Shopping at a supermarket while visiting another country is not only a great way to understand local life, but also an exciting opportunity to discover unfamiliar foods, ingredients, and new experiences. In this article, I’ve summarized some unique features that can be found in Japanese supermarkets. I hope you enjoy seeing the difference between them and those in your own country!
1. Products
・Fruits and Vegetables Are Expensive
Compared to other grocery items, fruits and vegetables in Japan can feel quite pricey. In fact, many Japanese people consider fruit a luxury, and not a great many people would say that they eat them every day. The main reasons for this include limited farmland, a dwindling number of farmers, and the fact that many farms are family-run. These small-scale farmers focus on cultivating high-quality produce with excellent taste and appearance, leading to higher prices.
・Extensive Packaging
Even small portions of vegetables, meat, and fish are usually sold pre-packaged in plastic trays or bags. Some travelers may question or feel uneasy about not being able to pick up and inspect food items directly, however, since each food product is carefully checked before packaging, there rarely are any problems regarding quality.
・A Wide Variety of Mushrooms
Japan has an extensive selection of mushrooms, with some supermarkets offering dozens of varieties. If you’re unsure which ones to try, I recommend eringi (king oyster mushrooms) and enoki (golden mushrooms). Both have wonderful textures and are easy to cook.
・Pre-Washed Vegetables
Most vegetables in Japan are washed before being displayed, so it would be hard to find dirt-covered produce in supermarket stalls or stands.
2. Differences in Facilities
・Checkout Systems
In many countries (perhaps similar to your own), supermarkets use a conveyor belt-style system at the checkout area, however, you’d be hard-pressed to find a shop in Japan that uses one. Instead, you’ll find two common alternatives:
- Self-Checkout: Customers scan and pay for their items on their own.
- Staffed Checkout: A cashier scans the items, but payment is usually completed at a separate self-service machine.
・Bagging Area
About 20 years ago, in most supermarkets, cashiers bagged groceries for customers. However, nowadays, that trend has declined dramatically, and shoppers pack their own groceries at designated bagging stations. These stations can sometimes be equipped with free plastic bags (occasionally with free ties or string) or cardboard boxes, or simply a wide open area where customers can bag their groceries into their reusable shopping bags, or plastic bags purchasable at checkout.
・Food Courts
Many supermarkets have designated areas where customers can sit down and enjoy food purchased in-store. Additionally, free microwaves (and sometimes electric kettles) are available for heating food. Customers are free to use this area and appliances without needing to ask staff for permission.
・Customer Service Counters (Not Available in All Stores)
Larger supermarkets often have dedicated customer service counters. Workers here assist with:
- Finding specific products
- Gift wrapping and shipping services
- Making announcements for missing items or lost children
3. Free Items
・Chopsticks and Other Cutlery
If you purchase a bento box or other prepared foods, you can receive chopsticks, spoons, or forks from a cashier, or take them for free. The type and location of these cutlery items vary by store, but if they aren’t automatically given to you, they can usually be found near the checkout or bagging area. Since they are free, feel free to take them without guilt or hesitation.
・Small Plastic Bags
Shopping bags at the checkout cost around ¥3 to ¥8 each. However, small plastic bags without handles are almost always available for free. These are typically placed near the bagging area and can be used without asking.
・Water
Some supermarkets have water dispensers where customers can refill their bottles for free. In some rare cases, you may need to purchase a store-designated reusable bottle first, but some locations allow refills without restrictions.
・Cardboard Boxes
In urban supermarkets, free cardboard boxes are becoming less common, however, in some stores, there is a designated area where customers can take them freely. If there isn’t a visible boxing station, just ask a store employee and you’ll be directed to the area or even provided one. In the past, many shoppers used these boxes to carry groceries on their bicycles.
4. Customer Service
・Special Handling of Fresh Products
For fresh foods like meat, fish, and some vegetables, supermarket staff often place each item in an additional (small) plastic bag at checkout to prevent leakage or potential dripping.
・Standing vs. Sitting Cashiers
While some supermarkets have recently introduced seated cashiers, it is still common for cashiers to stand while working. Regardless of the setup, Japanese supermarket employees generally provide polite and attentive service, and it would be extremely rare to encounter one with rude behavior.
5. Sales and Discounts
・Discounts on Items Close to Their Expiration Date
Many perishable items, especially fresh foods, are discounted as their expiration dates (or times) approach. The following are some Japanese words to take note of:
- Shoumi Kigen (賞味期限) or the Best-Before Date: Food is still safe to eat after this date, but its taste and quality may decline.
- Shouhi Kigen (消費期限) or the Expiration Date: Food should be consumed by this date for safety reasons.
・Discounts on Ready-to-Eat Meals
Supermarkets prepare fresh ready-to-eat meals daily, and these items, if they haven’t been all purchased, are often discounted in the evening. The exact timing and discount rate vary by store, but it’s not uncommon for prices to drop by 50%, or even more, towards closing time.
Enjoy the Unique Experience of Japanese Supermarkets!
The above are just some of the unique features of Japanese supermarkets. If you visit Japan, I highly recommend checking out a local supermarket to see and experience these differences for yourself and also to enjoy discovering new foods and products. Who knows, you may even find it just as exciting as visiting a tourist attraction!
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