For long-term residents and international students living in the Nakano area, and all passionate home cooks who want to recreate ‘local dishes at home’! Have you ever struggled to find the specific spices and seasonings you need in regular Japanese supermarkets?
This article carefully selects and introduces truly useful local ‘Asian supermarkets,’ from deep-dive grocery stores right in the heart of the Nakano area, to ‘seriously authentic’ supermarkets in the Okubo and Shin-Okubo areas, easily accessible from Nakano Station by Sobu Line or bicycle. Enjoy a fantastic shopping trip in stores that feel as though the authentic energy of each country has been brought right inside!
Kofuku Bussanten
📍 Address: Broadway B1F, 5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan
Nakano Broadway, the sacred ground of Nakano’s subculture. Quietly yet powerfully present in its chaotic basement level 1 is ‘Kofuku Bussanten’. It’s packed with ingredients and seasonings from various Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and the Philippines, functioning as a ‘food infrastructure’ for locals and international students living in Nakano.
The store offers a wide range of products, from unfamiliar imported seasonings to processed foods like frozen xiaolongbao and dumplings. Furthermore, an unexpected bonus is the frequent sale of ‘domestically grown vegetables and fruits’ at exceptionally low prices; for instance, Shine Muscat grapes have appeared for around 800 yen. The biggest appeal is being able to use it like a treasure hunt.
On the other hand, it also has ‘local rules,’ such as items without price tags mixed in, and prices for cabbage and eggs fluctuating rapidly based on demand. While cashless payments like PayPay are accepted, the key is to enjoy shopping with an open mind, as if you’re strolling through a local market.
Niku no Hanamasa Nakano Store
📍 Address: 3-24-15 Chuo, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0011, Japan
Located along Ome Kaido, between Marunouchi Line’s Nakano-sakaue and Shin-Nakano stations, ‘Niku no Hanamasa Nakano Store’ is a 24-hour supermarket. While not purely an Asian supermarket, it’s an incredibly important spot for supporting the home cooking lives of long-term residents and should not be missed.
Hanamasa is famous for its unbeatable cost-performance meat (such as thinly sliced pork and 2kg packs of chicken breast), but actually, its ‘selection of seasonings and spices’ is truly remarkable. Asian imported seasonings and essential spices for authentic curry making are available in large quantities at low prices, earning enthusiastic support from locals who have fallen into the spice curry craze.
The customer service is simple and no-frills, but if you ask a question, they will provide an accurate answer. When you suddenly realize in the dead of night or early morning, ‘I absolutely need that spice and a large amount of meat!’, this 24-hour store will truly be a lifesaver.
Asia Super Store
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
‘Asia Super Store,’ located in the Okubo/Higashi-Shinjuku area just a short Sobu Line ride from Nakano, is a veritable sanctuary for Thai food lovers. The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by the beautiful displays and unique Thai aromas, creating the illusion that you’ve warped into a local supermarket in Bangkok.
Virtually 100% of what you need for Thai cooking is available, from classic Pad Thai sauce and chili in oil to fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and green papaya. What’s more, don’t miss the handmade Thai sweets and deli items. ‘Khao Tom Mat’ (steamed sticky rice with banana) and ‘Khanom Mo Kaeng’ (Thai-style custard) are perfect for breakfast or snacks. For Som Tum, dried shrimp and peanuts are provided separately to maintain texture, showcasing an authentic attention to detail.
Not only food, but also Thai tableware, cooking utensils, and daily necessities like ‘Ya Dom’ (inhaler, known for its refreshing sensation) are available, making it a highly recommended spot when you want to feel like you’re traveling.
Shin-Okubo Asian Market
📍 Address: 1-10-13 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
‘Shin-Okubo Asian Market’ is conveniently located just a short walk from Shin-Okubo Station’s ticket gates. This is a deep market primarily handling South Asian ingredients from countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Unusual vegetables and fruits in Japan are piled up in front of the store, and just passing by, the unique aroma of spices tickles your nose.
The interior is narrow, barely allowing people to pass each other, but the walls are lined with spices. What’s surprising is that obscure spices not typically sold in Japanese supermarkets are available in ‘convenient, smaller portions.’ Quantities, prices, and expiration dates are clearly marked in Japanese, so even beginners to international supermarkets can shop with peace of mind.
It’s full of curiosity-stimulating items like canned goat meat and unfamiliar instant noodles. Hot snacks like samosas sold by the register are also reputed to be cheap and delicious. The acceptance of credit cards and e-money is another welcome point.
Kakyo Fukumusha
📍 Address: Kamikura Bldg, 2-11-2 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
If you want to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine or hot pot at home, ‘Kakyo Fukumusha’ in Shin-Okubo is unparalleled. The entire building, from basement 1st floor to ground level, is filled with Chinese and Asian ingredients – truly a culinary haven.
On basement level 1, seasonings like Sichuan peppercorn powder, five-spice powder, Pixian Doubanjiang, and Chinese soy sauce are lined up in incomparable large quantities and at low prices compared to Japanese supermarkets. Furthermore, the freezer section on the 2nd floor is packed with cylindrically sliced lamb for hot pot and authentic dim sum. You’re sure to find even the most niche ingredients you’d want to add to Mala Tang here.
One note of caution: mobile reception is very poor around the cash register on basement level 1. If you’re using smartphone payments (like PayPay), remember this ‘local quirk’ – you might need to move a little towards the entrance stairs to get a signal. Since you’ll often be buying large bottles and liquids, we strongly recommend bringing a sturdy reusable bag.
【Column】3 Rules for a Successful Shopping Trip at an Asian Supermarket
To fully enjoy an Asian supermarket with all its authentic local energy, keep these three points in mind:
1. A sturdy reusable bag (preferably insulated) is essential
Since you’ll often buy large bottles of seasonings, frozen meat, and strong-smelling herbs, bring a large reusable bag with a solid bottom. Many stores don’t have bagging counters, so being ready to quickly pack your items will make things smoother.
2. Check payment methods beforehand
While more stores now accept PayPay and credit cards, many still operate on a ‘cash-only’ basis. Especially when visiting smaller, privately-run stores, it’s smart to have a few thousand yen in cash and some coins in your pocket.
3. Don’t be afraid to ‘ask’ if you don’t know
If you encounter mysterious ingredients with unreadable labels or unknown uses, don’t hesitate to ask a store clerk. Even staff who might seem unapproachable at first often become friendly and kindly explain how to use and enjoy their native dishes when the topic of food comes up. This is truly the greatest joy of local supermarkets.
