Supermarkets are such a constant of everyday life that they become a part of the background, another step in our daily routine. While living in or visiting Japan, there are a number of interesting characteristics that set Japanese supermarkets apart. Keep reading if you want to know what to expect when stepping into a supermarket in Japan and how to save money when shopping.

If you are interested in shopping online, please refer to: Online Grocery Shopping in Japan: Great Food Stores

There are also supermarkets that sell expired/expiring food to reduce food loss, please check here.

Japanese Supermarkets vs. Overseas Supermarkets

While this does not cover all of the differences between Japanese supermarkets and what you might encounter in your home country, these are several of the more noticeable ones.

Shopping Carts

As with supermarkets around the world. Handheld baskets are offered at Japanese supermarkets. What might be different than what you are used to is that those baskets are also used as shopping carts.

Instead of large carts, as you would see at Costco or in the United States, the shopping carts in Japan are much smaller and are designed to hold a basket on the top and bottom. So, if you are using a cart, you also need to pick up a basket, which should be located nearby.

Weight vs. Quantity

Depending on your home country, you might be used to certain items being sold by weight. In Japanese supermarkets, this usually not be the case, especially with produce, as all fruits and vegetables are typically pre-packaged with a fixed price. Depending on the supermarket, meat and fish also might be sold this way.

Checkout Process

When it comes time to pay, you do not need to remove your groceries from the basket; simply place the basket on the checkout counter and the cashier will unload them.

There are three main types of checkout systems being used in Japan. You are more likely to see all three in major cities, while the second and third are beginning to be adopted elsewhere.

・Full-service checkout
This is the traditional checkout system with a cashier scanning your groceries and taking your payment.

・Semi self-checkout
With this type of checkout, the cashier will scan your groceries as usual but will then direct you to a payment machine nearby to complete the transaction.

・Self-checkout
With this setup, you scan and pay for your groceries yourself. While some supermarkets will let any customer use these machines, others require that you sign up and use a specific card.

Disposable Plastic Bags

The general consensus is that plastic bags are damaging to the environment, and many countries are in different stages of eliminating them as a bagging option. Currently, Japan does not ban their use, instead requiring stores to charge a fee for any customer that wants one. Most supermarkets offer a variety of sizes at the register and will charge a nominal fee of ¥1 to ¥5, depending on the size of the bag.

It is common to see customers carrying reusable “eco” bags or simply requesting that a sticker be placed over the barcode to indicate that the product has been purchased.

Also, depending on the supermarket, you either have to request a plastic bag, at which point you will be charged for one, or you have to request not to have a plastic bag. In the latter case, there will typically be a card at the cash register that you hand the cashier that says you do not want a plastic bag.

Bagging Your Groceries

After paying for you groceries, you may expect the cashier or another employee to bag them, however, this is not the case in Japan.

In most supermarkets there will be a separate bagging area next to the checkout area for you to bag your own groceries. After paying, you can take your basket to the bagging counter, or the cashier will help you if they notice you might need assistance (such as for the elderly, pregnant women, etc.). There are some exceptions to this practice, and the cashier may occasionally bag your items if its just a few things and no one is waiting in line behind you, but in general, self-bagging is expected.

Payment Options in Japanese Supermarkets

Most Japanese supermarkets now offer a variety of payment options, especially the larger chains and ones located in major cities. These options usually include cash, credit card, IC cards, point cards, and various “cashless” phone apps (e.g., PayPay, LinePay, etc). However, it is always a good idea to have cash on you in case you end up in a supermarket that does not accept your preferred form of payment.

Read More: Prepaid Cards, Debit Cards, and Mobile Payment Methods in Japan

Supermarket Point Cards

As we mentioned above, many supermarkets, especially chain supermarkets, typically have a point card system. If you tend to shop at a particular supermarket location or chain, it is worth taking a few minutes to register for one at the service counter. With a point card, you will be able to accumulate enough points over time to use instead of cash. Supermarkets tend to give you these points in different ways; with some, you must request to use the points while checking out, while others will automatically print off a coupon from time to time that must be scanned to redeem.

The most popular point cards are able to be used at various stores, such as T-Point, which is closely associated with the convenience store FamilyMart, or Ponta, which is used at Lawsons convenience stores. Some supermarkets also have their own exclusive point cards.

Discounts and Coupons

If you would like to get the best deals on your groceries, you will find major discounts on produce, dairy, bread, meat and fish, as well as prepared foods just before the supermarket closes. This is a common practice to prevent food waste. The downside of shopping at this time is that the selection can be minimal.

Some supermarkets will also have a special cart or table that has discounted produce or other products that are close to expiration or are being discontinued.

Finally, many supermarkets have their own fliers or apps that announce the week’s new products, sales, and more.

Shopping at Supermarkets in Japan Is Easy

While there are likely differences between supermarkets in Japan and what you are used to in your home country, they are mostly cultural and are easy to adopt into your daily lifestyle. We hope this article will help make you comfortable when stepping into the supermarket, and give you some ideas on how to save money when buying groceries.

For more information on daily living in Japan, check out our comprehensive articles, such as paying bills in Japan conveniently, buying laundry detergent, understanding food expiration dates, and much more!