Where to find Authentic Japanese Markets in Southern California
For the longest time, I thought that Little Tokyo was the only place to find a Japanese market. So I was quite surprised when I discovered a nearby Mitsuwa after moving to the San Gabriel Valley (still in LA county, but a little but removed from Downtown). It begged the question- exactly how many Japanese markets are out here that I just didn’t know about? After searching online, I discovered there are actually quite a few- enough that, if you live in any of the major parts of Southern California, there is likely one near you.
Why I Like Japanese Markets and you should too
If you’re reading this blog, then I probably don’t need to sell you on Japanese markets. But for the few that haven’t considered it, these markets offer a unique cultural experience that’s hard to get anywhere else. Yes, there’s the short-lived novelty of seeing how Japanese products differ from American ones. But more importantly, they can give you a window into Japanese life that is otherwise unavailable outside of Japan itself. When you walk into one of these places, it’s a lot like being in Japan, thanks to the comprehensive selection of products these markets provide. There’s food, appliances, cosmetics- all (or nearly all) which are imported from Japan. It’s an incredibly authentic experience, and that alone makes these markets worth a visit.
Of course, there’s a bit more sentiment for me. Japanese markets remind me of my trips to Tokyo in the 2010s.
And while I had been visiting these markets before my trips (drawn in by quirky Japanese snacks and beverages), it was only afterward that became important to me, as they helped me feel connected to the country. The once-strange snacks were now familiar favorites that brought back fond memories of Tokyo convenience stores.
When I miss Japan, I can walk into a Japanese market, grab a Boss Coffee Blue Mountain and some packaged bread or pastry, and it takes me right back to those quick morning breakfasts during my trip. It's not exactly the same, but it's close enough to bring those feelings back.
What Can You Buy at Japanese Markets?
Like I just mentioned, you can find a delicious selection of imported snacks, baked goods, and canned coffee, but there's so much more than just food. Walk into any Japanese grocery store, and you’ll likely find:
Bento boxes and prepared foods (my favorite is onigiri rice balls)
Various drinks like green tea, juices, and ramune sodas
Alcoholic beverages including sake, imported beer, and sometimes whiskey
Fresh produce, including rarer items specific to Japanese cooking
Frozen foods and ice cream treats with unique flavors
Rice and noodle products
Cooking tools and small appliances, perfect for making Japanese dishes
Household items like cosmetics, cleaning products, and useful gadgets
Where Can You Find Them?
Like I said at the beginning, there is a surprising amount of these stores in Southern California, so you can probably find one near you without traveling too far.
This is not meant to be a complete list- just everything that I have found. With that said, if there’s anything missing, please leave a comment and I’ll be happy to update the list.
Downtown
Marukai Market, 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Nijiya Market, 124 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Westside
Marukai Market, 12121 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 3760 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Nijiya Market, 2130 Sawtelle Blvd # 105, Los Angeles, CA 90025
South Bay
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 3525 W Carson St Suite 164, Torrance, CA 90503
Nijiya Market, 2533B Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505
Seiwa Market, 21815 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Tokyo Central, 3832 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Tokyo Central, 1740 Artesia Blvd, Gardena, CA 90248
Tokyo Central & Main, 1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
San Fernando Valley
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 8940 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
San Gabriel Valley
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 515 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Nijiya Market, 17869 Colima Rd, City of Industry, CA 91748
Tokyo Central, 1420 S Azusa Ave, West Covina, CA 91791
Tozai Food Market, 8147 W Arroyo Dr, South San Gabriel, CA 91770
Yama Seafood, 911 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91775
Orange County
Mitsuwa Marketplace,14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 665 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Seiwa Market, 3151 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tokyo Central, 2975 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tokyo Central, 18171 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
San Diego County
Kyoto’s Japanese Market, 559 Greenbrier Dr A, Oceanside, CA 92054
Kyoto Gift & Food, 1727 Sweetwater Rd, National City, CA 91950
Marukai Market, 8151 Balboa Ave #2421, San Diego, CA 92111
Mitsuwa Marketplace, 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
Nijiya Market, 3860 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Tokyo Central & Main, 8111 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Ventura County
Asahi Market, 660 S Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030
Go check one out!
Next time you have a free afternoon, consider checking out a Japanese market near you. Even if you're not familiar with Japanese food or culture, it's a fun experience just to walk around and see all the interesting products and imagine that you’re out shopping somewhere in Japan. Plus, you might discover a new favorite snack or drink that you never knew existed!
