Grocery

Weaning is an important milestone in a baby’s growth. To help you here is our Guide to Japanese Baby Food Brands and Ingredients. As parents, we want to make the right choices regarding baby’s food and diet. In Japan, weaning typically begins when babies are around 5 or 6 months …

In an effort to improve the nutritional diets of our families we looked more closely into Japanese packaged kids snacks. Below is calorie, tutorial and allergen comparison of  14 of the most common package snack foods sold in Japan. We all know fruits and veggies are the best but we …

Sakana Bacca (サカナ バッカ) is a retailer that deals with seafood delivered directly from fishermen and the Tsukiji fish market. The Nakameguro branch sells a wide variety of fresh seasonal fish that you can`t find at your local supermarket, sashimi, seasonings and cooking utensils from all over Japan. They even have tuna-cutting …

Buying Organic Foods Online in Japan is much easier than finding off-line.  We have included our favorite online and delivery stores for finding great quality organic veggies and fruits, meat and also more general pantry items.  Try a few of the services below to find your favorite! Buying Organic Foods …

Love, love wondering through the farmers market at the UN University between Omotesando and Shibuya stations. Over 70 vendors come to sell their fresh produce, honey, rice and more. There are also food and drink trucks for hearty appetites. My kids and I bike to the market and spend an …

F&F is a natural food store with 15 locations in Tokyo and 2 in Kanagawa. They carry fresh, pesticide-free vegetables, quality Japanese rice, super foods like Hemp & Chia seeds, additive-free seasonings, homemade lunch boxes and breads, household items and organic baby food, snacks and rice cereal. F&F receives their produce direct …

Cuoca is a one-stop shop for baking supplies that aren’t always easy to find. Their stores are stocked high with everything from baking inserts and pans to sprinkles and toppers. They carry pastry tips and icing for making more detailed desserts, a variety of high-quality flours, nuts, dried fruits, liqueur …

Kayanoya dashi is my favorite instant dashi to cook with. Kayanoya specializes in offering carefully prepared, authentic seasonings and foods to make delicious dishes with the minimum of fuss. All are made without any artificial flavors or preservatives, and a super easy to use. Kayanoya Stores are located throughout Japan and …

Can you believe the New Year is only two months away? If you are living in Japan now is the right time to order your Osechi, Japanese New Year Food.  What is Osechi (Osechi-ryori お節料理)?  Osechi is the food that Japanese families usually eat from January 1-3rd to bring good luck, wealth, …

If your family consumes large amounts of fruits and veggies, you will want to shop at one of the five Bikuri Ya  Fruit and Veggies (びっくり屋) shops in Azabu, Hiroo, Shirogane, and Mita.  This five-store chain is located primarily in Minato-ku and is growing quickly because they offer great value …

Reading Japanese Food Labels – Allergens and Tips  A challenging part of life in Japan is navigating the supermarket aisles and deciphering the labels. You may be wondering how to recreate home dishes using ingredients available at your local grocer, or you may have special dietary restrictions or allergies. Food …

MUJI Flagship Store reopened their flagship store in Yurakucho over the summer and it`s awesome! The 3-story complex now holds an organic foods marketplace which offers fruits and vegetables direct from farms that use little to no chemical pesticides and fertilizers, packaged soups, condiments and so much more. They also …

Mega Don Quijote opened their newest store in Shibuya last month! Don Quijote is Japan’s largest discount goods store with locations all over Japan. Like all the Don Quijote stores, also known as Donki (ドンキ), Mega Don Quijote is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and offers everything …

If you have a big family or big eaters, and live in central Tokyo one of your go to supermarket shopping locations should be Hanamasa Wholesale Supermarkets (Niku no Hanamasa (肉のハナサ). Hanamasa is a wholesale supermarket whose roots began as a supplier to restaurants, but is now open to the public …

French food to me is synonymous to fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation, so the Picard Frozen Food Grocery Store openings around Tokyo were a bit of a surprise. Everything in the stores is frozen! If you are a busy family, the Picard store is a dream come true. We bought …

A new Don Quijote has opened on Platinum Dori in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku (プラチナドンキホーテ) – Platinum Don Quijote. It replaced the old Tokyo Supermarket. Biked over today to check it out since my neighbours were all taking about it. Like most Don Quijotes it is open 24 hours a day, seven …

When I need organic vegetables right away and can`t wait a week for the next delivery (or the next Farmer`s Market) I head to the closest organic shops in Tokyo. Here are my favorite with online options: 1) Precce & Tokyu Stores have a small organic section. Look for the …

Buying Organic in Japan by Maddy Pannell & Lee Yen Anderson We all strive to put food on the table that will nourish our families to keep them happy and healthy. Eating organic foods, where possible, is a great way to do this; ensuring quality nutrition, while avoiding pesticides and genetically modified …

I love online grocery delivery in Japan — it`s fast and convenient, but sometimes I`m not too happy with the delivery; the lack of crispness in my greens, my fruits being too ripe, and the very short expiration date on my dairy products–okay, so I`m a little picky when it comes …

Tokyo Farmers Markets at  Roppongi Ark Hills farmers market provides fresh produce from Tokyo farmers in Kokubunji and Okutama, fresh seafood, preserves, handmade crafts and a variety of baked goods from restaurants surrounding the market. They even provide a small market-type play area for the kids. Go early and then enjoy a nice family …

After the March 11th earthquake and tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Nuclear plant, many mothers were concerned over the safety of giving tap water to their babies and children. As an alternative, some mothers purchased bottled water from Hawaii. It`s 100% natural, pure enough to be given to infants and babies, and …