I just visited a Costco in Japan—the variety of foods was 'incredible': 6 things I wish they sold in the American stores
I sometimes go to Costco to buy those staples in bulk. But during a recent trip to Japan, I had the chance to shop at the Costco Yawata Warehouse in Kyoto, which you can visit using your U.S. membership card.
I was curious to see how it compared to the American stores, and I ended up being very surprised.
While the layout and many of the products were similar to the U.S. stores, the variety of Japanese foods was incredible. There were regional items, seasonally sourced ingredients, and healthier snacks that I rarely find back home. It was fun to browse through the foods and brands that were exclusive to stores in Japan.
Here are six things I wish U.S. Costco stores carried more of.
Seaweed is a staple in Japan. It's packed with minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols, making it one of the most nutrient-dense, plant-based foods you can eat.
I found a wide selection, including:
Other varieties included kombu, hijiki, aonori, and kanten — all of which I like to keep in my pantry.
Tofu is one of my favorite foods. It's a great source of plant-based protein and is very versatile across cuisines. You can eat it plain or throw it in soups or salads. Even my dogs enjoy it!
Japanese Costcos sell an amazing variety of soy-based items, many of which are vacuum-sealed for freshness and shelf-life. Options included:
One of my go-to recipes involves soaking koya tofu, cutting it into cubes, then simmering with kombu, dried shittake mushrooms, carrots, peas, and ginger. I finish it with homemade miso paste for a satisfying, balanced dish.
I always encourage my clients to incorporate a wide range of vegetables, roots, and herbs into every meal. Greater plant variety means more fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for a long life.
I was excited to see all kinds of produce that are a little harder to find in American supermarkets:
Even the potatoes from Hokkaido, known for their high quality, were available in bulk.
I love to cook, but sometimes life gets busy and I need fast, healthy options for myself and my clients.
Costco Japan offered a smart range of ready-to-eat items, including (my favorite) microwavable multigrain rice bowls, pickled vegetables, instant miso soups in both powdered and paste form (just add hot water and throw in some seaweed and tofu), Japanese-style cooked fish, and many unique condiments.
Of course, you can find some of these items in American stores, like Whole Foods, but they're often pricier.
Rice crackers (soy-flavored rice crisps) are one of my favorite snacks. At Costco Japan, I saw kakino-tane, crescent-shaped crackers often mixed with peanuts. Other rice crackers were made with sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, nuts, and even some herbs.
In Japan, green tea is more than just a beverage — it's a daily ritual. You'll find it in vending machines, restaurants, and pretty much in every home.
At Costco Japan, I saw bottled green teas, tea bags and loose-leaf options, and powdered teas in family-sized packages. Almost every shopper had a green tea product in their cart.
Green tea has been associated with better heart health and longer life in many studies. I always recommend swapping it in place of soda for a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich alternative.
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