It has grown on me!

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Top 3 Products from My Costco Japan Shopping Trip

As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan last year. Whenever we travel to Japan, we always make sure to visit Costco because Costco Japan sells many unique Japanese products that you won’t find at Costco locations in the U.S.

If you're a Costco member, you can access any Costco store worldwide. However, keep in mind that Costco Japan only accepts MasterCard credit cards and cash, whereas Costco in the U.S. accepts Visa credit cards and cash. On this trip, I used my Capital One Quicksilver credit card (MasterCard), which has no foreign transaction fees and offers 1.5% cashback rewards on all purchases. (For more Japan travel tips, check out my previous entry: What You Should Take to Japan - Japan Travel Tips.)

Today, I’m excited to share what I purchased at Costco in Japan!

1. Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋おいしいドーナツ)

Doughnuts

20 doughnuts for 728 yen

Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋おいしいドーナツ)

While browsing Costco in Japan, a box of Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋おいしいドーナツ) immediately caught our eye. Later, I learned that this has been one of the most popular products at Costco Japan and often sells out quickly.

Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋おいしいドーナツ)

The box contained 20 doughnuts, and their taste felt wonderfully nostalgic—reminiscent of the mini doughnuts I used to buy at dagashiya (駄菓子屋), the traditional stores that sell dagashi (駄菓子), which are inexpensive candies and snacks. In fact, these doughnuts tasted even better than the ones I remember from my childhood!

2. Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise Type (やまやめんたいマヨネーズタイプ)

Japanese Mayonnaise with Mentai

500g for 588 yen

Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise Type (やまやめんたいマヨネーズタイプ)

We absolutely love Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise! Yamaya is a high-end brand specializing in mentaiko—Japanese marinated cod roe. When we visited Costco Japan in 2019, I purchased this Yamaya Mentaiko Mayonnaise for the first time and instantly became a fan.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you don’t have to visit Costco to find it—some supermarkets also carry the regular-sized version, making it even easier to enjoy this rich, flavorful mayo!

Egg Toast with Mentai Mayonnaise

My favorite way to enjoy this mayonnaise is on egg toast—it’s incredibly delicious with thick-sliced Japanese bread! (For a simple and tasty recipe, check out my previous entry: How to Make an Easy Egg Toast – Japanese Sliced Bread + Japanese Mayonnaise = Deliciousness.)

3. Sushi (48 Pieces)

48 Pieces for 3,698 yen

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Costco in Japan was my craving for authentic Japanese sushi. Costco Japan offers incredibly fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers.

We purchased a set of 48 pieces for 3,698 yen—just about 50 cents per piece! The sushi was fresh, generously sized, and absolutely delicious. Sharing it with my family made the experience even better. Without a doubt, I’ll be buying this set again on my next trip!

While Costco U.S. now sells sushi, I found that the quality didn’t compare to the fresh, authentic sushi at Costco Japan. The rice at Costco U.S. was much softer than expected, and overall, the sushi wasn’t what I hoped for. If you're a sushi lover, Costco Japan is definitely worth a visit to experience authentic Japanese sushi!

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■Costco Japan Haul - What I Purchased at Costco in Japan (2022)

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■10 Products I Purchased at Costco in Japan

■All Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan in 2022

■Japanese Snack and Candy Haul - 9 Products I Purchased in Japan

■7 Products I Purchased at Muji Store in Japan - Muji Haul

■My Shopping List for Japanese Groceries - What I Want to Get in Japan

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■8 Japanese Snacks and Candies I Purchased in Japan - Japan Haul

■Japanese Grocery Haul - 7 Products He Purchased at Kitano Ace in Japan

■Don Quijote (Donki) Haul - What He Got in Japan

■Japanese Lawson Convenience Store Bread Haul

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■My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods

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■5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

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■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets

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Thursday, May 22, 2025

Japanese Grocery Haul - 5 Products I Purchased at Kitano Ace in Japan

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I traveled to Japan last year and indulged in a wide variety of local products. If you've been following my blog for years, you likely know how much I adore Kitano Ace (北野エース), a specialty grocery store that carries an extensive selection of unique and hard-to-find foods.

You can check out my previous Kitano Ace entries:

For those already well-versed in Japanese cuisine and looking for specialty products that aren’t commonly found in regular supermarkets, Kitano Ace is an absolute treasure trove. The store boasts numerous branches across Japan, including 14 locations in Tokyo. This time, we visited the Kitano Ace located in Hakata Hankyu, a well-known department store in Fukuoka. Today, I’m excited to share five fantastic products I discovered there.

