The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

There are numerous local supermarket chains in Fukuoka. Although we do have AEON and other mega chains, smaller local chains are still thriving and look more attractive, at least to me. Maybe mergers and acquisitions of supermarkets haven’t completed in this town, or, maybe we just don’t allow mega-chains to monopolise the market.

Having lived in Fukuoka for nearly six years, I came to have some vague idea about some locally operated supermarkets. Each chain has strong and weak points.

Here are my notes.

Note:  These are my very personal opinions based on my limited knowledge and experience. You may well feel differently.

1.      Nishitetsu Store

·         Run by a local railway company, the stores are likely found in/near stations of Nishitsu lines.

·         Relatively upmarket (equivalent to your Sainsbury’s, or bit higher? ).

·         Perishables are high-quality (especially fruits, veggies, and fish), but 20-30% higher in price, compared to its downmarket counterparts.

·         Sometimes you could find unusual items or something that you can’t  find at other locally operated chains.

·         Some stores have clothing sections. Their styles might seem slightly out-of-date quite conservative, but their quality is relatively high and reliable.

·         As you can imagine, the customers seems to be older, which means that the atmosphere is peaceful and calm (its a point!), and you may come across (stamp on) fewer squeaky children running around.

Today I bought: from right,

Kishimen noodles (a speciality of Nagoya)  at JPY 138 (two servings), and fresh ramen noodle, JPY 98 each (both without pre-made sauces).

I don’t know why, but it is not easy to find these kinds of noodles at other local supermarkets.  You would find Udon, Soba, and Champon noodles (a kind of Chinese noodle, but much thicker and softer than usual ramen), instead. 

My verdict:

One of the most reliable and trustworthy supermarkets (as long as I have some margin in my budget) with an air of the Showa era.