Convenience stores are popular among tourists visiting Japan, but if you want to buy uniquely Japanese groceries, supermarkets are also a must-visit. Many Japanese supermarkets offer their own private brand (PB) products, and the items you can buy differ depending on the store. Among them, supermarkets that carefully select and sell high-quality products, such as Seijo Ishii, Kinokuniya, and Meidi-ya, are also popular among Japanese people and are frequently featured in the media, including on TV and in magazines.
This time, we have picked up seven supermarkets in Tokyo and Osaka / Kansai that offer such high-quality items. We will also introduce products recommended by each supermarket’s PR representative that are perfect as souvenirs from Japan for overseas visitors.
*The prices and other information about products in this article are as of July 2026. The latest availability may vary depending on the store and timing.
*All prices listed in this article include tax.
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The Appeal of High-Quality Supermarkets: Enjoy a Taste of Everyday Japanese Luxury
High-quality supermarkets that offer carefully selected imported ingredients, premium fresh foods, and a wide variety of homemade deli items are perfect for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their daily meals. You’ll find items here that you won’t encounter at ordinary supermarkets.
Additionally, each supermarket sells its own original shopping bags, which are widely used in daily life in Japan. They make great souvenirs when you visit Japan.
All of these supermarkets are often located in busy areas, making them easy to stop by while you’re on the move.
Private Brand (PB) Products Make for Unique Japanese Souvenirs
Many major Japanese supermarkets offer private brand (PB) products. By cutting out middleman costs, they are able to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices. There are many unique brands that feature each company’s strengths, such as additive-free or organic items. Since these products are not available at airport or station souvenir shops, they are highly recommended as special souvenirs from Japan.
[Tokyo / Osaka] 7 Recommended High-Quality Supermarkets & Souvenirs
This time, we introduce seven high-quality supermarkets in Tokyo and Osaka. Be sure to look for the Japanese souvenirs recommended by each supermarket’s PR representative.
Seijo Ishii
Seijo Ishii was founded in 1927 as “Ishii Grocery Store” in the upscale residential area of Seijo, Tokyo, selling fruits and canned goods. Seijo has long been home to business leaders, renowned authors, and other prominent figures. By listening to discerning customers who requested, “We’d like you to carry this kind of product,” the store gradually expanded its unique selection to include wine, cheese, deli items, groceries, and more.
In 1976, the store was transformed into a supermarket and renamed "Seijo Ishii." As of June 23, 2026, it has expanded to over 200 locations, with 2 stores in the Tohoku region, 156 in the Kanto region, 23 in the Chubu region, 46 in the Kansai region, and 3 in the Chugoku region.
Seijo Ishii offers a carefully curated selection of domestic and international groceries chosen by expert buyers, as well as delicious, high-quality prepared foods and desserts developed and produced by professional chefs at their own central kitchen—all at accessible prices. The store also serves as a lifestyle supermarket that enriches everyday dining, making it a convenient choice for everyday use.
- Official Online Store: https://seijoishii.com
Recommended Souvenir 1: Seijo Ishii Osakana Snack 10-Variety Seafood Bean Mix (¥755)
💬We Asked the Buyer! Recommended Points
This is the ultimate snack mix to pair with any drink, featuring a total of 10 varieties: 5 types of bean snacks, 3 types of Japanese savory snacks, and 2 types of nuts. The salty flavors of small fish and shrimp, the rich umami of soy sauce aged in cedar barrels and miso, and the variety of textures and tastes from different ingredients make it irresistible.
Recommended Souvenir 2: Seijo Ishii Matcha Kuromitsu Gosan-yaki Castella (¥692)
💬We Asked the Buyer! Recommended Points
This castella cake is made with a batter rich in egg yolks, blended with matcha from Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Okinawan brown sugar syrup (kuromitsu), resulting in a refined sweetness. The aroma and slight bitterness of matcha perfectly complement the rich sweetness of Okinawan kuromitsu made from brown sugar. It comes in a box and is a convenient size for carrying, making it an ideal souvenir.
Kinokuniya
Kinokuniya was founded in 1910 as a fruit retailer. In 1953, it opened a "self-service supermarket" in Aoyama, Tokyo, where customers could select products themselves and pay at the register. In 1964, Kinokuniya also became the first store in Japan to import natural cheese by air from France.
