Everyday Shopping

To enjoy living in Tokyo, there are things you need to know. Public services, utilities, where to shop, recreation spots and etc.
Here we provide you with guides and tips to live in Tokyo.

Food, drink and household items can be bought at the following kinds of store.

Supermarkets in central Tokyo are typically quite small, and may sell few non-food items. Supermarkets in residential areas are often larger and may sell a wider range of household items such as cleaning products and toiletries. These larger stores may have weekly or monthly discount days where certain items, such as meat or produce, are cheaper. The availability and pricing of fresh fruits and vegetables are very seasonal, and you may have difficulty getting items that are not commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Labelling in English is rare outside of imported products.

Drugstores specialize in basic medicines (non-prescription), cleaning products and toiletries. They also sell a small range of food and drink items, including health foods and supplements. Basic medicines are more strictly controlled in Japan than in many western countries, so you may find it difficult to get stronger drugs without seeing a doctor. Some larger drugstores also deal in prescription medications, but often you will need to go to a pharmacy, which are commonly located near clinics.

24-hour convenience stores, known as “conbini”, are ubiquitous in Japan. Drinks (including alcohol), snacks, magazines, and pre-packaged meals are the staple of these stores, and supplies including basic clothing, stationery, and umbrellas are also available. Many convenience stores have photocopier/printers and bank ATMs, as well as multimedia kiosks where you can buy tickets for concerts, make travel reservations, pay for goods bought online and much more. They also handle postal/courier services and payments for utility/phone bills, tax and pensions.

100 Yen shops sell items for everyday life for 100 Yen each (plus tax). Consumables such as cleaning products are sold alongside food products, stationery, kitchenware, and other useful items for the home.

Tokyo has a range of world-class department stores, with some of the most famous located in Shinjuku, Ginza and Nihombashi. Ground floors are often dedicated to cosmetics, with high fashion brand clothing on other floors. The top floors usually have a selection of international restaurants, while bustling food markets in the basement floors are filled with beautiful selections of sweets and savory delicacies.