All the Buzz Around Japan’s Hit Greengrocer & Market, Ozeki

Snacks, especially matcha-flavored ones, are a big hit among tourists. With the global trend for matcha, matcha-flavored snacks are in high demand. The store offers a variety of reasonably priced Japanese sweets, including matcha chocolates and baked goods, which apparently sell out quickly. The individually wrapped items are not only convenient for a quick bite or a small treat, but they also have a decent shelf life, making them perfect souvenirs to take back home.

The supermarket's deli section offers a real taste of Japanese culinary culture. Dining out in restaurants every day can get expensive for tourists. However, supermarket delis offer affordable choices, with a wide selection ranging from bento boxes, fried items, stews, to salads. Unlike major chain supermarkets, Ozeki has different vendors for each store, allowing for a variety of dishes to taste. They also pride themselves on the freshness of their fish, with their sashimi and sushi being exceptionally delicious and particularly popular among foreign tourists.

When thinking of a distinctly Japanese souvenir, foreign tourists often think of Japanese sake. At the Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store, an extensive range of premium sake from all over Japan is on display. Moreover, they offer many small bottles and mini-packs, some even priced as low as in the 100-yen range! Sampling different types and taking home your favorites is highly recommended. Pair it with the aforementioned sushi or sashimi, and you can enjoy a reasonably priced Japanese meal right in your hotel!

Authentic seasonings rank high on the list of popular souvenirs. Especially the tube types of wasabi, ginger, and mustard, which are staples in almost every Japanese household. These condiments are essential for sashimi, soba, and many other Japanese dishes. Additionally, dashi made from bonito or kelp, vital for preparing miso soup and stews, is available in a variety of forms, from packed to granulated versions. Both types are light and compact, making them convenient for travelers to take home.

Curry is beloved by both adults and children in Japan. The variety of retort curries available now means you can enjoy authentic-tasting curry just by heating it up. At Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store, the display method for retort curry is ingenious, with the curry boxes arranged like books on a bookshelf, creating an ambiance as if you were in a bookstore. It's fun to choose by looking at the "spines"!

Surprisingly, milk, a daily staple, is also popular among foreign tourists. In some Asian countries, milk can be quite expensive, with prices in Taiwan reportedly more than double that of Japan. Due to its reputation for being affordable and tasty, many tourists buy milk to drink during their stay in their hotels.

Given Shimokitazawa's dense concentration of eateries, many local restaurateurs frequent this Ozeki branch for their shopping. Consequently, the store stands out for its wide range of unique vegetables and fruits not commonly found in regular supermarkets. The assortment rivals specialty stores, and just browsing the unfamiliar produce is an exciting experience!

One of the major attractions of the Shimokitazawa branch is the availability of takeout sushi from "Sushi no Midori" in Umeoka, a sushi joint famous for its long queues in Tokyo. With sushi chefs from "Sushi no Midori" preparing sushi right within the store, you can savor the same taste without the wait — what a delightful experience!