Today, Kinokuniya operates approximately 43 stores, mainly in the Kanto region. You can also find the Kinokuniya brand in major cities across Japan, including "Kinokuniya Entree" at Haneda Airport and inside Ueno Station, as well as in Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Sendai.
Not only does Kinokuniya offer fruits, fish, and meat selected by some of Japan’s most discerning buyers, but it also features house-made ham and sausages crafted using traditional European methods, as well as carefully selected processed foods from Japan and abroad.
- Official Website: https://www.e-kinokuniya.com
Recommended Souvenir 1: Kinokuniya Anko Okaki (¥702)
💬We Asked the PR Representative! Recommended Points
This snack features the gentle sweetness of red bean paste made from Hokkaido-grown azuki beans, combined with the perfect saltiness of okaki rice crackers made from domestically grown glutinous rice, creating an addictive sweet-and-salty flavor. Be sure to try it alongside the "Kinokuniya Matcha Anko Okaki" (¥734), which uses Uji matcha from the long-established Kyoto tea shop Hoko-do, and compare the flavors.
Recommended Souvenir 2: Kinokuniya Chili Oil Shrimp Crackers (¥453)
💬We Asked the PR Representative! Recommended Points
Since its release, this popular snack has sold more than 2.25 million packs. In 2025, it was the best-selling food item on the Kinokuniya Online Store! The spiciness of chili oil and the sweetness of shrimp are perfectly balanced, with an addictive hint of garlic flavor.
MEIDI-YA
MEIDI-YA is a long-established company headquartered in Chuo City, Tokyo. Founded in Yokohama in 1885, it operates the premium supermarket "Meidi-Ya Store," manufactures jams and canned goods under its original "MY Brand" label, and directly imports foods and wines from around the world.
With 12 stores in Tokyo and locations from Tohoku to Kyushu, you're likely to find one wherever you travel in Japan. The company’s motto is “Always the Best,” and its appeal lies in offering premium fresh produce as well as carefully selected quality products from Japan and around the world.
- Official Website: https://meidi-ya-store.com/english/
Recommended Souvenir 1: Japanese Strawberry Jam Series 3-Jar Set (Amaou, Ichigosan, Benihoppe) (¥1,620)
💬We Asked the PR Representative! Recommended Points
Japan is proud to be a “strawberry powerhouse” with about 300 varieties! From these, we carefully selected three types that best showcase the unique flavors in jam. The rich flavor of Amaou, the juicy fruit texture of Ichigosan, and the sweet-tart flavor of Benihoppe are faithfully captured in each jam. We recommend trying all three and comparing their flavors.
Recommended Souvenir 2: MEIDI-YA Store Recommended Product Ohtagaki Shoten Kaki-Pi (1,015 yen)
💬We Asked the PR Representative! Recommended Points
This mix combines peanuts from Chiba Prefecture, Japan’s leading peanut-producing region, with Kaki no Tane rice crackers made from Japanese glutinous rice. The aroma of soy sauce and the quality of the ingredients are the key to its flavor, making it perfect as a snack with drinks or tea. Its delicious taste has made it a perennial favorite.
Kitano Ace
Operated by Ace Co., Ltd., "Kitano Ace" is a specialty grocery store chain known for its unique and carefully curated selection, mainly located in department stores and shopping centers nationwide. Founded in 1962, it now has about 100 stores across Japan.
Kitano Ace boasts an extensive selection of local products, everyday groceries, gift items, and imported foods. Their “Curry Bookshelf®,” where retort curry pouches are displayed like books on a bookshelf, is especially famous, along with their wide selection of dressings and rice accompaniments, each category featuring a specialized lineup.
- Official Website: https://www.ace-group.co.jp
Recommended Souvenir 1: Kitano Selection Charcoal Roasted Coffee Jelly (486 yen)
💬We Asked the PR Representative! Recommended Points
This is a premium bite-sized coffee jelly that lets you enjoy the refreshing yet rich flavor of coffee. Made with carefully selected “charcoal roasted coffee,” it offers a condensed aroma and taste. Individually wrapped for easy carrying, it’s perfect as a snack on the go or as a souvenir.
Recommended Souvenir 2: Kitano Selection Kakegawa Tea Bags with Matcha (843 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
These tea bags blend tea leaves from Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, a region famous for its deep-steamed tea with matcha. Even on busy mornings or when you have unexpected guests, you can quickly and easily make delicious tea. Since it's a tea bag type, anyone can easily enjoy great-tasting tea.
