In the tourist destination of Nijo Castle in Kyotonearby, there is a wholesale supermarket beloved by locals in Kyoto― Takagi Wholesale Supermarket. This supermarket was established in929year and has a history of89years to date. The products sold mainly include snacks, delicacies, tobacco, alcohol, seasonings, and daily food ingredients. Not only is the variety abundant, but the prices are also very reasonable. Especially in recent years after implementing tax-free shopping, it has gradually attracted the attention of overseas tourists. It is said that over15million visitors come here every year to shop in bulk.
Due to its long-standing reputation, many media outlets have rushed to report on it. Among them, the overseas well-known travel media “Lekachigo”had an article about Takagi Wholesale Supermarket that ranked first in readership among related articles in the Kyoto area, showing just how popular it is.
Even before entering, you can see the large Chinese characters saying “Warm Welcome.”
The appearance of Takagi Wholesale Supermarket is simple and looks more like a food warehouse. According to the shop owner, this supermarket stocks over10000types of products. Unlike other supermarkets, Takagi Wholesale Plaza was originally a place that specifically provided wholesale goods to retail stores. Now it is open not only toretailstores but also to individual customers, which has earned it widespread praise.
So, faced with such a rich variety, how can we select the best high-value products in a short time? Below, let the editor recommend a super shopping guide for you.
Shopping Guide① ● Alcoholic Beverage Section
In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to bring Japanese sake as a gift for family. Many people choose to buy it at airport duty-free shops, but let me secretly tell you, it’s much more cost-effective to come to Takagi Supermarket. Some of the sake hereis brewed by localbreweries in Kyoto, so naturally it’s a bit cheaper than what you’ll find in stores.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll see the internet-famous sake known as the “Lafite of the sake world,” “Dassai,” displayed in the most eye-catching position to attract everyone’s attention.
BesidesDassai, there are also a variety of Kyoto local sakes such as Gekkeikan, Kiku-Masamune, and Jurakutei, neatly arranged on the shelves. Buying one or two bottles of authentic plum wine or sake to take back and give to your parents should be a great choice.
Shopping Guide② ●Delicacy Special Zone
After buying Japanese sake, how can you not pick a few side dishes and delicaciesto go with your drink? There are as many as500 kindsIt can be said that KyotoNO1.
Next, we’ll introduce the pride of Takagi Wholesale Supermarket — the “Delicacies Section.” The shelves in the delicacies section are filled with all kinds of dried scallops,shredded squid, dried small fish, and more,offering a rich varietythat is dazzling and incredibly tempting.
We happened to run into the shop owner, whokindly opened a pack of dried baby crabs for us to try.The taste is super fresh and delicious！
Just looking at the packaging makes your mouth water — these spicysquid legs.
All kinds ofdried seafood strips and fish, you’ll want to stuff them all into your shopping cart. There’s also a dedicated500yen-only goods section, where a whole big bag costs less than30RMB — an incredible bargain.
There are so many varieties of large-packaged seafood-flavored snacks, it’s almost overwhelming.
The most delightful surprise is this sushi-packaged rice cracker — colorful, cute, and full of Japanese style, making it perfect to bring home as a gift for friends.
Travel Tips③ ●A must-visit for snack lovers
Takagi Supermarket has an amazing selection of snacks！ So many that it’s hard to imagine — basically, if you can think of it, you can find it here.~
There’s also an irresistible chocolate section. The latest packaging and flavors are all available here,so you can easily get your hands on them.
This place also boaststhe richest variety in all of Kyoto, withnew itemsarriving in-store every day.
Rich variety · KyotoNo.1 · New products always in stock
Among the many flavors, my favorite Nestlé wafers — the matcha flavor is always the classic.
This newly launched instant matcha milk is also very appealing. Just looking at the packaging, you can almost smell the faint aroma of matcha.
Guide④ ●Complete Seasonings Guide
Japanese cuisine is delicious, and seasonings play a big role. Takagi Wholesale Supermarket offers a wide variety of seasonings to meet all kinds of cooking needs.
Hot pot lovers are in for a treat—there are so many Japanese hot pot broths to choose from here, you won’t know where to start.
I’m particularly fond of this miso butter hot pot base. And when I saw the price, it was unbelievably cheap.
Miyazaki beef miso, sukiyaki base, low-sodium soy sauce, spicy miso vegetable hot pot base……Now I finally understand why people come here with a suitcase to shop—there are just too many amazing finds here.
Guide⑤ ●"Treasure Island Special Zone" Discount Area
This area features30%–70% offsuper discounted items. The selection is diverse and changes frequently, so there’s almost always something new and exciting every day. (The blue price is the original, while the red price is the current sale price.)
Guide⑥ ●Cigarette Section
In addition to food, cigarettes are also sold here. Besides regular cigarettes, there are also e-cigarettes that have been very popular in China recently. Although all cigarettes are sold at a fixed price, if you buy a pack or more here, you can get freebies like Nissin cup noodles or green tea.
*Editor’s note: Smoking is harmful to health.
The editor, loaded with purchases, made quite the haul.~
Finally, here’s a summary of my shopping tips:
l As long asyou purchase5000¥5,000 or more, you can get tax exemption.
l Only cash is accepted in-store, so make sure to prepare cash in advance.
l It’s recommended that you bring a suitcase—it’s an eye-openernot to buy more at these shockingly low prices, or you’ll definitely regret it.
l The averagespendingis around¥10,000.per personpurchaseapproximately50 typesof goods.
l 2019yearFebruary onwardsyou can alsouse a credit card for payment.
Regarding transportation
① Subway
Takethe JR to Nijojo Station and walk for 5 minutes to arrive.
② Taxi
It takes about15minutes from Kyoto Station to get here.The one-way fare is approximately1200yen.
Shop information
Shop name:卸X颏窑恧屑/font> Takagi Sanjo Branch
Address:Ninomiya Tenchi-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City35-1
Phone:075-822-1112
Business hours:9:30～20:00
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidaysHolidays