Roppongi, a vibrant international hub, is home to many foreign residences, creating a melting pot of cultures. For locals, long-term residents, and students alike, local Asian supermarkets where they can find ‘tastes of home’ and ‘authentic spices’ are indispensable.
This time, we’ll introduce a carefully curated selection of deep Asian markets in Tokyo, easily accessible by the Oedo Line and other routes, starting with a Filipino grocery store in the Roppongi area that exudes an overwhelming sense of local authenticity. We’ll bring you the local energy and real shopping experiences you won’t find in typical Japanese supermarkets.
Asia Yaosho
📍 Address: 5-16-52 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Located in Roppongi 5-chome, close to the Philippine Embassy, ‘Asia Yaosho’ is an essential oasis for Filipinos living around Roppongi. Step inside, and Tagalog fills the air—it’s entirely a local Filipino supermarket.
The shelves are stocked with San Miguel beer (Pilsen and Light) at affordable prices, alongside a packed array of local snacks, instant noodles, and seasonings. It’s a valuable spot for long-term residents and students to get a taste of home at a low cost. The staff’s service, unlike Japan’s often overly solicitous approach, is full of local charm and straightforward, which is precisely the authentic local vibe to enjoy.
A deeper highlight is the eat-in space at the back of the store. There’s no menu; you can enjoy local foods available that day (such as vegetable lumpia) at reasonable prices. Toasting with San Miguel beer amidst the locals, you’ll completely forget you’re in Roppongi.
Asia Superstore
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
Just one direct ride from Roppongi on the Toei Oedo Line, and immediately accessible from Higashi-Shinjuku Station’s A1 exit, ‘Asia Superstore’ boasts an overwhelming selection of Thai ingredients, so much so that it calls itself ‘the closest place to Thailand in Japan.’ Its spacious, beautifully organized interior is renowned for being exceptionally easy to shop in, defying the often cluttered image of Asian supermarkets.
Rows of fresh herbs like holy basil, kaffir lime leaves, green papaya, and lemongrass, rarely seen in Japanese supermarkets, are proudly displayed. Furthermore, with chili in oil and soup bases that serve as local bouillon, it’s truly a treasure trove for long-term residents and students who want to recreate authentic Thai dishes at home.
If you visit on a weekend, you absolutely mustn’t miss the handmade Thai-style deli items and sweets. You’ll find items that pack the very essence of local vibrancy, such as ‘Khao Tom Mat’ (steamed sticky rice with banana), ‘Khanom Mor Kaeng’ (a curious egg custard-like Thai pudding), and Som Tum with an addictive, authentic level of spice.
Shin-Okubo Asian Market
📍 Address: 1-10-13 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
If you’re willing to venture a little further from the Roppongi area to buy spices in bulk, ‘Shin-Okubo Asian Market,’ located about 30 seconds on foot from Shin-Okubo Station, is your ultimate destination. While the incredibly cheap vegetables and fruits (especially bananas and bell peppers) displayed outside are eye-catching, step inside and you’ll be enveloped by the intense aroma of Nepali and Indian spices.
The spices lining the walls of the narrow aisles are abundant in variety and generously sized. From canned goat meat to unfamiliar beverages and inexpensive instant ramen, you’ll find a deep array of items that support the tables of the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions. The pricing makes it clear why local food enthusiasts living in foreign residences frequent this store.
Product labels clearly indicate Japanese names, expiration dates, quantities, and prices, making it reassuring even for Asian supermarket beginners. It also supports electronic money and credit card payments, making it a very user-friendly supermarket despite its outwardly deep appearance.
Asia Yaosho (Kinshicho)
📍 Address: Kawachi Nenshi Kogyo, 1-6-8 Kinshi, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0013, Japan
If you visited ‘Asia Yaosho’ in Roppongi and fell in love with Filipino ingredients, then ‘Asia Yaosho’ in Kinshicho is definitely worth a visit. This store is more spacious, and the entrance area feels like a budget greengrocer in an old town, where small fruits and fresh vegetables can be found at incredibly low prices.
Deeper inside the store, you’ll find a wide range of seasonings and frozen foods not only from the Philippines but also from Southeast Asia in general, including Thailand and Vietnam. The selection of daily necessities, such as Filipino shampoos and soaps, is also extensive, making it ideal for students and long-term residents to stock up on essentials.
The staff are fluent in Japanese and friendly, and the registers accept card payments. Some even say, ‘The Roppongi store is good, but I come here for the wider selection.’ It’s a must-know establishment as the ‘final destination’ for days when you want to efficiently and affordably shop for multinational ingredients in Tokyo.
To Enjoy the Authentic Local Vibe and Ingredients
Authentic Asian supermarkets around Roppongi and across Tokyo are more than just places to buy rare ingredients. The native languages spoken, the unfamiliar packaging, and the friendly, unhurried service—all combine to offer an experience like a ‘mini-trip.’
When shopping, the key is to check expiration dates, prepare cash (as some stores may only accept cash), and most importantly, bring ‘a sense of curiosity to try unfamiliar ingredients.’ Take advantage of Roppongi’s easy access and discover your favorite local supermarket.
