (like Life, Aeon, or Seiyu). Use import shops only for the specific items you can’t replace (like cheese or specific sauces).
- Buy in Bulk (Carefully): Costco is great for savings, but only if you have space. Japanese apartments have small fridges. Before you buy that 2kg bag of frozen berries, measure your freezer.
- Check the 100 Yen Shop: Surprisingly, shops like Daiso often have a small food section with foreign snacks or spices.
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Sustainability in Shopping
When shopping at these large retailers, especially Costco, you might find yourself with a lot of packaging. Japan is known for over-packaging, but bulk buying can actually reduce the total amount of plastic waste compared to buying many small individual packets.
Bring your own reusable bags. Costco does not provide bags (though they give you cardboard boxes for free), and most supermarkets now charge for plastic bags. Invest in a sturdy, large “My Bag” or a cooler bag for frozen items, especially if you have a long train ride home.
Conclusion
Finding your favorite foreign products in Japan is more than just about eating; it is about comfort. It is about having that bowl of oatmeal that tastes just right on a rainy Tuesday, or being able to host a taco night for your new Japanese friends.
While the prices might be higher and the trips might require a bit more planning, the options are there. From the bulk adventures at Costco to the serendipitous finds at Kaldi, exploring these international markets is a fun way to diversify your diet and make your life in Japan feel a little more like home.
So, grab your large shopping bags and go explore. You might just find that specific brand of hot sauce you thought you left behind forever.
