Going to the supermarket can be calming for some people, especially if they enjoy shopping and find it to be a relaxing activity. For others, however, the experience may not be calming at all, especially if the supermarket is crowded or you dont know the language used in said supermarket. Worse of you are in a hurry to get your shopping done. Ultimately, whether going to the supermarket is calming or not will depend on the individual’s personal experience and perspective.
Tips for Going to A Japanese Supermarket As a Foreigner
1. Bring a shopping list
Supermarkets can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak the language. To make sure you don’t forget anything, it’s a good idea to bring a shopping list with you. This will also help you to stay focused and avoid getting distracted by all the interesting and unfamiliar products on the shelves. Familiarize yourself with a list of grocery items you normally purchase and have it translated from Japanese to Your native language
2. Look for the international food section
Many Japanese supermarkets have an international food section where you can find familiar products from your home country. This can be a great place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to buy.
3. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many Japanese supermarkets have staff members who speak English, and they will be happy to assist you. You can also try using a translation app on your phone to help you read labels and understand product descriptions.
4. Be aware of customs and etiquette:
In Japan, it’s customary to queue up and wait your turn to pay for your groceries. It’s also polite to say “thank you” (arigato) to the cashier when they give you your change. These small gestures can go a long way in making your trip to the Japanese supermarket a positive experience.
5. Try New Things
While it’s always good to have a plan and stick to your shopping list, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Japanese supermarkets offer a wide variety of interesting and delicious products, so take the opportunity to explore and discover new flavors and ingredients.
6. Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts
Japanese supermarkets often offer special deals and discounts after a certain time of day to help clear out inventory and reduce food waste. In Japan, it’s common for supermarkets to close relatively early (usually around 8 or 9 pm) and to restock their shelves the next morning. As a result, they need to make sure that they don’t have too much unsold food on hand at the end of the day. By offering special deals and discounts, they can encourage customers to buy more and reduce the amount of food that goes to waste.
7. Bring your own reusable shopping bags to reduce waste
Many Japanese supermarkets have started to charge for plastic bags in an effort to reduce plastic waste, so it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bag to avoid having to pay for a disposable one. In Japan, it’s also common for people to bring their own small bags or containers to the supermarket to store specific items, such as fresh produce or seafood. This is a good way to avoid having to use multiple plastic bags and can also help you to stay organized while shopping.
Conclusion
I am unable to provide a specific shopping list. However, I can provide some general words and phrases that may be helpful if you are shopping in Japan.
Meat List
- Beef – 牛肉
- Pork – 豚肉
- Chicken – 鶏肉
- Lamb – ラム肉
- Duck – 鴨肉
- Rabbit – ウサギ肉
- Venison – 鹿肉
- Horse – 馬肉
- Whale – 鯨肉
- Eel – 鰻
- Octopus – タコ
- Squid – イカ
- Clams – 蛤
- Scallops – ほたて
- Crab – 蟹
- Lobster – ロブスター
- Shrimp – エビ
- Oysters – カキ
- Salmon – サケ
- Tuna – 鮪
Shopping
- 買い物 (かいもの) – Shopping
- 買い物リスト (かいものリスト) – Shopping list
- お買い物 (おかいもい) – Shopping (polite form)
- お土産 (おみやげ) – Souvenir
- 安い (やすい) – Cheap
- 高い (たかい) – Expensive
- お金 (おかね) – Money
- 現金 (げんきん) – Cash
- クレジットカード (くれじっとかーど) – Credit card
- レシート (れしーと) – Receipt
- 食べ物 (たべもの) – Food
- 飲み物 (のみもの) – Drink
- 衣服 (いふく) – Clothes
- 靴 (くつ) – Shoes 日用品
- (にちようひん) – Daily necessities
- 薬 (くすり) – Medicine
Sections in the Supermarket
- Produce – 野菜
- Seafood – 魚介類
- Meat – 肉
- Deli – デリ
- Bakery – パン屋
- Rice – 米
- Noodles – 麺類
- Snacks – お菓子
- Beverages – 飲料
- Frozen foods – 冷凍食品
- Spices – スパイス
- Condiments – 具材
- Household items – 日用品
- Personal care – 化粧品
- Beauty products – 美容商品
- Medicine – 薬
- Alcohol – 酒
- Pet supplies – ペット用品
- Tofu – 豆腐
- Pickled foods – 漬物