Tokyo Central Gardena — Attraction in Gardena

Photo Update 11/10/25

Photo Update 10/29/25

Photo Update 09/17/25

EXPERIENCE 2 (Positive) 09/17/25

On this trip I was looking for Shishito Peppers, lucky for me they happened to be on sale. They also had nice looking Japanese Cucumbers under an attractive display. They had lots of Gobo, Japanese Bell Peppers, and some great Nasubi (Japanese Eggplant). If you're looking for Shiitake Mushrooms, the ones here look fantastic. I found some nice looking Tuna for sashimi, and there's lots of different fresh meats ready for grilling or Shabu Shabu.

As for ready to eat foods I found some Hand Rolls that looked good. The interesting thing is that you pull out the seaweed sheet and wrap your own sushi rolls. It's the only way to keep the seaweed crisp. A very tasty snack treat. And, if you've heard of the iconic Tamago Sando, Katsu Sando, or Fruit Sandos, you can get them here.

The cashier was pleasant, and checking out was fast. Overall, a very nice shopping trip.

EXPERIENCE 1 (Positive) 12/26/24

I was in the area between Christmas and New Year's, so I thought I'd drop by Tokyo Central since I haven't been there in a couple of years. The parking lot and entrance are pretty much the same. However, as I walked through the store the atmosphere seemed very festive. Children and adults alike were laughing and picking out their favorite treats. I saw a toddler pushing around a little toddler shopping cart determined to get their shopping done. I think they brought along a larger human just to reach the higher shelves for them. They were a very cute duo.

Tokyo Central has always had a well maintained and organized Produce and Fresh Foods Section that is quite extensive. The store in whole is clean and orderly, with workers busily restocking the shelves.

This store has always had a nice selection of ready to go foods, such as Sushi, Bentos, and Bowls. Since my last visit they have tremendously increased their universe of Serve-Yourself food-to-go. They have a nice selection of sandwiches and salads. But, the most impressive is the Hot-Food Stations. There is a real live human actually frying up Japanese goodies right before your eyes, and others are actively working to keep the Hot-Food Stations stocked. Yet, the most significant aspect was that people were excited about the food, and the whole area seemed to glow with excitement. I think they nailed the grocery Serve-Yourself food-to-go concept.

At checkout the women working were fast and efficient. Even the security guard at the exit had a smile on his face and had a positive attitude. It was a very pleasant outing at...

Being treated very rude with my 3 yrs old son at self checkout yesterday. Attached my receipt so you can see this happened around what time. I don’t want to mention the name, I know you, the manager can find out who she is.

This is what happened: we were at the self check out and scanning items. I let my son to scan most items cause as a toddler he’s curious with everything, this is a good opportunity for him to learn and explore. Before we headed to self check, I already made sure there was no line at the self check place. I didn’t want to bother anyone or delay anyone. We had 6 items in total, he double scanned 2 items. I had to call the female employee who stands by the self checkout to help me to remove the items. I didn’t ask the lady twice, I only ask her once at the very end. Then she started complaining. I replied “he’s a kid”, she said ”so don’t let him to scan”. At the same time she threw me a look of deep dislike. I had to increase my volume and replied “this is your job”. Think about it, it is your job to help customers to solve the issues at self checkout. Even adults make mistakes at self checkout, I bet she has customers having all kinds of issues at self checkout all the time that’s why she and another employee were standing there to help. Being treated like this, I decided to move to regular check out to finish my payment and asked to talk to the manager.

During the whole time we were at self check, we were treated rude and being gave complaining words and disgust looking. Japanese are famous of being polite, but we were treated unfriendly and unprofessional at a Japanese supermarket. Again, my son was not making trouble, he was not making nosies, he was not bothering anybody. The only person we bothered is the female employee who helped us to remove items. What if it was my husband, a man was there yesterday, would she still say the same garbage to him?

I alway think Tokyo Central is a fun place for family shopping, and provides kids friendly environment since Tokyo Central provides the toddler shopping carts, we always had a good time there. Look how many moms with their kids to shop at Tokyo Central everyday, I don’t want them to experience the same rude treatment as me. I will contact Tokyo Central online and looking...

I’m writing to share a concerning experience I had during my visit to your store on May 1, 2025, between 6:40 and 7:00 p.m. I came in alone to shop for vegetables and groceries—mainly essentials for my home and for my bunnies—when I encountered behavior from two employees that made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

As I entered the store and picked up a shopping basket, a Hispanic security guard near the entrance immediately looked at me in a way that felt intense. I didn’t pay much attention and continued toward the vegetable section. While I was selecting produce, an Asian man—who I later realized worked near the cafeteria—approached from that area and stared at me the entire time he walked toward me. I initially assumed he was a customer, but he lingered nearby, cleaning a table and then sitting down while continuing to look in my direction, even though the table faced the opposite way.

As I moved to the refrigerated section to get fish and meat for my husband, I noticed the same security guard had followed and was now near the fridge. I went to the soup aisle, and he immediately followed again. At this point, it became clear I was being watched closely throughout my shopping trip.

This is not the first time I’ve had a similar experience at your store. However, as an Asian woman, I continue to return because I rely on your selection of Asian groceries and the store is within walking distance. Today, though, was especially difficult. My husband is unwell, so I came alone—and I ended up walking home in tears. The experience left me feeling profiled, targeted, and deeply disrespected.

I believe in supporting local businesses, especially those that serve diverse communities. But no customer should ever feel unsafe, followed, or singled out while shopping. I truly hope this message encourages you to consider additional staff training or store policies that ensure every customer is treated with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your time and attention to...