The Ultimate Guide to Sanko Japanese Supermarket in Toronto: A Must-Visit for International Students

An Oasis in Toronto Life! Go Here When You Miss the Taste of Japan

As you spend more time living in Toronto, you inevitably start missing the “taste of Japan.” You might think, “Local burgers and pizzas are great, but I’m craving white rice with furikake or nostalgic Japanese snacks…” A strong ally for such long-term residents and international students is a long-established Japanese supermarket located right in downtown.

In this article, we’ll thoroughly explore the charm of this “savior” store for Japanese people living in Toronto, along with local shopping tips you definitely want to know.

Sanko Trading Co.

At the intersection of Queen Street West (Queen St W)—the hub of Toronto’s cutting-edge culture—and Claremont Street, a building adorned with a vibrant, massive mural depicting Japanese seasonal themes comes into view. This is Sanko Trading Co., which has been supporting Toronto’s Japanese community for over half a century since its establishment in 1968.

Run by William Mizuno and his family, stepping into this store feels like traveling back in time to a warm, nostalgic local shop in Japan. It is a beloved establishment deeply cherished by the local community, with some fans having shopped there since their working holiday days 30 years ago. The staff provides incredibly kind and polite customer service, making it a comforting and reassuring space for international students who might be feeling a bit anxious about living abroad for the first time.

Tears of Joy for Expats! An Impressive Selection of “Exactly What You Wanted”

While you can buy soy sauce and miso at large East Asian supermarkets along Spadina Avenue, the true appeal of Sanko lies in its “exquisitely niche lineup of items that Japanese people genuinely want.”

For example, many face the “no thinly sliced meat” problem when cooking at home in Canada. While local supermarkets mainly sell block meat, Sanko offers precious sliced meat, making it highly convenient when you want to make Nikujaga (meat and potato stew) or Sukiyaki.
Furthermore, their snack selection has gained enthusiastic support through word-of-mouth among international students. The shelves are packed with authentic Japanese snacks that haven’t been localized for the North American market, such as Otoko Ume Gummies, Candemina, and Wasabi Kaki-pi. From “handmade onigiri (rice balls)” perfect for lunch to a wide variety of furikake, ponzu sauce, dressings, and fish paste products, the store is filled with essential items for a Japanese dining table, instantly curing your homesickness for Japanese food.

Smart Ways to Choose Between Sanko and the Suburban “J-Town” & Price Guide

When looking for Japanese food in Toronto, Sanko is often compared to “J-Town,” a Japanese shopping center in the Markham area (a suburb of Toronto). In terms of price, Sanko is slightly more expensive partly due to its downtown location, so if you are looking purely for lower prices, J-Town takes the win.

However, Sanko’s biggest advantage is its “overwhelming accessibility.” Located right in the heart of downtown, the convenience of being able to pop in via the TTC (streetcar) on your way home from school or while shopping on weekends is invaluable.

The standard style for smart long-term residents is: “Stock up at J-Town on weekends if you have time, and drop by Sanko to replenish ran-out ponzu sauce, buy reward snacks, or grab thinly sliced meat that you suddenly need.” For international students without a car, the presence of Sanko is especially reliable.

Perfect for Gifts and Introducing Japanese Culture to Canadian Friends!

Sanko offers an extensive collection of traditional Japanese tableware and ceramics, including rice bowls, teacups, and chopsticks, rather than just food items. Their authentic lineup of teas (matcha and green tea) is so impressive that just looking at it will boost your mood.

It’s perfect when you invite local Canadian friends over for a Japanese meal or when you’re looking for a small gift. The store even features carefully color-coded explanations in English on how to choose the right soy sauce for different purposes (e.g., for sashimi, for cooking), showing outstanding thoughtfulness for friends who may not be familiar with Japanese cuisine. Why not bring your friends along on a weekend, take some photos in front of the mural, and guide them through Japanese culture?