The first few grocery runs in Tokyo can feel oddly stressful — unfamiliar labels, a cashier asking a question you don't quite catch, and a sudden charge for the bag you assumed was free. The good news: shopping here is well-organized, safe, and once you learn a handful of small habits it becomes one of the easiest parts of daily life. This guide walks you through the main places to shop and the little rules that trip up newcomers.
Where to shop
- Supermarkets (スーパー) — your everyday groceries. Chains like Life, Summit, Maruetsu, Seijo Ishii and OK cover most neighborhoods; many discount prices on fresh food in the evening.
- Drugstores (ドラッグストア) — Matsukiyo, Welcia, Sundrug and others. Despite the name they sell snacks, drinks, toiletries, cleaning supplies and often basic groceries, frequently cheaper than supermarkets.
- 100-yen shops (百円ショップ) — Daiso, Seria and Can Do. Great for kitchenware, storage, stationery and household basics; most items are 110 yen including tax.
- Depachika (デパ地下) — the food halls in department-store basements. Beautiful prepared meals, sweets and gifts; a treat rather than an everyday budget option.
- Convenience stores (コンビニ) — open late, handy for a quick meal, bill payments and ATM cash, but pricier than supermarkets for groceries.
Tax-free shopping is for short-term visitors, not residents. Under Japan's system, the consumption-tax exemption is only for non-residents such as tourists on a "Temporary Visitor" status who present a passport. If you live in Japan with a residence card, you pay the normal tax — don't expect a tax-free counter to apply to you. Rules are changing (a refund-at-departure system is planned), so always check the official site.
- Bring your own bag. Plastic bags have been paid nationwide since July 2020 (usually a few yen each); a foldable eco-bag saves money and hassle.
- Self-checkout (セルフレジ) is common. Many stores have a hybrid setup where staff scan items and you pay at a separate machine — watch which lane you're in.
- Get the point card. Free loyalty cards or apps (e.g. T-Point, Ponta, Rakuten, store-specific cards) add up over time; staff often ask "point card wa?" at checkout.
- Cash still rules in some small shops, but major chains, drugstores and 100-yen shops widely accept IC cards (Suica/PASMO), credit cards and QR payments.
- Check the date stickers. Discounted (値下げ / 割引) labels appear on fresh items near closing time — a reliable way to save.
- Do I have to pay for plastic bags?
- Yes. Since July 2020 stores nationwide charge for plastic shopping bags — typically 1 to 5 yen. The cashier will usually ask if you need one, so bring a reusable bag if you'd rather not pay.
- Can I get tax-free shopping if I live here?
- No. Tax-free (consumption-tax exemption) applies only to qualifying short-term visitors who show a passport, not to residents with a residence card. As a resident you pay the standard consumption tax like everyone living in Japan.
- What's the cheapest way to stock up?
- Compare drugstores and discount supermarkets (like OK or Gyomu Super) for staples, shop fresh food in the evening for markdowns, and use a free point card. 100-yen shops cover most household and kitchen basics.
