The Izumo and Matsue areas in Shimane Prefecture are vibrant, international regions home to many foreign residents and international students on mid- to long-term stays. Consequently, scattered throughout the cities are ‘super deep and local supermarkets and food stores’ that ordinary tourists might easily overlook.
This time, for those ‘looking for an authentic Vietnamese supermarket in Shimane’ or ‘wanting to discover obscure ingredients in a local market brimming with everyday life,’ we introduce five carefully selected spots passionately supported by locals. From Asian stores that provide a taste of home for international students to local wholesale supermarkets offering massive blocks of meat and game, it’s a lineup that will excite you just by looking.
Anri Food Market
📍 Address: 12 Yano-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture 693-0058, Japan
Located in Izumo City, ‘Anri Food Market’ is a community-oriented mega-supermarket that goes beyond the typical wholesale store, positioning itself as a ‘food theme park.’ It supports the local community’s appetites with an overwhelming volume of products, from daily groceries to specialized items that even professionals admire.
The biggest charm of this store lies in its fresh seafood and meat sections, which feel like a treasure hunt. Whole sea bass laid out dramatically, or huge blocks of meat piled high, are just the beginning. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter rare game meat like fresh ‘badger meat’ caught locally, or crabs at incredible prices! If you’re planning a sukiyaki or a lavish BBQ with fellow mid- to long-term residents, this is an absolute must-visit spot.
Note that your desired deli items or bentos might be sold out depending on the time of day, so early arrival is recommended. The staff’s sincere customer service, including rushing to your home for a refund in case of a cash register issue, has earned them strong trust.
AT Food (Cửa hàng thực phẩm Châu Á)
📍 Address: 204-4 Teramachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture 690-0003, Japan
Located in Teramachi near Matsue Station, ‘AT Food’ is an essential Asian grocery store for Vietnamese residents and Asian international students in Shimane. Stepping inside, the languages being spoken and the atmosphere of the display shelves create such an overwhelming sense of authenticity that you might ‘mistake it for a back alley in Vietnam.’
The shelves are lined with everything from sweet 3-in-1 Vietnamese coffee, dried pho noodles, and Hanoi beer, to even whole coconuts. While price tags and packaging are primarily in Vietnamese, there are friendly staff members who can communicate mostly in Japanese, making it a joy to shop while asking questions like ‘How do I eat this?’ Particularly recommended is the Vietnamese confection ‘kẹo dồi (keo doi),’ with its addictive sweetness of vanilla and peanuts.
Serving as a hub for international exchange through food across borders, it’s an irresistible local spot for travelers wanting to experience the vibrancy of Asia, and for long-term residents who prefer to cook for themselves.
Mr. Market Store Izumo
📍 Address: 390-7 Otsu-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture 693-0011, Japan
‘Mr. Market Store Izumo,’ located in Otsu-cho, Izumo City, is a multinational imported food store recognizable by the Brazilian flag. At first glance, the interior might seem difficult to see, making you hesitate to enter, but if you bravely open the door, you’ll find a friendly space bustling with foreign customers.
Its appeal lies in prices more affordable than imported food stores in large shopping malls, with shelves packed with items like 500g dried beans, authentic spices, and herbal teas such as fennel and mint. Furthermore, the store also sells international deli breads and hearty sandwiches, allowing you to easily enjoy authentic local flavors.
Some products may not have price tags or Japanese descriptions, but that’s part of its charm. Enjoy the excitement of discovering unfamiliar ingredients by asking the friendly staff.
Super Center Trial Izumo Shiraeda Store
📍 Address: 420-1 Shiraeda-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture 693-0006, Japan
A powerful ally for long-term residents is the 24-hour ‘Super Center Trial Izumo Shiraeda Store.’ It’s one of Izumo’s leading mega-supermarkets, always bustling with customers whenever you visit. The spacious store is lined with everything from food to daily necessities, making it invaluable for large-volume shopping.
The biggest feature of this store is the introduction of ‘checkout carts (carts with tablets).’ By scanning items as you put them in the cart, you can see the total amount in real-time, allowing for smart shopping while checking if you’re ‘staying within budget.’ After renovation, the aisles became easier to navigate, and the convenience dramatically improved with support for balance top-ups from credit cards.
However, it’s important to note that prices are displayed excluding tax (plus tax), and fractional amounts are rounded up during receipt calculation. If you understand the system before using it, it will prove to be an extremely cost-effective infrastructure hub.
AEON Style Izumo
📍 Address: 1066 Watarihashi-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture 693-0004, Japan
‘AEON Style Izumo’ is a classic shopping spot in the Izumo area. While its exterior is luxurious and eye-catching, compared to mega-AEON malls in other prefectures, its food court (Udon, Katsu-don, Burger King, etc.) and number of tenants are compactly organized, exuding a friendly local vibe.
You won’t get tired from walking too much due to its vastness, and in car-centric Shimane, the parking ramp’s structure, allowing a direct ascent to the 4th floor, is incredibly comfortable. The staff’s service is highly regarded for being friendly and polite, making it a reliable spot when you want to quickly pick up daily necessities or some clothing items.
Summary: Deep Shopping in Izumo and Matsue Areas
The Izumo and Matsue areas of Shimane Prefecture offer a diverse range of shopping options, from large supermarkets supporting daily life to multinational food stores where you can recreate the flavors of home from across the sea.
Specialty stores like ‘AT Food’ and ‘Mr. Market Store Izumo’ also serve as community hubs for international students and foreign residents, allowing you to feel the vibrant atmosphere of an overseas local market right here in Japan. Local supermarkets like ‘Anri Food Market’ also dynamically sell unique regional ingredients (game meat and fresh seafood), which are sure to spark inspiration just by looking.
Bring your eco-bags and cooler bags, and enjoy a deep dive into local supermarkets with a sense of treasure hunting!
