Grocery stores in Japan may offer a variety of flavored natto and tempura, however foreign food (mysterious “mixed cheese” anyone?) options can be quite limited. Luckily, there are a few food stores scattered throughout the prefecture that offer international products.
Here are some known options:
RECOMMENDED STORES
COSTCO Wholesale Japan:
Offers many items available at overseas COSTCO stores and a handful of things not commonly found in stores here, including: Heinz Baked Beans, nuts, cheeses, hummus, bagels, and the staple: blueberry and chocolate muffins! Membership is required to purchase items, 4000\/ year. You can bring in two guests with you, though all items must be purchased in one transaction. See website for more details (available in English):
http:// https://www.costco.co.jp/
Kaldi Coffee Farm (“Kaldi”):
Offers a good selection of coffee, along with international cooking ingredients used in Mexican and East Asian cooking, as well as spices, exotic teas, chocolates, cookies, and other items. Store can be found in most AEON Malls and major train stations in Fukuoka (Tenjin Chikagai, Hakata Station – Ming Building, Canal City). Check website below for exact locations. A few items of note that Kaldi does have (most times): good wine and cheese pairing selections, pumpkin puree (for your Thanksgiving pies), often has a brand of Sriracha.
https://www.kaldi.co.jp/sp/
Jupiter:
Similar to Kaldi, Jupiter often has a lot of international food goods. At times, things you can find here at Jupiter are unable to be found at Kaldi, and vice versa. A few items of note that Jupiter does have (most times): Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate, Hawaiian juices, bigger selection of East Asian ingredients and teas. Located in AMU EST (Hakata Station), MARK IS (near to the Yafuoku! Dome), and Eki Machi 1-Chome (Meinohama Station).
https://www.jupiter-coffee.com/
Izutsuya Kokura:
A recommended spot in Kitakyushu near to Kokura Castle and Riverwalk, Izutsuya often carries many international foods in the grocery section including: whole-wheat spaghetti, jars of olives, cheeses, spices, and baking goods. Select Izutsuya locations across Fukuoka, some may not have a supermarket. Check website listed below for details:
http://www.izutsuya.co.jp/storelist/
TOMIZ:
A recommended spot by bakers in the JET community, TOMIZ carries many items for cooking and baking including: various types of flours, sugars, and spices, Southeast Asian cooking ingredients, beans, and sour cream. Two locations available in Fukuoka: Hakata AMU Plaza 8F, and Tenjin Iwataya Main Building B1F. See website for details:
https://tomiz.com/
Other recommended spots to do grocery shopping:
HalloDay
AEON Mall Supermarket
Sunny
Online recommendations:
The Flying Pig
Foreign Buyers Club
The Meat Guy
iHerb
Tengu Natural Foods