Best Japanese Supermarkets in Tokyo (2025 Guide for Locals & Expats)

Tokyo is a city of endless shopping options – and that extends to groceries. Whether you're a budget-conscious local or a homesick expat craving tastes of home, knowing where to shop can save you money and hassle. This 2025 guide compares the best supermarkets in Tokyo by category: from cheap local chains to premium gourmet grocers. We'll also cover what to expect when grocery shopping in Tokyo, plus tips on discount times, point cards, and online delivery.

Grocery Shopping in Tokyo – What to Expect

Price Ranges and Cost Context

It's no secret that Tokyo's cost of living is high. In 2024, the average single-person household spent around ¥46,000 per month on food. Groceries in Tokyo can range from affordable local produce to import items with hefty markups.

Typical grocery prices:

• Milk (1 liter): ¥220–400
• Basic white bread: ¥100 (artisanal loaves: ¥600+)
• Domestic beer: ¥200–450
• Imported beer: ¥250–550

Imported products like foreign cereals, cheeses, or wines can be significantly pricier than local equivalents. Budgeting for groceries is important, but savvy shoppers can eat well without breaking the bank.

Store Types: Convenience vs Supermarkets vs Depachika

In Japan, you'll find several tiers of food shopping:

Convenience stores (combini) like 7-Eleven and Lawson are ubiquitous and open 24/7, but these are best for snacks, drinks, and emergency items. They have limited fresh produce and meats, usually at higher prices than supermarkets.

Supermarkets (suupaa) are where locals do regular grocery runs – they offer a much wider range, from fresh fish and vegetables to bento meals and household goods. Tokyo supermarkets often pack an astounding variety into a moderate space. In suburbs, large standalone supermarkets with parking are common, whereas in the city center many supermarkets are compact or even underground.

Department store food halls (depachika) are expansive, dazzling gourmet markets where vendors sell everything from beautifully packaged gift foods to premium produce and freshly prepared meals. They're a food lover's paradise – you might find fancy wagashi sweets, imported delicatessen items, and ¥10,000 melons – but they cater more to special occasions than daily shopping.

Shopping Culture

Japanese supermarkets emphasize fresh, seasonal foods and quality. You'll see entire aisles devoted to tofu or seaweed, and impressive displays of seasonal fruits. Ready-made meals are abundant – prepared bento boxes, sushi trays, fried chicken, etc., often made in-house or delivered daily.

Evening discount tip: Visit in the evening as many supermarkets mark down fresh foods a few hours before closing. It's common to snag half-price sushi or prepared meals after 7–8pm as stores discount items that are best eaten the same day.

Unlike Western big-box shopping, Tokyoites tend to buy smaller quantities more frequently. Shopping carts are correspondingly small – just big enough for a basket – since many people stop by on foot every few days. Nearly all supermarkets offer point card programs and accept cashless payment.

Best Budget Supermarkets in Tokyo

If you're looking to save yen on groceries, these budget-friendly chains are your best bet. They prioritize low prices over fancy decor, and you'll often find locals and expats alike hunting for deals in their aisles.

OK Store (OKスーパー): The Cost-Performance King for Locals

OK Store has a cult following as Tokyo's ultimate discount supermarket. Their slogan is literally "Everyday Low Prices," and they deliver on it. Walking into an OK, you won't get upscale ambiance – think plain shelves and occasional jumble – but you will find staples at rock-bottom prices.

Why OK is so cheap:

• OK Club membership card gives additional 3% off most purchases when paying by cash or store's prepaid card
• Lean operations with minimal staffing and simple presentation
• No-frills bento meals cost around ¥299, far below average

Despite the utilitarian vibe, quality isn't bad – you'll get fresh vegetables, meats, and fish, just without the gourmet packaging. Most OK branches are in residential areas and keep fairly long hours (typically ~9:00–21:00). If you spot one in your neighborhood, it's worth making it your go-to for basics.

Gyomu Super (業務スーパー): Bulk Bargains and Import Deals

Gyomu Super is another budget hero, nicknamed "Business Super" because it started as a wholesale supplier. Don't let that deter you – everyday shoppers can save a fortune here on bulk and imported foods.

