Your Guide to Japanese Grocery Shopping in San Diego

January 20, 2026

Your Local’s Take on Japanese Grocery Shopping in San Diego

Worried about finding those key Japanese ingredients if you move to San Diego? Relax. This sunny city? It’s not just about tacos and beaches. No, it’s actually a surprisingly strong spot for Japanese grocery San Diego style. Forget cramming your suitcase with soy sauce and matcha powder. You’ll find everything you need right here. And yeah, seriously, some spots are even a pretty good deal.

San Diego’s Japanese Supermarket Scene: Bigger Than You Think

Prepare to be surprised by how many places show up all over San Diego for real Japanese supplies. The city has a bunch of easy-to-hit places for your food cravings. We’re talking fresh seafood. Specialty snacks. Cool household goods. All the ramen stuff you could ever imagine wanting.

Beyond the big names, smaller stores and special shops totally pop up, especially once you figure out where to look. So convenient.

Marukai vs. Mitsuwa: Your Main Spots

Major players? Marukai, definitely. Mitsuwa, too. Locals often say Marukai San Diego feels easier on the wallet than some others. It’s a wildly popular place for those big weekly grocery hauls, all across the region.

Now, Mitsuwa. People generally think it’s the biggest Japanese supermarket, famous even far from San Diego, like in Los Angeles. Both these places have a ton of products. But they each just have their own vibe. Marukai recently got this kind of Don Quijote feel. Funky merchandise. Interesting prices.

Explore the Convoy District: All the Asian Flavors

Want to find a whole world of Asian food and markets in one spot? Because then, look no further than the Convoy District in San Diego. This area is a culinary hot zone. It’s packed with not just Japanese restaurants and markets, but also an insane selection of Korean, Chinese, and other Asian eateries and stores.

And yes, it’s a vibrant, bustling area where you can grab some kimchi, then right after, hunt for really good ramen. All within a few blocks. The selection is seriously wide-ranging, making it a super chill spot to spend an afternoon just checking things out.

Don’t Haul it From Japan: Your Staples Are Here

Thinking about packing your favorite Japanese soy sauce, mirin, or even a rice cooker? Don’t bother. Seriously. Because it really is a common idea that you need to bring these things across, which just means extra heavy bags and, frankly, a huge pain.

Soy sauce, mirin, even good-quality rice. All your Japanese everyday needs? San Diego has them. While prices might just be a little higher than in Japan, the ease of buying them locally far, far outweighs the cost and shipping stress down the line. And another thing: even those high-tech Japanese rice cookers can be found easily on Amazon or right in local appliance stores, so just leave yours at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Japanese groceries more expensive in San Diego than in Japan?

A: Generally, yes, U.S. prices for imported Japanese items tend to be a touch higher. The convenience of picking them up here often beats that small price difference, though.