Top 8 Japanese Supermarkets with the Best Imported Goods

Whether you're an expat missing home comforts, a traveler needing familiar flavors, or a foodie exploring global cuisines, Japan has a surprising number of supermarkets catering to international tastes. While most standard grocery stores in Japan focus on domestic products, several chains specialize in—or at least offer—a wide variety of imported foods and drinks worldwide.

From bulk American snacks to French cheeses and Thai spices, the stores listed below are ideal for stocking your pantry with international essentials. Here’s a curated guide to the top supermarkets in Japan, where you’ll find the best imported goods, including gourmet ingredients, beverages, and global snacks.

Japanese Supermarkets with the Best Imported Goods

1. Kaldi Coffee Farm
2. Seijo Ishii
3. Bio c’ Bon
4. Costco
5. Gyomu Super
6. Kinokuniya
7. Yamaya
8. Jupiter

1. Kaldi Coffee Farm

Homepage

Kaldi Coffee Farm is a beloved stop for international food lovers across Japan. Its cozy, bustling atmosphere and narrow aisles packed with colorful items offer a unique shopping experience. While it started with coffee as its primary focus, Kaldi has become a go-to destination for imported snacks, sauces, seasonings, wines, and ready-made global meal kits.

• Where: Nationwide
  
• Why it's excellent: Kaldi stocks an impressive variety of products from all over the world, including Italian pasta, Thai curry kits, Korean snacks, American cookies, and European wines. The pricing is often reasonable, and you’ll frequently find seasonal imports and fun limited-edition items.
  
• Pro tip: Many locations offer free coffee samples at the entrance, and popular items often rotate, so if you see something you like, it’s smart to grab it before it disappears.

2. Seijo Ishii

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Seijo Ishii is a high-end supermarket chain known for its curated selection of gourmet goods. It blends premium Japanese items with high-quality imported food and beverages, offering a refined shopping experience that attracts foodies and urban professionals alike.

• Where: Limited to Honshu, and mostly present in the Kanto area
  
• Why it's great: The store features an exceptional range of cheeses, cured meats, international condiments, wines, and artisanal snacks. Seijo Ishii’s house-made deli foods, desserts, and bakery items are also widely praised. Many products are sourced directly from overseas partners.
  
• Pro tip: Look for their private-label items, which often deliver excellent value for gourmet ingredients. Prices can be on the higher end, but the quality and selection justify it.

3. Bio c’ Bon

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Originally from France, Bio c’ Bon specializes in organic and natural products, focusing on sustainability and healthy living. The stores have a clean, European-style layout and carry many imported goods you won't find in typical Japanese supermarkets.

• Where: Tokyo and Kanagawa
  
• Why it's excellent: Bio c’ Bon offers a broad selection of organic products, including European chocolates, gluten-free pasta, non-dairy milk, and eco-conscious household items. It's a top choice for those seeking healthy or allergen-friendly alternatives.
  
• Heads up: Prices are generally higher than standard supermarkets, but the quality and focus on organic certifications make it a worthwhile stop for health-conscious shoppers.

4. Costco

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Costco Japan brings the country the familiar warehouse-style shopping experience, offering bulk-sized goods, global brands, and a wide range of household items. It’s especially popular among families and those with generous pantry space.

• Where: Locations in major cities nationwide
  
• Why it's excellent: Costco carries many imported goods, including American snacks, European cheeses, Korean ready meals, vitamins, and baking supplies. The food court also provides an affordable taste of Western comfort food.
  
• Heads up: A membership is required for shopping, and stores are typically located outside city centers so access may require a car or planning.

5. Gyomu Super

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Gyomu Super, or “Business Supermarket,” is known for its no-frills, bulk-sized offerings at competitive prices. It’s popular with restaurants and home cooks for its cost-effective and practical selections.

• Where: Nationwide
  
• Why it's excellent: This store carries a surprising variety of imported frozen goods, sauces, and baking supplies, including products from China, Thailand, Brazil, and the United States. It’s ideal for stocking up on staples like frozen fruit, cheese, and international seasonings.
  
• Heads up: The store layout is basic and the presentation minimal, but the value is hard to beat for budget-conscious shoppers.

6. Kinokuniya

Kinokuniya Homepage

Not to be confused with the bookstore of the same name, Kinokuniya is an upscale grocery store that has been around since 1910. It caters to discerning customers looking for premium quality, including an excellent range of imported gourmet foods.

• Where: Tokyo and Kamakura
  
• Why it's excellent: The store features well-selected imported goods such as European chocolates, olive oils, international cheeses, and wines. They also offer beautifully packaged gift items, perfect for special occasions or omiyage.
  
• Pro tip: Kinokuniya’s in-house deli offers high-end bento, quiches, and baked goods that blend Western and Japanese flavors.

7. Yamaya

Yamaya Homepage

Yamaya started as a liquor store and has since evolved into a reliable destination for alcoholic beverages and international food items. While its core is still wine and spirits, the shelves are increasingly stocked with snacks, noodles, and sauces worldwide.

• Where: Nationwide
  
• Why it's excellent: Yamaya offers affordable imports from Europe, North America, and Asia. It’s primarily known for reasonably priced wine, beer, and pasta. Many locations also carry large sizes and multipacks, which are rare in other Japanese supermarkets.
  
• Pro tip: Check out their imported condiments and cooking sauces—they're great for spicing up your home-cooked meals with international flair.

8. Jupiter

Jupiter Homepage

Jupiter is a specialty import store often found in shopping centers and malls. Its compact yet well-stocked stores feature a global assortment of pantry items, sweets, and beverages, often with an emphasis on European and American goods.

• Where: Locations in major cities and shopping malls
  
• Why it's excellent: It’s a fantastic place to pick up imported teas, cookies, jams, cereals, and coffee. Their prices are generally fair, and the product rotation means there’s always something new to discover.
  
• Pro tip: Jupiter’s original coffee blends are worth trying, especially if you like European-style roasts.

Conclusion

Japan may be known for its rich culinary culture, but it offers excellent access to imported groceries if you know where to look. Whether you're after everyday staples, specialty health items, or gourmet ingredients, these supermarkets make it easy to enjoy the world's tastes without leaving the country.

Next time you're craving something international, stop by one of these stores—you might discover your new favorite food aisle.