All the Buzz Around Japan’s Hit Greengrocer & Market, Ozeki
Ozeki is a supermarket chain you can find primarily across the city of Tokyo. Most of its shops are just steps from their nearest train station, making it an easy spot to drop by on a whim. Its bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of a lively market, coupled with its wide variety of products, makes it a favorite among locals. The Asakusa Kaminarimon Store stands out, especially popular among tourists. Below is a roundup of select products you’re sure to love at this buzzing outlet!
1. Just Steps from Tokyo's iconic tourist hub, Kaminarimon!
The Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store is located along the Kaminarimon Street near the Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station, found just about a 100m walk from the iconic Sensoji Temple Kaminarimon Gate. You can even catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree from the storefront- truly a prime location. The store exudes the vibe of a bustling market, displaying seasonal vegetables and fruits at the front. Both locals and tourists keep it busy during its opening hours.
2. A Walloping selection of some 20,000 items tailored to a T.
Despite its compact space, the store boasts an overwhelming variety of around 20,000 items, including fresh produce, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, daily necessities, and even potential souvenirs. Step in and make your way down the almost gourmet boutique-esque aisles for a shopping trip that’s sure to spark joy. One unique feature of Ozeki is that each store has a discerning buyer who personally sources products from markets. Operating under the motto "We'll provide in any way, even if it's just one item, as per the customer's request," they are adept at catering to the diverse needs and requests of different communities - a major allure.
3. Fresh produce, proudly sourced daily from local markets!
Every day, fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood are sourced from the Ota and Toyosu Markets, ensuring they're always in top condition. When it comes to meats, they buy whole animals and portion and package them in-store. Tourists particularly appreciate the wide variety of fruits available, ranging from affordable options to premium selections. The store offers multiple varieties of in-season fruits, allowing visitors to try different types and discover their favorite in a total delight for the tastebuds!
4. Rundown of Popular Items for Tourists at Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
Below we’ll shine a spotlight on some select products at Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store, all of them tried-and-true among tourists.
(1) Matcha-flavored Snacks
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.
(2) Prepared Dishes
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.
(3) Japanese Sake
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!
(4) Seasonings
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.
(5) Boxed Curry
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"!
(6) Milk
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.
5. Top Winter Products at Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
When you think of Japanese winter delicacies, hot pots come to mind! There's something exceptional about gathering around and enjoying a hot pot with everyone. As winter approaches, Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store showcases a range of hot pot broths, from yosenabe, kimchi nabe, to soymilk nabe. The hot pot broths are convenient as they can be used straight from the pack. Once you decide on the type of hot pot, the next step is to select your preferred ingredients such as meat, fish, and vegetables, making the shopping experience more personalized.
6. Another branch to check out: Ozeki Supermarket Shimokitazawa Store
Shimokitazawa, located in Setagaya Ward, is a hipster hub lined with boutique theaters, live music venues, vintage clothing stores, and miscellaneous goods shops. On weekends, not only Tokyoites but also young people from all over Japan flock to this trendy town. Recently, there's been an uptick in foreign tourists visiting the area.
Situated in the heart of Shimokitazawa is Ozeki Supermarket Shimokitazawa Store. Serving as a kitchen for the community, this store is always bustling with locals. The store's two floors have spacious aisles, providing a relaxed shopping atmosphere.
(1) An array of unique vegetables and fruits!
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!
(2) Takeout sushi from a Tokyo beloved sushi restaurant!
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!
Wrap-Up
Now it’s your turn!
Ozeki is not just for the locals, its also a wonderland for hungry tourists looking for the best souvenirs. For wallet-friendly gifts with full-on, authentic Japanese vibes, be sure to swing on by!