1. Kyushu Sweet Potato Chips, Kyushu Satsuma Chips (九州さつまチップス)
Japanese Sweet Potato Chips

Purchased for 259 yen each at Kitano Ace in Hakata Hankyu department store in Fukuoka

Kyushu Sweet Potato Chips, Kyushu Satsuma Chips (九州さつまチップス)

These are my absolute favorite Japanese sweet potato snacks from Kitano Ace. The chips were delightfully sweet and incredibly crunchy—I couldn’t get enough! I’ll definitely be stocking up again when I return to Japan.

2. Nadaman Mozzarella Cheese Rice Crackers, Nadaman Cream Cheese Okaki (なだ万モッツァレラしっとり煎餅)
mozzarella cheese & wasabi flavor rice crackers

Purchased for 260 yen each at Kitano Ace in Hakata Hankyu department store in Fukuoka

Nadaman Mozzarella Cheese Rice Crackers, Nadaman Cream Cheese Okaki (なだ万モッツァレラしっとり煎餅)

One of my favorite rice crackers comes from Nadaman (なだ万), a renowned high-end Japanese restaurant founded in 1830. In addition to their exquisite cuisine, Nadaman offers bento boxes and side dishes at depachika (デパ地下), the delicatessen section typically found on the underground floors of department stores in Japan. (As I mentioned in my previous entry, depachika refers to these gourmet food halls.)

This particular snack features plenty of small, puffy cheese rice crackers—each bite is packed with crunch and flavor! If you ever find yourself at Kitano Ace, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

3. Hokkai Scallops Furikake with Burnt Soy Sauce (ゴロっと北海ホタテの焦がし醤油ふりかけ)

Rice Seasoning

Purchased for 599 yen each at Kitano Ace in Hakata Hankyu department store in Fukuoka

Hokkai Scallops Furikake with Burnt Soy Sauce (ゴロっと北海ホタテの焦がし醤油ふりかけ)

While browsing Kitano Ace, we came across a display showcasing the top three rice seasonings—furikake (ふりかけ). The number-one ranked variety was Hokkai Scallops Furikake with Burnt Soy Sauce (ゴロっと北海ホタテの焦がし醤油ふりかけ), and we simply couldn’t resist giving it a try.

This furikake was packed with dried scallops, offering a rich umami flavor and deep savoriness. It tasted absolutely incredible—so indulgent, in fact, that it almost felt too luxurious for a simple rice topping!

4. Sliced Squid and Kombu Kelp Seaweed Flakes, Ika Kombu (いか昆布)

Rice Seasoning

Purchased for 480 yen at Kitano Ace in Hakata Hankyu department store in Fukuoka

Sliced Squid and Kombu Kelp Seaweed Flakes, Ika Kombu (いか昆布)

Ranked number two among the best rice seasonings at Kitano Ace, Sliced Squid and Kombu Kelp Seaweed Flakes—Ika Kombu (いか昆布), which is a true standout. Having purchased it before, we already knew how much we loved this furikake, so seeing its ranking only reinforced our appreciation for it.

Not only is Ika Kombu a Kitano Ace favorite, but it has also won the Gold Medal at the National Furikake Grand Prix in Japan—a testament to its incredible flavor and quality. Paired with steamed rice, it’s an absolute delight, bringing a perfect balance of umami richness to each bite. I’ll definitely be picking up another pack on my next trip to Japan!

5. Shiso Wakame (しそわかめ)

Rice Seasoning

Purchased for 425 yen at Kitano Ace in Hakata Hankyu department store in Fukuoka

Shiso Wakame (しそわかめ)

Ranked third among the best rice seasonings at Kitano Ace, Shiso Wakame (しそわかめ) offers a unique twist on traditional furikake. While Yukari (ゆかり) furikake typically consists of dried shiso leaves, this variety is moist and combines both shiso leaves and wakame seaweed, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

According to the company behind this furikake, Shiso Wakame was inspired by the culinary traditions of Yamaguchi Prefecture, where regional ingredients play a significant role in local cuisine.

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Japan Haul : My Top 7 Kitchen and Bath Finds from Japan

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Japan last year. As always, I couldn't resist purchasing some cleverly designed kitchen and bathroom products during our trip. Today, I’m excited to share seven of my favorite finds from Japan with you.