What makes Gyomu Special:

• Specializes in large-size packages and freezer-friendly items
• 2 kilograms of french fries, giant blocks of cheese, liter bottles of maple syrup
• Beloved for imported goods and frozen foods selection
• International spices, pasta sauces, canned beans, huge bags of nuts

The trade-off is that Gyomu Super is light on fresh produce and meat – they have some, but the variety is limited and quality average. Think of it as a pantry-stocking paradise. Prices are often 20–30% lower than normal supermarkets on equivalent items. Most Gyomu Supers are open 9:00–20:00.

Summit (サミット): Big Suburban-Style Superstores

Summit is a traditional supermarket chain with over 100 stores in the metro area. It's not as dirt-cheap as OK or Gyomu, but Summit makes this list for offering good value in a spacious, one-stop shopping environment. Many Summit stores are larger, suburban-style supermarkets – often standalone buildings with parking lots, bakeries, even eat-in corners.

What sets Summit apart is their focus on fresh food quality and customer experience. They're particularly known for excellent fresh fish and an in-store bakery with delicious breads. Summit's slogan revolves around making supermarkets enjoyable, with initiatives like dedicated customer service staff in aisles and frequent food sample stations.

Summit advantages:

• Spacious, one-stop shopping environment
• Excellent fresh fish and in-store bakery
• Many locations open until midnight
• Good middle ground between budget and premium

Best Premium & Department Store Supermarkets

Sometimes you want the good stuff – imported cheeses, organic produce, or a perfectly prepared gourmet meal. Tokyo's premium supermarkets and department store food halls cater to those willing to spend a little extra for quality and variety.

Seijo Ishii (成城石井): High-End Gourmet Grocer

Seijo Ishii is a beloved upscale supermarket chain known for its gourmet foods and import selection. Step into a Seijo Ishii and you'll notice the difference: shelves of international wines, craft cheeses, European chocolates, and an array of high-quality Japanese products from all over the country.

What you'll find at Seijo Ishii:

• International wines, craft cheeses, European chocolates
• Items from your home country – Italian pasta, French pâté, foreign-brand potato chips
• Excellent deli and bakery section with famous homemade ready-to-eat foods
• Organic and natural foods selection
• More English labeling and sometimes English-speaking staff

Many branches are in train stations or malls, making them convenient for picking up a treat on the way home. Prices are higher than normal grocery stores, but the trade-off is finding delicacies and foreign items that might be rare elsewhere. Pro tip: some locations mark down perishables at night too, so you might snag gourmet sandwiches or sushi at a discount close to closing time.

Kinokuniya International (紀ノ国屋): A Legacy of Luxury and Imports

Not to be confused with the bookstore of the same name, Kinokuniya grocery is one of Japan's oldest premium supermarkets. The flagship "Kinokuniya International" store in Aoyama (near Omotesando) is an expat lifesaver that carries many Western staples.

Kinokuniya specialties:

• Western comfort foods: Marmite, muesli, baked beans, peanut butter
• Top-notch selection of foreign cheeses and wines
• Bread varieties: rye, sourdough, English muffins, pita
• Regional Japanese specialties and house-brand products
• Their signature roast ham and apple pie are locally famous

The shopping experience is pleasant with roomy aisles and polished service. Many embassies and international schools are in Kinokuniya's orbit, so you'll often see international families shopping here. It's pricey, but perfect for when quality trumps budget concerns. The main store is open daily (about 9:30–20:30).

Department Store Food Basements (デパ地下): Depachika Delights

For the ultimate luxury food shopping experience, head to a depachika – the basement food floors of Japan's department stores. These expansive, dazzling food halls aren't one supermarket but rather dozens of high-end vendors in a marketplace atmosphere.

What makes depachika special:

• Dozens of high-end vendors under one roof
• Everything from bento boxes to formal gift packages
• Sushi vendors next to French patisseries, across from Kobe beef butchers
• Impeccable quality produce (those ¥10,000 melons!)
• Restaurant-quality prepared foods for dinner or entertaining

The dessert and bakery sections are standout – you'll find both traditional Japanese wagashi and famous European pâtisserie brands. While prices are high, savvy shoppers know that just before closing time you can score bargains on prepared foods. Vendors often slash prices 30 minutes before closing to clear out bento, sushi, and other fresh items.

Top depachika locations:

• Shinjuku Isetan
• Nihombashi Mitsukoshi
• Other major department stores

Best International & Expat-Friendly Supermarkets

Tokyo's diversity means there are supermarkets catering specifically to the international community. These stores carry imported brands, have English labels, and often foreign staff or customer service.

