Home » We found restaurant-quality sushi in a Japanese supermarket

We found restaurant-quality sushi in a Japanese supermarket

We’re currently traveling the world, and one of our favorite parts of this world trip through Japan is discovering food that totally surprises us. And believe it or not … one of the biggest surprises came from a supermarket in Hokkaido.

It all started on a casual afternoon while driving through northern Japan. We planned nothing fancy that day, just a simple stop to grab some bread and toppings for lunch. The idea was to find a quiet park, make some sandwiches, and enjoy the view.

But then, everything changed the moment we walked into the supermarket.

An unexpected discovery

We froze in front of the chilled section. Rows and rows of beautifully arranged sushi trays, perfectly cut fish glistening under the lights, neatly packed like little works of art.
We looked at each other and just started laughing. Was this really a supermarket?

In Europe, and especially in the Netherlands, supermarket sushi is something you eat once… and then never again.Dry rice, chewy fish, no flavour, it’s a sad imitation of the real thing.

But here in Japan? It looked like high-end restaurant quality. So, of course, we had to try it.

What we bought

We didn’t hold back. We picked up three trays that looked absolutely stunning:

1️⃣ A Chūtoro tuna sashimi plate… yes, medium fatty tuna! The kind of sushi-grade fish that’s nearly impossible to find in Europe unless you visit an exclusive restaurant.
2️⃣ A mixed sashimi tray with salmon, sea bass, and other fresh cuts of fish that looked like they’d been sliced by a real itamae (sushi chef).
3️⃣ A nigiri sushi plate topped with tuna, shrimp, and salmon … and even two beautiful gunkan maki filled with roe and chopped tuna.

All three trays together cost less than ¥2,100 (around €13 / $14 USD)… an unbelievable price for sushi of this quality.

In Europe, that would easily cost €60 or more, and even then, the quality wouldn’t come close.

The taste test

We took our sushi to a nearby park, found a quiet picknick table, and opened the trays like two excited kids on Christmas morning. The moment we took the first bite, we knew this was something special.

The Chūtoro melted like butter, rich and flavorful. The salmon sashimi was silky and fresh, with that perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

And the nigiri rice? Perfectly seasoned and holding together just like it should.

Even the gunkan had that creamy, ocean-fresh taste that’s almost impossible to find outside Japan.

The final verdict

We both agreed… this was some of the best sushi we’ve ever had, and it came from a supermarket. That’s something unimaginable back home in Europe.

In Japan, even the large supermarket chains offer restaurant-quality sushi that’s fresh, affordable, and beautifully presented. It’s one of those things that makes traveling through Japan such a joy. The everyday food here is on a completely different level.

So if you ever find yourself in Japan, skip the fancy sushi bar just once.
Head to a Japanese supermarket, grab a few trays, and taste what real supermarket sushi is supposed to be.

You’ll never look at your local grocery store sushi the same way again.

5 Smart tips for buying sushi in Japanese supermarkets

One of the best things about traveling through Japan is that great sushi is everywhere — even in supermarkets. You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy fresh, high-quality sushi. Convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan offer an incredible variety of rolls, nigiri, and sashimi at surprisingly low prices.

Whether you’re backpacking on a budget or just want an easy lunch between sightseeing stops, supermarket sushi is a fantastic choice. And with a few insider tips, you can make the experience even better.

Here’s our 5 smart tips for buying sushi in Japanese supermarkets:

Go late for the best deals
Japanese supermarkets start discounting unsold sushi in the evening — sometimes as much as 30% off the already low prices! Around 7–8 PM, you’ll often see bright discount stickers on the boxes. It’s the perfect time to grab a sushi dinner for a fraction of the price.
Ask for chopsticks and wasabi at the counter
Most supermarkets offer free chopsticks, soy sauce, and tiny wasabi packets at the checkout. If you don’t see them displayed, just ask politely — the staff will usually hand them to you with a smile.
Find a peaceful picnic spot
Instead of eating on the go, find a quiet park, riverside bench, or temple garden to enjoy your sushi. Locals love taking their convenience-store meals outside, and you’ll get to soak up a bit of everyday Japanese life while you eat.
Check the labels carefully
Even if you can’t read Japanese, look for the time and date printed on the label. Supermarket sushi is made fresh daily, so always pick the newest pack for the best taste and texture.
Try something new!
Step outside your comfort zone! You’ll find all kinds of sushi varieties you rarely see abroad — like saba (mackerel), unagi (eel), and tamago (sweet omelette). Who knows, you might discover your new favorite roll.

The bottom line

Eating supermarket sushi in Japan isn’t just a cheap meal … it’s a small cultural experience in itself. It’s where locals shop, it’s budget-friendly, and it gives you a taste (literally) of how Japanese people enjoy fresh, everyday food. So grab a pack, find a sunny spot, and enjoy your sushi like a true local.

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?