1. Lion Acron (ライオンアクロン)

Laundry Detergent for Delicate Fabrics

Purchased a refill pack for 418 yen at a discount store in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most drugstores and discount stores in Japan

Lion Acron (ライオンアクロン)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, I’m a big fan of Japanese laundry detergents for delicate fabrics. They’re perfect for washing items like sweaters, down jackets, coats, scarves, and more. My personal favorites are Kao Emarl (エマール) and Lion Acron (アクロン). This time, I decided to purchase Acron and plan to use it for cleaning my sweaty hat and Uniqlo UV-cut jackets after hiking and running every weekend. It leaves these items feeling incredibly clean and refreshingly fresh!

Lion Acron (ライオンアクロン)

2. Asahi Kasei Zubizuba Sponge (旭化成ズビズバスポンジ)

Dish Wash Sponge

Purchased for 159 yen at Trial discount store in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at many supermarkets and drugstores in Japan

Asahi Kasei Zubizuba Sponge (旭化成ズビズバスポンジ)

I absolutely adore Japanese dishwashing sponges for their impressive durability. While browsing at the Trial discount store, I couldn’t help but notice an adorable sponge that immediately caught my eye. Its playful design not only brightens up my kitchen but also makes washing dishes feel surprisingly delightful.

3. Marna Bathroom Scrub Brush (マーナお風呂のブラシ)

Bathroom Scrub Brush

Purchased for 968 yen at Hands in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at Hands branches in Japan

Marna Bathroom Scrub Brush (マーナお風呂のブラシ)

If you have been following my blog for years, you probably know how much I adore Marna products. Marna specializes in creating high-quality kitchen and bath items in Japan, and their craftsmanship never disappoints. While exploring Hands, I was on the hunt for a bathroom scrub brush and came across this gem. Its ergonomic design makes scrubbing bathroom tiles effortless, requiring minimal pressure. It’s a game-changer for tackling bathroom chores, and I’m genuinely thrilled with how much easier it has made my cleaning routine!

Marna Bathroom Scrub Brush (マーナお風呂のブラシ)

4. Kai Home Select Grater & Slicer Set (貝印コンパクト調理器セット)

Grater & Slicers

Purchased for 898 yen at Direx discount store in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at many supermarkets and discount stores in Japan

Kai Home Select Grater & Slicer Set (貝印コンパクト調理器セット)

I wanted to purchase this Kai Home Select Grater & Slicer Set in Japan because it has many positive reviews. If you love Japan, you might know that Kai is a famous Japanese company makes kitchen knife, slicer, nail clipper, shaving razor and so on.

Kai Home Select Grater & Slicer Set (貝印コンパクト調理器セット)

This set contains grater, shredder and slicer.

Kai Home Select Grater & Slicer Set (貝印コンパクト調理器セット)

5. Kitchen Pack (キッチンパック)

Plastic Bag

20cm x 30 cm

Purchased 200 bags for 248 yen at Yume Town in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at supermarkets and drugstores in Japan

Kitchen Pack (キッチンパック)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, I previously purchased Iwatani Ai Wrap (岩谷アイラップ) and absolutely loved it. Iwatani Ai Wrap has become incredibly popular in Japan for good reason—these heat-resistant plastic bags are designed to safely handle high temperatures, making them a versatile cooking tool. During my visit to the store, I discovered the Kitchen Pack, which is slightly smaller than Iwatani Ai Wrap but serves the same purpose. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, and I’m excited to see how it compares!t.

6. Daiso Tabletop Soy Sauce Cap (ダイソープッシュで減塩！卓上用醤油キャップ)

Soy Sauce Cap

Purchased for 110 yen at Daiso in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most Daiso branches in Japan

Daiso Tabletop Soy Sauce Cap (ダイソープッシュで減塩！卓上用醤油キャップ)

I was eager to purchase the Daiso Tabletop Soy Sauce Cap after watching numerous glowing reviews on YouTube. It's incredibly handy for adding just a few drops of soy sauce, making it ideal for those trying to reduce sodium intake. I had previously used a similar cap during a hotel breakfast in Japan and was impressed by its clever design. So, when I spotted this one at Daiso, I knew I had to get it. Without a doubt, it turned out to be one of my best finds at Daiso!

