Costco Japan is fantastic. The quality is great, and you’ll find all kinds of things you just can’t get anywhere else here. If you see something rare that you like, grab it - because part of their model is to rotate those items out quickly. That unpredictability makes shopping fun, and when it comes to value and variety, Costco delivers.
There is usually ample parking, and on weekdays it’s typically not crowded.
The food court is very reasonably priced, offering favorites like the famous hot dogs, pizza, clam chowder, and other specialty items.
The problem is what happens at the exit. They check your receipt and look in your bags every time you leave. This doesn’t fit Japan. Here, society runs on trust, and starting from suspicion goes directly against that. It’s not just annoying; it’s dangerous. If Costco normalizes this, other stores may copy it. Bit by bit, you chip away at the baseline of trust, until the default in society becomes doubt and suspicion instead of respect. That’s not something Japan...
Read moreThis is just like Costco in Canada. Same Kirkland brand products. I like it cuz it's one of the few places in Japan where I can find normal chocolate chips.
However, if you think Costco is slow moving in Canada, this is a whole other ball game. Japanese people will stop their carts in the middle of the aisle to wait for one of the sample servers. And no one will say anything to get them out of the way.
As always, unless you have a large family, it's best to go to Costco with another couple and split the stuff you're buying because most Japanese homes don't have room for 48 rolls of toilet paper, or 2 litres of ketchup.
I avoid this place on the weekends. And prefer to go on an early Wednesday morning. Then. It's relatively easy to move through the place and pick up what you need without wasting a...
Read moreCostco offers an impressive shopping experience with a wide selection of high-quality products at bulk prices. From groceries to electronics, clothing, and household items, the store caters to almost every need. The membership model is well worth it if you shop regularly, as the savings on large quantities or exclusive items can be significant. The food court is also a fan favorite, offering affordable and tasty options like pizza, hot dogs, and churros. While the store can be overwhelming due to its size and crowds, the value for money and variety make it a go-to destination for...
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