The Big Difference American Tourists Need To Be Aware Of Before Grocery Shopping In Japan

For most travelers, grocery shopping in Japan is pretty stress-free. The stores are clean and well stocked. The aisles are similar to those in the West, and even though the text may be in Japanese, many packages have pictures that identify their contents. If you've lived in a cosmopolitan community, you'll recognize many of the items: packets of noodles, bottles of soy sauce, sacks of rice, and so on. Though of course there are also some differences: For example, this common way of handling money in America is seen as unusual in Japan, and this one shopping error could get tourists in hot water in Japan. For the most part though, you should adapt pretty quickly.

One thing may take tourists by surprise: the tiny shopping carts. If you're accustomed to yacht-sized carts from Costco — or even standard carts at a U.S. grocery chain — you may stare at these miniaturized vehicles in disbelief. It's perfectly normal for each of their double-decker wire storage compartments to be the same size as a portable basket, and frequently they are baskets, which can be removed from the small platforms and carried in the crook of your arm. The carts still have wheels, so you can push them down polished floors the same way you would at home; you just don't have quite as much space to pile your purchases.

Stupefaction is a common reaction among travelers in Japan, especially Americans: many things just feel smaller. Japanese cities are densely built, and apartments, cars, restaurants, and streets can all feel comparatively compact. Even serving sizes, such as sandwiches and cans of beer, may appear Lilliputian. This is the nation that invented capsule hotels, the unique lodging option that is a budget-conscious traveler's dream.

The good news: Small shopping carts can be fantastic for travelers. First, most visitors don't need to stock an entire kitchen; they just need enough food to survive a few days. Unless they're traveling with a large group, tourists shouldn't have to cook much. Grocery shopping is a savvy way to cut down on expenses — and avoid the restaurant treadmill that many travelers experience — but only a fraction of tourists will decide to prepare a feast in their Airbnbs. In general, shopping trips are breezy and efficient, feeding (at most) some parents and their children. Even Japanese residents tend to buy less and make more trips to the store, so they get the freshest ingredients.

These carts are also easy to maneuver: You can bypass other shoppers, squeeze through narrow spaces, and turn tight corners without effort. The removable baskets allow you to leave your cart in one corner and double-back with ease. At the same time, you don't have to carry a basket during quick trips, so cartons of juice and milk won't weigh your arms down. You'll likely find that the two little baskets can hold more than you expect: Each basket typically carries about five gallons, and if 10 gallons isn't enough for everything you want to purchase, you can always just go back and buy more.

You may also find yourself thinking about the items you buy at checkout, thanks to Japan's bag policy: To cut down on landfill waste, stores are required to charge a modest fee for plastic bags. You're wise to either purchase a reusable bag or bring your own. Pro tip: If you're looking for a fun gift for Japanese friends and hosts, you might consider packing a Trader Joe's tote bag. These are dirt-cheap in the U.S., but they've become status symbols among Japanese fashionistas.