I visited a Costco in Japan—the variety of foods was ‘incredible.’ Take a look inside

As a Japanese nutritionist living in the U.S., I love shopping for traditional foods that I grew up eating, such as seaweed, beans, matcha, multigrain rice, and sweet potatoes.

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.

The layout was very similar to the Costco stores in the U.S. I saw many of the same items, too, such as Kirkland trash bags and Duracell batteries.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

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.

1. A wide variety of seaweed

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.

No meal is complete without seaweed. It’s so delicious and easy to prepare.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

I found a wide selection, including:

Mozuku: A noodle-like, slippery seaweed that’s rich in fucoidan, a fiber known for supporting gut health, immunity, and even bone strength
Nori: Crispy seaweed sheets perfect for sushi and rice balls
Aosa: I love sprinkling it over soups or salad
Wakame: Often used in miso soup

Okinawan mozuku seaweed! If I could, I’d have brought back so much with me to the U.S.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

Other varieties included kombu, hijiki, aonori, and kanten — all of which I like to keep in my pantry.

2. Lots of tofu and other soy-based foods

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!

Thanks to my dear cousin, Masahiro Sakata, who accompanied me on this Costco trip! His huge bag is full of veggies and snacks for his family and friends.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

Japanese Costcos sell an amazing variety of soy-based items, many of which are vacuum-sealed for freshness and shelf-life. Options included:

Freeze-dried koya tofu: Great for busy families. It rehydrates quickly and holds flavor well.
Fried, powdered, and frozen tofu: These variations are delicious, versatile, and easy to cook.

Tofu is a great source of protein, without any of the cholesterol. It’s also very versatile; you can add it to soups or stir fry!

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

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.

3. Seasonal Japanese produce

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.

The Goldstar is the basic membership level, and it gets you into any Costco location around the world — all for less than $40 a year.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

I was excited to see all kinds of produce that are a little harder to find in American supermarkets:

Japanese eggplants and cucumbers
Mushrooms like enoki and shimeji
Leafy greens like, mizuna, komatsuna, and hakusai (Napa cabbage)

Even the potatoes from Hokkaido, known for their high quality, were available in bulk.

I grew up eating lots of Japanese sweet potatoes! They’re subtly sweet and have a nutty flavor with chestnut-like undertones. I love baking them, but you can also throw them in soups.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

4. Ready-to-eat Japanese meals

A box of assorted “onigiri,” Japanese rice balls made of steamed rice. They are often compressed into triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes and wrapped in seaweed.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

I love to cook, but sometimes life gets busy and I need fast, healthy options for myself and my clients.

I love multigrain rice balls with tuna wrapped in seaweed, which is packed with important minerals such as iron, calcium, folate and magnesium.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

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.

We saw lots of ready-to-eat brown rice selection. These are so convenient to have on busy days when you don’t have time to cook.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

Of course, you can find some of these items in American stores, like Whole Foods, but they’re often pricier.

5. Traditional rice crackers (senbei)

There are over 35 Costco locations in Japan. We visited the one in Kyoto.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

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.

6. So many different brands of green tea

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.

We saw boxes and boxes of bottled matcha green tea. There are countless health benefits! Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Photo: Michiko Tomioka

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.

Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN is a certified nutritionist and longevity expert. Born and raised Nara, Japan, her approach focuses on a plant-based diet. She has worked in nutritional roles at substance recovery centers, charter schools and food banks. Follow her on Instagram @michian_rd.

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