An Oasis in Toronto Life! Go Here When You Miss the Taste of Japan
As you live in Toronto for a longer period, you inevitably start missing the “taste of Japan.” While local burgers and pizzas are delicious, you might find yourself craving white rice with furikake or nostalgic Japanese snacks. A strong ally for such long-term residents and international students is the historic Japanese supermarket located right in downtown Toronto.
In this article, we’ll deeply explore the charm of this store—truly a “savior” for Japanese people living in Toronto—and share local shopping tips you definitely want to know.
Sanko Trading Co.
📍 Address: 730 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8 CanadaAt the intersection of Queen Street West—the hub of Toronto’s cutting-edge culture—and Claremont Street, a building with a vibrant giant mural depicting Japanese seasonal traditions catches your eye. This is “Sanko Trading Co.,” which has been supporting the Japanese community in Toronto for over half a century since its establishment in 1968.
Run by the family of William Mizuno, stepping into this store wraps you in a warmth and nostalgia that feels like slipping back in time to a local shop in Japan. It’s a beloved local institution, with some loyal fans continuing to visit since their working holiday days 30 years ago. The staff are incredibly kind and provide polite customer service, making it a comforting space where international students feeling a bit anxious about their first overseas living experience can take a breather.
Tears of Joy for Expats! An Impressive Selection of What You “Really Wanted”
While you can buy soy sauce and miso at large East Asian supermarkets along Spadina Avenue, Sanko’s appeal lies in its “exquisitely niche lineup of items that Japanese people truly want.”
For example, many face the “no thinly sliced meat problem” when cooking for themselves in Canada. While local supermarkets mostly sell blocks of meat, Sanko offers precious sliced meat, which is incredibly handy when you want to make Nikujaga or Sukiyaki.
Furthermore, their snack selection is enthusiastically supported by word-of-mouth among international students. The shelves are lined with authentic Japanese snacks not localized for North America, such as “Otoko Ume Gummies,” “Candemina,” and “Wasabi Kaki-no-Tane.” Packed with essentials for a Japanese dining table—like handmade onigiri (rice balls) perfect for lunch, a wide variety of furikake, ponzu sauce, dressings, and fish paste products (nerimono)—this store instantly cures any longing for Japanese food.
Smart Shopping: Balancing Sanko with Suburban “J-Town” & Price Comparisons
When looking for Japanese food in Toronto, people often compare Sanko with “J-Town,” a Japanese shopping center located in the Markham area (a suburb of Toronto). Regarding price expectations, Sanko is slightly more expensive partly due to its downtown location. Therefore, if you are purely looking for lower prices, J-Town might be the better choice.
However, Sanko’s greatest strength is its “overwhelming accessibility.” Located right in the heart of downtown, the convenience of casually dropping by on your way home from school or while shopping on weekends using the TTC (streetcar) is invaluable.
A classic strategy for smart long-term residents is: “Buy in bulk at J-Town on weekends if you have time, and restock run-out ponzu, treat-yourself snacks, or urgently needed sliced meat at Sanko during your daily life.” For international students without a car, Sanko’s presence is especially reliable.
Perfect for Gifts and Introducing Japanese Culture to Canadian Friends!
Beyond food, Sanko boasts a very extensive collection of Japanese tableware and ceramics, such as rice bowls, teacups, and chopsticks. Their authentic lineup of tea (matcha and green tea) is so impressive that just looking at it will lift your spirits.
It’s perfect for when you invite local Canadian friends over for a Japanese meal or when looking for a small gift. The store features a thoughtful, color-coded English guide explaining how to choose soy sauce based on its use (e.g., for sashimi or cooking), showing exceptional consideration for friends unfamiliar with Japanese food. How about bringing your friends on a weekend, taking pictures in front of the mural, and introducing them to Japanese culture?