Step into the Kitchens of Ibaraki’s Deeply Rooted Multinational Communities
In Ibaraki Prefecture, technical intern trainees, international students, and multinational residents who have settled for extended periods have built their own unique communities. This has led to the emergence of local supermarkets scattered across the region, each radiating the authentic ‘energy of their home countries.’
Inside, you’ll find obscure spices impossible to find in typical Japanese supermarkets, mysterious frozen meats, and the vibrant chatter of local languages. These are truly deep spots where you can enjoy a mini-trip without needing a passport.
This time, we’ve carefully selected and introduce Ibaraki’s ‘truly authentic’ Vietnamese supermarkets and Asian marts that will surely satisfy everyone, from long-term residents eager to cook delicious Asian cuisine to local Japanese seeking a taste of real foreign culture.
MIN MART
📍 Address: 567 Isohamacho, Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki 311-1301, Japan
‘MIN MART’ in Oarai Town is a small, family-run supermarket deeply rooted in the local community, offering a rich variety of Indonesian ingredients and daily necessities. Although the store isn’t spacious, its shelves are packed with unique Indonesian items like ‘Surya clove cigarettes,’ known for their sweet aroma, and a wide array of local condiments.
The greatest charm of this store lies in the compassionate character of its owner. There’s even a heartwarming anecdote in reviews about how the owner, in the past, rushed to get parts and repaired a washing machine for free for a foreigner who was new to Japan and distressed about their broken appliance. Beyond just a retail store, it serves as a kind of safety net, easing the anxieties of people living in a foreign land.
Ibaraki Vietnam Market
📍 Address: 220-13 Hei, Chikusei, Ibaraki 308-0031, Japan
‘Ibaraki Vietnam Market’ in Chikusei City is, as its name suggests, a lively spot that feels as if a Vietnamese market has been directly transported here. You can find a wide variety of fresh foods essential for home cooking, from fresh vegetables to meats, all at affordable prices.
The attached restaurant also boasts an extensive menu and is hugely popular for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Furthermore, the high level of hospitality is evident, with services like pick-up from the station sometimes provided. However, there’s also a certain ‘looseness’ typical of local Southeast Asian shops, with occasional calculation errors at the register. A real tip for enjoying a truly local shopping experience is to double-check the total yourself at checkout.
Mito Asian Products En
📍 Address: 2 Chome-11-22 Jonan, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0803, Japan
Nestled quietly in the Jonan area, just a 10-minute walk from Mito Station, this is a rather niche Asian products store. It’s a chaotic mix of Asian food cultures, primarily featuring Chinese ingredients, but also extending to Taiwan, Indonesia, and even India.
The store is so narrow that it’s difficult for people to pass each other, yet it’s a treasure trove of rare items, such as salted eggs and ‘Pani Puri’ kits (an Indian street snack), often available at lower prices than online stores. While some say ‘it takes courage to enter for the first time,’ you’ll be welcomed by a kind owner. Please note that payment is ‘cash only’ and parking space is limited when planning your visit.
Thực phẩm Việt Mito (Viet_Foods)
📍 Address: Yell Heights Ibaraki Mito Sakuragawa, 2 Chome-5-6 Sakuragawa, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0801, Japan
Located in a corner of the ‘Yell Heights’ apartment building in the Sakuragawa area, south of Mito Station, this is a little-known Vietnamese grocery store. With very little information available on social media or the internet, it’s an extremely local, secret hideout.
Primarily frequented by Vietnamese international students and trainees living nearby for their daily home cooking, it stocks authentic ‘nuoc mam’ (fish sauce), instant noodles, and retort foods. You can catch a glimpse of a real, unpretentious Vietnamese living space, completely different from commercialized Japanese supermarkets.
Supreme Asian Mart Mito
📍 Address: 3 Chome-1-4 Sannomaru, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0011, Japan
Located in Sannomaru, Mito City, this Asian mart sells groceries and daily necessities. The amusing aspect of this store is that people constantly mistake it for an outlet of the global street apparel brand ‘Supreme’ due to its name. Humorous posts like ‘Awesome, I got the new Box Logo!’ flood the reviews, giving it a cult-like following in some circles.
However, the actual store is a highly practical establishment where you can purchase inexpensive and high-quality groceries. It diligently continues its operations as a lifeline supporting the lives of international students. Conveniently located near the North Exit of Mito Station, it’s perfect for a casual stop to look for Asian spices and snacks.
Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Shopping at Local Supermarkets
At the authentic Asian supermarkets introduced here, there are local rules that differ from typical Japanese chain supermarkets. First and foremost, many stores do not support cashless payments, so always bring plenty of ‘cash.’ Also, since many directly imported products lack Japanese ingredient labels on their packaging, your smartphone’s camera translation feature will come in very handy.
At first glance, staff might seem aloof, but that’s simply a difference in service style compared to Japan. If you try greeting them in their native language or ask for cooking recommendations, they will usually be very friendly and helpful. Do enjoy a stimulating shopping experience at these deep local spots in Ibaraki Prefecture!
