When it comes to Japanese supermarkets in Shanghai, three names stand out: APITA, FreshMart and APIO. Whether you're after authentic Japanese groceries or a bustling shopping experience, these supermarkets offer a taste of Japan right in the heart of the city. Let's take a closer look at what makes each of them a favorite among shoppers.

APITA, the beloved Japanese import supermarket, has long been a go-to spot for Shanghai's Japanese community. It's a sprawling 3,500-square-meter paradise that's got everything you need, across eight sections and twelve product categories. If you're a fan of authentic Japanese eats, head down to APITA right now.

Sushi

Start with the sushi and sashimi, bento boxes, and all the fried goodies you can imagine. The prices? Pretty easy on the wallet. The bento selection is particularly impressive, offering over 40 varieties – from Chinese-style bentos to Japanese Western-style options, and favorites like curry pork cutlet and beef hamburg bentos. Not to mention, the endless parade of sandwiches, grilled skewers, fried snacks, curry buns and sweet treats.

Noodles

Come summer, it's noodle heaven here. APITA rolls out fully imported Japanese noodles like somen and soba, which will make you think you're in a scene from "Doraemon" or "Kodoku no Gurume (Solitary Gourmet)." And don't miss out on the eel box meals and eel rice balls – perfect companions to the noodle spread.

Ice Cream

Ice cream lovers, this is your dreamland. APITA's got freezers packed with imported Japanese ice creams, so make some room in your freezer at home.

Fresh Produce

The fresh food section? A massive 2,000 square meters of goodies, including Australian Wagyu M8 for sukiyaki, prime cuts of meat, and loads of instant food options. The deals are usually pretty great too.

Deli Section

The deli section is a serious highlight, with hundreds of options that'll have you coming back for more. The service is top-notch, with helpful labels explaining everything, plus they've got nightly discount events that are worth staying for.

Beauty

Don't skip the beauty section – there are plenty of pampering essentials to take home. Essential for those of you who must, have Japanese cosmetics.

Bakery

And then, there's the bakery at the entrance – Boulangerie Francaise. The moment you walk in, you're hit with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread. The sea salt bread, seasoned cod roe French bread, and butter rolls are non-negotiables. You'll want to grab some before they sell out.

If you go…

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: B2, ARCHWALK, 179 Maotai Rd

A Bustling Japanese-Style Supermarket

FreshMart has long been one of Shanghai's busiest Japanese-style supermarkets, constantly teeming with customers at all hours. It's a reliable spot, known for its well-stocked shelves and lively atmosphere, making it a hub for both locals and expats alike.

Events and Free Tastings

FreshMart regularly hosts special events that bring in a diverse crowd, and on many days, you'll find free tastings throughout the store. It's the kind of place where you can sample something new while you shop. Free samples for the win!

Convenient Location and Easy Access

Located right next to Jing'an Temple Metro Station, FreshMart is highly accessible, with direct links to Subway Lines 2, 7, and 14. The indoor, interconnected layout makes it easy to reach no matter the weather – ideal for those rainy or hot days when you don't want to trek too far.

A Focus on Japanese Imports

About 70 percent of FreshMart's offerings are imported straight from Japan, covering everything from snacks and cosmetics to a range of Japanese sake. If you're after fresh bento boxes, sashimi, and sushi, this is your spot. The variety on offer makes it a haven for fans of authentic Japanese food and products.

Beyond Japan: International Snacks and Meats

While Japanese products are the highlight, FreshMart also stocks snacks from other countries. The fresh meat and prepared foods sections are known for their generous portions, affordability, and, most importantly, great taste.

Surprises in the Beverage Section

The beverage section is full of hard-to-find foreign drinks that you won't see in most supermarkets around Shanghai. If you're looking to try something new or track down an old favorite, FreshMart's got you covered.

Fresh Sushi, Sashimi, and Beef

True to its name, FreshMart excels at freshness. The sashimi is as fresh as it gets, the sushi platters are a must-try, and the premium beef cuts are perfect for those craving high-quality ingredients.

If you go…

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: B1, Jiuguang Department Store, 1618 Nanjing Rd W. (another location at B2, 2188 Gong He Xin Rd)

APIO

For those looking for a taste of Japan in Shanghai, APIO isn't just a supermarket – it's a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture, flavors, and lifestyle.

APIO, the latest lifestyle supermarket in Shanghai, brings a serious dose of Japanese flavor to the city, spread out over 2,000 square meters. As part of the APITA family, APIO offers another Japanese-backed brand shopping experience.

The name APIO carries a deeper meaning than you might expect. "Api" is taken from the Italian word for "peak," symbolizing the supermarket's commitment to quality, while the "o" stands for "one," representing uniqueness. With these high standards, meticulous Japanese-style management, and a clear pursuit of excellence, APIO is quickly becoming a must-visit for anyone into Japanese products.

Product Selection

APIO boasts an impressive selection of more than 15,000 high-quality items across a variety of categories. From fresh meats and seafood to ready-to-eat foods, dairy, fruits, frozen goods, beverages, and alcohol, this place has everything you need to recreate the flavors of Japan right here in Shanghai. Every evening, they roll out discount events on imported snacks, fruits, veggies, bento boxes, sashimi, and Japanese snacks. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, this place is basically your version of paradise.

Deli & Fresh Foods

The deli section is a serious highlight at APIO, and it's where you'll find freshly prepared gourmet foods that you can mix and match to create your own "Michelin-level" meal. This is by far the most popular spot in the store, with a wide variety of offerings from roasted chicken wings and fresh sashimi to Japanese bento and sandwich combos. It's hard to resist the sushi platters, bento boxes, and ramen dishes they have on display.

In the meat section, APIO offers premium cuts, pre-sliced for convenience, whether you're looking for hotpot slices or BBQ cuts. They even provide helpful cooking tips like "How to Grill a Steak" and breakdowns of common steak cuts, which is great for anyone looking to up their cooking game at home.

Drinks & Alcohol

APIO's beverage section doesn't disappoint. Stocked with a solid selection of Japanese sake, red and white wines, and various other drinks, it's a go-to for drink enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood for something traditional or trying out a new Japanese beverage, you'll have plenty of options to explore.

Ice Cream & Fresh Food

Much like its sibling APITA, APIO's ice cream section is packed with imported varieties and frequent promotions, including some hard-to-find favorites. The fresh food area features Australian Wagyu M8, sushi-grade grilling beef, and a wide array of seafood. Whether you're planning a full Japanese feast or just grabbing a quick meal, the ready-to-eat section has you covered with bento boxes, tempura, sushi, yakitori, and fried skewers.

Rest Area

Conveniently located near the exit, APIO has a rest area where you can unwind after a shopping spree. If you went too crazy after payday, it's a nice little spot to start unpacking your haul and enjoy some of your Japanese treats right on the spot.

If you go

Address: B1, 212 Yaoti Rd 耀体路212号 地下一层

Opening hours: 8am-10pm