Daiso Tabletop Soy Sauce Cap (ダイソープッシュで減塩！卓上用醤油キャップ)

7. Hexagon Shape Dishwasher Safe Chopsticks (六角食洗機・乾燥機対応耐熱箸)

Reusable Chopsticks

Purchased 5 Pairs of Chopsticks for 348 yen at Direx discount stores in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most discount stores in Japan

Hexagon Shape Dishwasher Safe Chopsticks (六角食洗機・乾燥機対応耐熱箸)

This was actually my third time purchasing these chopsticks. During my visit to Japan in 2017, I bought some adorable dishwasher-safe chopsticks at LOFT in Tokyo and also picked up this pair at TRIAL in Fukuoka. The chopsticks from LOFT were three times more expensive than this one. However, after a few years of use, the pricier chopsticks needed to be replaced, while this one remained just as good as new. That’s why we’ve decided to keep purchasing it time and time again—it never disappoints!

Hexagon Shape Dishwasher Safe Chopsticks (六角食洗機・乾燥機対応耐熱箸)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Japan Haul: 4 Must-Have Haircare and Oral Care Products I Picked Up in Japan

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I visited Japan last year. During our trip, I picked up some haircare and oral care products that I had been eager to try for a long time. One of the things I truly admire about Japanese products is their exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you four fantastic products I brought back from Japan.

1. Vess Hair Dye Brush & Comb for Professional Use (ベスヘアダイブラシ＆コーム)

Hair Dye Brush and Comb

DY-500

Purchased for 495 yen ($3.30) at Hands in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at Hands and Loft in Japan

Vess Hair Dye Brush & Comb for Professional Use (ベスヘアダイブラシ＆コーム)

I was eager to purchase a Japanese hair color applicator brush since I often dye my hair at home. After doing some research, I found the Vess Hair Dye Brush & Comb for Professional Use, which has numerous positive reviews on Amazon Japan. Many reviewers mentioned how easy it is to apply hair color with this brush. When I spotted it at Hands, I decided to buy one. As it turns out, it truly makes applying hair color a breeze, and I absolutely love it!

2. Shower Cap (シャワーキャップ)

Disposable Shower Cap

Purchased 10 pieces for 110 yen ($0.74) at Daiso in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most 100-yen shops in Japan

Shower Cap (シャワーキャップ)

Since I dye my hair at home, I often need disposable shower caps. That’s why, whenever I stay in hotels in Japan, I make sure to keep the ones provided for future use. (Most Japanese hotels offer a wide range of complimentary amenities, including disposable shower caps.) However, I still needed more, so I purchased a pack of 10 disposable shower caps for just 110 yen.

3. Daiso Non-Tangled Elastic Hair Ties (ダイソーからまないゴム)

Brown Hair Ties

35mm

Purchased 100-hair ties for 110 yen ($0.74) at Daiso in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at Daiso branches in Japan

Daiso Non-Tangled Elastic Hair Ties (ダイソーからまないゴム)

I decided to purchase brown Daiso Non-Tangled Elastic Hair Ties because I had previously bought the black ones, and they were incredibly durable and long-lasting. Since my hair is dark brown, I chose the brown ties this time to better match my hair color. The pack contains 100 hair ties, and I feel like they’ll last me a lifetime!

4. Interdental Brush (歯間ブラシ)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, I purchased interdental brushes for the first time in Japan about two years ago. At the time, I was buying my favorite Systema toothbrushes at a drugstore, and I noticed the interdental brushes displayed next to the toothbrush section. They caught my eye unexpectedly, as I hadn’t planned on getting them. To my surprise, I absolutely loved them! They turned out to be one of the best products I purchased in Japan, and I regretted not buying more.

Before then, I had never used interdental brushes, but once I started using them daily, I noticed a significant improvement in my gum health. Even my hygienist complimented me during my semiannual dental check-up, saying I was doing a great job maintaining clean teeth at home. After running out of my Japanese interdental brushes, I tried some from drugstores in the U.S., but I quickly realized that the Japanese ones were far superior in quality. That’s why, during my visit to Japan last year, I made sure to stock up on them!

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

Interdental Brushes

Size 0 (SSSS), 0.6mm

Purchased 10-interdental brushes for 299 yen ($2) at Direx discount store in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most drugstores and discount stores in Japan

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

I purchased the Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brushes in size 0 (SSSS), which is the smallest size available in their range.

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

Interdental Brushes

Size 1 (SSS), 0.7mm

Purchased 10-interdental brushes for 299 yen ($2) at Direx discount store in Fukuoka

Can be purchased at most drugstores and discount stores in Japan

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

The Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brushes in size 1 (SSS) are larger than the pink size 0 (SSSS) brushes. The size of the brush head determines how well it fits between your tooth gaps. Interdental brushes come in various sizes, and you may need more than one size to effectively clean different areas of your mouth.