Everything You Need to Know About Shopping at Japanese Supermarkets for More Convenience and Savings

1. Basic Information on Food Packaging

Since the packaging and ingredient lists are written in Japanese, it can be challenging to understand product information. Here, GoEMON will list some common Kanji characters you should know!

Food Allergies

Photo by: 上野医院

*There are 7 basic types of allergies listed on product labels in Japanese supermarkets:

• ピーナッツ / 落花生 (Pinattsu / Rakkasei): Peanuts
• 蟹 (Kani): Crab
• 海老 (Ebi): Shrimp
• 卵 (Tamago): Egg
• 小麦 (Kogumi): Wheat
• 牛乳 (Gyuunyuu): Milk

*Nutritional Information:

• エネルギー (Enerugī): Calories
• たんぱく質 (Tanpaku-shitsu): Protein
• 脂質 (Shishitsu): Fat
• 炭水化物 (Tansuikabutsu): Carbohydrates
• 塩分 (Enbun): Sodium

*Expiration Dates:

• 賞味期限 (Shōmi Kigen): Best before date
• 消費期限 (Shōhi Kigen): The expiry date for perishables

*Pricing:

• 税込 (Zeikomi): Price including tax
• 税抜 (Zeinu): Price excluding tax

2. Cheapest Supermarkets Chains in Japan

Looking for the best deals? Check out GoEMON’s article: 06 cheapest supermarket chains in Japan. These stores offer great prices without sacrificing quality!

3. Types of Registers in Japanese Supermarkets

In Japanese supermarkets, there are different types of checkout systems to accommodate various shopper preferences and improve efficiency. Here’s an explanation of the three primary types: Staffed Checkout (有人レジ), Full Self-Checkout (フルセルフレジ), and Semi-Self-Checkout (セミセルフレジ ).

*Staffed Checkout 

At manned registers, you don't need to unload and organize your items from your shopping cart or basket. Once the cashier begins scanning the customer's items ahead of you, leave your items in the basket and place them on the checkout counter. The cashier will take out the products, scan them, and place them into a different basket. Many stores use different colored baskets for pre- and post-settlement to avoid confusion. After scanning, you can pay using cash, card, e-money, or mobile payments.

*Fully Self-Checkout

1. Place Basket: Place your shopping basket on the designated unit.
2. Scan Items: Take items from the basket and scan the barcodes. A beep sound and a display confirmation will indicate successful registration.
3. Bag Items: Place scanned items directly into your shopping bag.
4. Settle Payment: Press the settlement button, choose your payment method, and complete the transaction. For issues like unreadable barcodes, seek assistance from a nearby attendant.

*Semi Self-Checkout

In this system, the cashier scans your items as in a manned register. Once scanning is complete, you move to a nearby settlement machine to pay for your items.

4. Tips for Saving Money at Japanese Supermarkets

*Shop During Discount Hours

• Late Evening Discounts: Many supermarkets in Japan offer discounts on perishable items like sushi, bento boxes, and fresh produce in the late evening, typically after 7 PM. Look for stickers indicating markdowns, which can range from 20% to 50% off.
• Last-Day Discounts: Products close to their expiration date are often heavily discounted. Look for items with yellow or red stickers.

*Utilize Point Cards and Membership Programs

• Point Cards: Many supermarkets have point card systems where you can accumulate points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for discounts. Popular chains like Aeon and Seiyu have their own cards.
• Membership Programs: Some supermarkets offer membership programs that provide exclusive discounts, special offers, and members-only sales.

*Bring Your Own Bag

• Japan promotes eco-friendly practices, and many supermarkets charge for plastic bags. To avoid these charges, we recommend that you should bring your own bag when shopping.

*Buy Seasonal Produce

• Seasonal Produce: Fruits and vegetables that are in season are generally cheaper and fresher. Familiarize yourself with Japanese seasonal produce to make cost-effective choices.

*Price Comparison

• Price Comparison: Prices may vary between supermarkets. Take the time to compare prices to get the best deal.
• Online Comparison Tools: Use apps and websites to compare prices and find the best deals. We suggest some websites such as: Kakcom, Aucfan, Fincom, Antylink, Confidenthousingindia,....

*Shopping Plan

• Make a Shopping List: Create a list of items to buy to avoid excessive shopping and save time.
• Meal Plan: Plan meals for the week to know exactly what to buy and avoid food waste.

Japanese supermarkets are a great option for those who want to explore the different flavors and delicacies of the country. Whether you're looking for quick snacks, home goods, or groceries, there is a store for everyone. 

Please feel free to leave your comments below if you have any tips or suggestions for shopping in Japan. Your experiences can provide valuable insights for other readers who may be planning a trip to Japan or are new to the country.

Don’t forget to follow GoEMON Global on our official Facebook for the latest updates on life in Japan via this link right here: https://www.facebook.com/GoEMONGlobal 

Source:

Locobe