🛒 Make Your Life in Okinawa More Comfortable!
Here’s a quick, friendly guide to shopping at Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores in Okinawa — a must-know for anyone living on the island or staying long-term.
Okinawan Supermarkets
Popular local supermarket chains include San-A, Kanehide, and Union. You’ll also find Aeon, one of Japan’s largest national supermarket groups, across Okinawa.
Bring Your Own Bags
Plastic shopping bags are not free — they usually cost 3–50 yen each.
Cashiers will often ask:
「エコバッグはお持ちですか？」(Eco bag wa omochi desu ka?)
“Do you have an eco-bag?”
You can answer:
- 「エコバッグを持っています」(I have an eco-bag)
- 「袋ください」(Please give me a bag) — if you need to buy one.
Bringing your own bag helps the environment and saves a few yen each time! 🌏
Payment Options
Most supermarkets accept cash, credit cards, and e-money like PayPay, Edy, or Waon.
Many Japanese shoppers love point systems — use your app or point card to collect rewards while shopping off-base.
Smart Shopping Tips
- Evening Discounts: Around closing time, many supermarkets discount bento boxes and prepared foods to clear inventory. Look for red or yellow stickers — that’s your deal!
- Veggies: Some vegetables are also discounted later in the day, but check freshness before buying.
- Don’t eat before paying!
Even tasting a grape before checkout can be seen as shoplifting. Wait until after paying — even for kids. Some stores offer free samples, but only from staff.
Convenience Stores (Konbini)
Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven are everywhere — and they’re open 24/7! Perfect for late-night snacks, quick meals, or last-minute essentials.
🍙 Heating Your Onigiri
Locals in Okinawa often warm their rice balls (onigiri), but people from mainland Japan usually don’t.
Cashiers may ask: 「あたためますか？」(Atatame masu ka?) — “Would you like to warm it up?”
Say:
- 「はい」(Hai) = Yes
- 「大丈夫です」(Daijōbu desu) = No, thank you
What You Can Get
Okinawan convenience stores sell:
- Rice balls, snacks, drinks, ice cream (lots of seasonal flavors!)
- Copy machines, ATMs, delivery/shipping services
- Basic clothing, cosmetics, and manga magazines
- Tickets for concerts, events, or movies (via the in-store printer)
At checkout, staff may ask: 「袋いりますか？」(Fukuro irimasu ka?) — “Do you need a bag?”
Say:
- 「はい」(Hai) = Yes
- 「いりません」(Irimasen) = No, thank you
Thin plastic bags (without handles) are free; handled bags cost about 3–5 yen.
In Short
Supermarkets and convenience stores in Okinawa are clean, friendly, and efficient. Once you’ve mastered eco-bags, evening discounts, and the polite back-and-forth at the register, you’ll feel right at home living in Okinawa.
