Supermarkets are often located in the basements of department stores, with dedicated food halls selling fresh produce, bakery goods, meat and other essential food items. The Tokyu department store at Shibuya station is a prime example of this and a range of foreign products are stocked here. Department store shopping does tend to be pricier though and it’s often best to take a walk around your neighbourhood to see if there is a local vendor selling fruit and vegetables. Purchasing from these small, sometimes makeshift shops, works out a lot cheaper than shopping in store.

Besides department stores, you can find some supermarkets around Tokyo. In Minato-ku, National Azabu and Nissin (see right) cater to the foreign community and stock a range of international brands. Other chains, such as Seiyu (www.seiyu.co.jp), have branches all over town, but while they are good for Japanese goods and fresh food, they aren’t so hot for international food. You can also shop online through the Foreign Buyers Club, The Flying Pig (www.theflyingpig.com) and Spinshell (www.spinshell.tv) which will allow you to buy foreign food and have it delivered directly to your door. Flying Pig also allows you to buy bulk items from Costco (www.costco.co.jp), which is helpful as its locations are a little too far out of the city for some shoppers. A number of organic supermarkets, such as Natural House, have recently opened up to meet the needs of a more health-conscious crowd.

Supermarkets mainly sell food and if you’re looking for other products such as household goods and toiletries you will have to visit a pharmacy. Baby-changing facilities and entertainment areas for children are limited.