Queen's Isetan
"Queen's Isetan" is a high-quality supermarket chain located in front of train stations and in residential areas around the Tokyo metropolitan area. As a supermarket brand operated by the Mitsukoshi Isetan Group, it offers a higher grade of products, including carefully selected fresh foods, directly imported wines, and unique private brand (PB) items.
The private brand (PB) products, in particular, are made with meticulous attention to ingredients and production methods, and are highly regarded by professional chefs and food enthusiasts alike. The store also offers a wide variety of freshly prepared deli items, perfect for everything from everyday meals to special occasion parties. Some locations even have eat-in spaces.
- Official Website: https://www.im-food.co.jp
Recommended Souvenir 1: Dashi no Kokoro Charcoal-Grilled Flying Fish Broth (1,404 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
The Dashi no Kokoro series is a long-selling product at Queen's Isetan. Made with carefully selected ingredients, it delivers exceptional flavor! Just add hot water to enjoy authentic Japanese dashi with ease. Of course, it's perfect for miso soup and simmered dishes, but it's also recommended for creative uses like Japanese-style pasta or ajillo.
Recommended Souvenir 2: 100% First-Picked Tea Leaves from Makinohara, Shizuoka Deep-Steamed Green Tea (1,112 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
This is a richly flavored green tea made by carefully deep-steaming selected new tea buds. It features a vivid deep green color, a mellow taste with little bitterness, and a refreshing aroma. It can also be enjoyed as cold-brew tea during the warmer months.
National Azabu
"National Azabu" is an international supermarket founded in 1962, located in the upscale residential areas of Minami-Azabu and Hiroo in Tokyo. It offers a wide selection of foods and daily necessities from around the world, catering to foreigners and embassy staff living in Japan. It's also popular among Japanese shoppers, who enjoy the feeling of shopping at an international supermarket.
They carry a carefully curated lineup of imported cheeses, spices, wines, rare seasonings, and organic foods from around the world. Their original shopping bags are also extremely popular, so be sure to check them out.
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/national_azabu/
Recommended Souvenir 1: National Azabu Original Tortilla Chips Chili & Lime (698 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
Crunchy and aromatic, these original chips are packed with the rich flavor of corn. The spicy kick of chili and the refreshing tang of lime are a perfect match, making this an irresistible, carefully crafted snack you'll want to keep coming back to.
Recommended Souvenir 2: National Azabu Design Original Eco Bag (White / National Green) (1,900 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
This original bag features charming illustrations capturing everyday scenes from the store. It folds neatly into its inner pocket, becoming compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Pantry
"Pantry" is a premium supermarket chain mainly operating in the Kansai region. With 32 stores primarily in Osaka and Hyogo, as well as in the Tokyo metropolitan area, they have been in the supermarket business since 1961, and opened their first "Pantry" store in 1980.
Their lineup of over 1,300 original products, with minimal use of chemical seasonings and food additives, is unique to the company. Products made with minimal pesticides or food additives, or with carefully selected ingredients, are marked with a red or green "Ai (LOVE)" label, making them easy to identify at a glance. This has earned them strong support from health-conscious customers and those particular about their food.
- Official Website: https://www.pantry-lucky.jp
Recommended Souvenir 1: Pantry & Lucky Original Raisin Butter Sandwich (270 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
The combination of crisp cookies and smooth raisin butter is irresistible! The raisin butter uses Hokkaido-produced butter, and the cookies are made with flour from Hokkaido. Notably, no emulsifiers, artificial flavors, or leavening agents are used.
Recommended Souvenir 2: Pantry & Lucky Original Sesame Tofu Made with 100% Organic Roasted Sesame (205 yen)
💬We asked the PR representative! Recommended Points
Sesame tofu, with its rich white sesame aroma, is a uniquely Japanese ingredient known for its smooth texture and elegant sheen. The only ingredients are organic roasted white sesame, sweet potato starch, and Yoshino Honkuzu (premium Japanese arrowroot starch) made entirely from domestically sourced ingredients. It has a shelf life of 90 days from the date of manufacture and can be stored at room temperature.
Premium Supermarkets Are Perfect for Buying Japanese Souvenirs
When shopping for Japanese souvenirs, premium supermarkets are some of the best places to visit. Rather than souvenirs designed for tourists, you'll find the kinds of premium everyday products that Japanese people enjoy as small indulgences, giving you a more authentic shopping experience. Be sure to visit during your trip and experience the real Japan for yourself.
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