Supermarkets are called “supermarkets” in both English and Japanese.
Supermarkets are found all over Japan, even in rural areas. They sell a variety of goods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, beverages, alcohol, snacks, and household items.
In Japan, meat and fish are often pre-packaged, unlike in some other countries where they might be sold by weight, requiring interaction with the staff. Since English proficiency among staff in Japan may not be high, it’s convenient that prices are usually listed on the packaging, eliminating the need for conversation with the staff in Japanese.
Many supermarkets in Japan offer bento (boxed lunches) and prepared foods. These are often designed to be heated quickly in a microwave and can be quite delicious, sometimes even rivaling the quality of food found in convenience stores, which are famous for their tasty offerings.
Unlike convenience stores, supermarkets tend to offer a wider variety of prepared foods, so it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in exploring Japanese cuisine. While some might find the Japanese signage intimidating, especially if they don’t understand Japanese, trying out the prepared foods at a supermarket can be a great way to sample unfamiliar dishes at your own pace.
When you’re ready to pay at the checkout counter, there’s no need to unload your items from the basket. In Japan, you can simply hand over your basket, and the cashier will take care of the rest. Additionally, plastic bags typically cost extra, usually around 3 to 5 yen each, so if you need one, just ask for it by saying “Fukuro kudasai” (bag, please).