The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

These three high-end grocery stores are must-visit for me. More “must” than any other tourist places.

Kinokuniya

The perfect supermarket. I wish I had this in Fukuoka (on a condition that I had an  unlimited disposable income). Perishables appear fresh and in perfect quality (but forbiddingly expensive), ready meals look healthy and delicious.

The best of the best at this store, I thought, should be the bakery section. It has a great variety of products that taste really “real”. I felt they made from “honest” ingredients—crisp croissants have a flavour of “real” butter, and apple filling has a refreshing acidity. What’s more, they are relatively reasonably priced (I guess 10-20% lower than typical stylish bakeries here in Fukuoka).

Union

I used to assume it was only in Yokohama, but it was in Shinjuku, too, a few minutes from Shinjuku station. I love its shopping bags. It’s a bit expensive, but looks neat and seemingly lasts quite an extended period of time.

Seijo Ishii

I assumes this store is only in Seijo, as its name suggests. But I came across its brunches virtually everywhere I went in Tokyo. Awesome is the economic power of Lawson that bought the prestigious grocery store chain! It might have something to do with its buyer that Ishii have a good selection of newly released products.