Shopping for groceries in Rusutsu Niseko Japan

### **2. What to Buy** - **Fresh Produce**: - Japan has high-quality (but sometimes expensive) fruits like strawberries, melons, and grapes. - Look for seasonal vegetables like bamboo shoots (*takenoko*), mushrooms, and leafy greens. - **Meat & Seafood**: - Wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork, fresh sashimi-grade fish. - Pre-marinated yakitori, grilled fish, and ready-to-cook items. - **Rice & Noodles**: - Short-grain Japanese rice (*koshihikari* is premium). - Soba, udon, ramen noodles (fresh or dried). - **Dairy & Tofu**: - Japanese milk is creamy and delicious. - Silken tofu, natto (fermented soybeans), and miso paste. - **Snacks & Sweets**: - Kit Kats (unique flavors like matcha, sake, strawberry). - Senbei (rice crackers), mochi, and dorayaki. - **Prepared Foods (Bento & Side Dishes)**: - Supermarkets discount bentos and sushi after 7-8 PM. - Salads, fried chicken (*karaage*), and tempura are common. ### **3. Shopping Tips** - **Discount Times**: - Many supermarkets discount perishables (meat, sushi, bentos) in the evening (30-50% off). - **Cash vs. Card**: - Smaller stores may only accept cash, but major chains take credit cards and IC cards (Suica, Pasmo). - **Bring Your Own Bag**: - Japan charges for plastic bags (¥3-¥5), so carry a reusable one. - **Seasonal & Regional Products**: - Try local specialties (e.g., Kyoto vegetables, Hokkaido dairy, Okinawan snacks). - **Membership Cards & Point Systems**: - Many stores (Aeon, Seiyu) offer point cards for discounts.