National Azabu (ナショナル麻布): Expat Hub in Hiroo

National Azabu is legendary among Tokyo's expat population. Founded in 1962, it has served the international community for decades. Located in the Hiroo/Azabu area, an upscale neighborhood full of embassies and foreign residents, National Azabu feels like a slice of an American or European supermarket transplanted to Tokyo.

Why expats love National Azabu:

• Imported products you can't find anywhere else: American bacon, British tea biscuits, Mexican taco kits, Indian spices
• Labels and signs in English, many English-speaking staff
• Specialty items: vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher products
• Community bulletin board and local events
• Online shopping and delivery available

The aisles are brimming with imported products that you simply can't find anywhere else in Japan. Of course, these international goodies come at a premium price, but it's the one-stop shop for many expats to get familiar brands and ingredients for home cooking.

Nissin World Delicatessen (日進ワールドデリカテッセン): Roppongi's Global Grocery

Located near Azabu-Juban/Roppongi, Nissin is a three-story international supermarket that truly lives up to the "world" in its name. The first floor even has a parking area (a rarity in Tokyo), with the grocery and specialty sections on upper floors.

Nissin's strengths:

• Renowned meat selection (parent company is a meat importer)
• Quality steaks, roasts, imported sausages and hams, halal-certified meat
• In-house deli counter with cheeses and charcuterie
• Wide selection of international foods and ingredients
• European pantry items to Southeast Asian sauces and spices

Like National Azabu, Nissin caters to diverse dietary needs and provides home delivery if you spend over ¥7,000. The prices are on the high side, but you're paying for convenience and variety. If you're an expat in Tokyo, chances are high you'll become familiar with Nissin's aisles.

Peacock Store (ピーコックストア): Upscale Neighborhood Grocer (by AEON)

Peacock Store is a chain you might encounter in Tokyo's more upscale residential areas. Now operated by AEON, one of Japan's largest retail groups, Peacock supermarkets often fly under the radar but provide a nice blend of Japanese and international offerings.

You'll often find a Peacock in posh neighborhoods or attached to premium condo developments. The stores are typically mid-sized with a clean, pleasant atmosphere. While not an "expat supermarket" per se, Peacock tends to stock some foreign products that regular chains might not – imported pasta sauces, foreign cheeses, or international snacks.

Peacock features:

• Mid-range pricing, comparable to slightly upscale Japanese supermarkets
• Participates in AEON's point system
• Good compromise between local and international foods
• Found in areas like Ebisu, Daikanyama, or Mejiro

Best Local Japanese-Style Supermarkets

These are the everyday Japanese supermarkets that most Tokyo residents frequent. They strike a balance and are ubiquitous across the city, offering a full range of groceries and plenty of Japanese ingredients.

Maruetsu (マルエツ): Neighborhood Staple, Late-Night Convenience

Maruetsu is a common sight in Tokyo's residential districts. It's a standard supermarket known for convenience – many locations are open 24 hours or late into the night, which is a godsend if you need groceries after 10pm.

Maruetsu formats:

• Full-size supermarkets
• Smaller Maruetsu Petit stores for tiny urban spaces
• Many locations open 24 hours or very late

Prices are moderate with regular sales and point card programs (many participate in the T-Point system). The product selection is broad for everyday needs – good fish counter, decent meat section, and all the typical Japanese items, along with some imported essentials. It's the kind of supermarket you rely on for weekly grocery hauls when you live nearby.

Life Supermarket (ライフ): Family-Friendly One-Stop Shop

Life is one of Tokyo's largest supermarket chains by number of stores, especially within the 23 wards. Life markets tend to be spacious, often multi-floor with groceries on one floor and household goods or even a drugstore on another.

Life advantages:

• Spacious layouts, easy to navigate
• "Everyday Low Price" strategy with stable reasonable prices
• High-quality produce and fresh foods, often sourced domestically
• In-house bakery and good deli section
• Product labels often have some English
• Robust point card program with cash-back

Quality is a selling point – Life is known for high-quality produce and fresh foods. Many expats find Life a convenient default store. The chain offers weekly flyers with special discount days, like meat at 20% off on certain Tuesdays. It's an "easy" supermarket for newcomers to Japan.

Inageya (いなげや): Local Chain with Fresh Focus

Inageya might not be globally famous, but it's a long-running local supermarket chain in the Tokyo area with around 100+ stores. It has a strong presence especially in western Tokyo suburbs, often found in residential neighborhoods.

These stores project a bit of a retro vibe – some locations feel like they haven't changed much in decades, which for some shoppers is part of the charm. Inageya emphasizes fresh produce and a "community market" feel; some branches brand themselves as supporting healthy living and local farms.

Inageya characteristics:

• Average pricing, occasionally on the higher side
• Strong community focus with local engagement
• Recent partnership with retail giant AEON
• Seasonal Japanese vegetables and decent fish counter
• Limited import selection but sufficient for daily cooking needs

Tips for Grocery Shopping in Tokyo

Shopping smart can make Tokyo groceries more affordable and convenient. Here are some practical tips:

Money-Saving Strategies

Evening discounts: Most supermarkets mark down fresh bento, sushi, meat, and prepared foods in the evening, usually after 7 or 8pm. Look for the yellow or red discount stickers showing "20% off" or "半額" (half-price). Some stores even discount produce and bakery items later at night.

Join loyalty programs: Nearly every chain has a loyalty program. Getting a point card or app can give you perks like points (typically 1 point per ¥100 spent) redeemable for discounts:

• AEON's WAON or AEON Card
• Life T-Point or LaCuCa card
• OK Store membership (3% instant discount)

Shop seasonal: Embrace seasonal cycles of Japanese produce – it's often cheaper and tastier. Buy strawberries in winter when they're in season, or sansai (mountain vegetables) in spring when they're abundant.

Practical Shopping Tips

Bring your own bag: Japan now requires stores to charge for plastic bags (typically ¥3-¥5 per bag). Bring a reusable shopping bag (maibag) to avoid this fee.

Plan around sales flyers: Most supermarkets have weekly sales advertised in flyers or online. Stores might have "Meat Day Tuesday" or "Eggs 30% off Friday." Planning your shopping list around these discounts can yield significant savings.

Understand labels: Familiarize yourself with Japanese food label terms for different meats, milk vs yogurt, low-fat vs regular, etc. Food packaging often looks excessive with lots of plastic trays and wraps – this is normal in Japan.

Online and Delivery Options

Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper: Popular English-friendly option with low minimum order (around ¥2,000) and small delivery fee. You can order in English on their website.

Amazon Fresh: Available for Amazon Prime members in Tokyo, offering same-day or next-day delivery with a range of supermarket items including imported products.

Chain-specific delivery: Many individual chains have their own online shops. Ito-Yokado and AEON have delivery services where you can choose a 2-hour delivery window. Some stores offer free delivery above a certain purchase amount.

Alternative Shopping Options

Co-ops for families: Co-op delivery services like Co-op Deli or Pal System are subscription-based weekly grocery delivery programs popular with Japanese families, delivering fresh produce, milk, meat, etc.

Weekend farmers' markets: Tokyo has weekend farmers' markets (like in Yoyogi Park or Ark Hills) which can sometimes beat supermarket prices and offer fresher picks.

Bulk shopping: For families, consider a trip to Costco (with membership) or using bulk sections of Gyomu Super to lower your cost per unit for non-perishables.

Final Thoughts – Where Should You Shop?

Ultimately, the best supermarket in Tokyo for you depends on your priorities:

On a tight budget? Head to OK Store or Gyomu Super for the lowest prices. You might sacrifice a bit on selection, but your wallet will thank you. Many locals use these for bulk staples and supplement at other stores for variety.

Looking for international foods? National Azabu and Nissin World Delicatessen are expat paradises for imported goods, albeit pricey. Kinokuniya and Seijo Ishii also offer foreign products and gourmet items in a more upscale environment.

Craving premium quality? Treat yourself at a depachika or Seijo Ishii. These are perfect for special occasions or foodie explorations – whether finding an exquisite matcha dessert or a fine bottle of sake.

Seeking daily convenience? Neighborhood chains like Maruetsu, Life, Summit, or Inageya are reliable for weekly shopping. They balance reasonable prices, fresh food, and proximity.

Many Tokyo residents actually rotate among several supermarkets to get the best of each – perhaps doing the big weekly haul at Life, popping into Seijo Ishii for a treat, and hitting OK for bulk rice.

For expats settling in, mastering the supermarket scene is a key step in feeling at home. Tokyo truly offers the full spectrum – from affordable local markets to sparkling gourmet emporiums – all within the same city. In this 2025 landscape, trends point towards more online integration and greater availability of international and organic products. By staying informed and being open to trying different chains, you can optimize your grocery shopping to suit your lifestyle.