Exploring markets in small towns in Japan can be a surprisingly economical experience, especially when compared to the prices of large supermarkets and Konbini (convenience stores) in cities like Tokyo or Osaka. The fruits, vegetables, and greens sold in these local markets usually cost less, and the quality of the fresh products is a major advantage. We visited a small market in Shiga Prefecture at the end of summer and beginning of autumn and found prices that can be much more affordable, thanks to the seasonal supply.
Below, we organized the prices by categories, converting the values from yen to US dollars at the rate of October 2024, where 1 yen ≈ 0.0067 USD.
This article is very useful to show those people who believe that vegetables and fruits in Japan are expensive. The data in this article is updated frequently, with the last update being 2024/2025.
Table of Contents
Fruit Prices
The prices of fruits can vary significantly, especially out of season. However, we found some notable deals:
Apples, Oranges, and Other Fruits
- Maçãs grandes (4 unidades): 350 yen ≈ $2.35
- Orange (bag): approximately 200 yen ≈ $1.34
- Peaches (bag with 3): 400 yen ≈ $2.68
- Pera Nashi (unit): 150 yen ≈ $1,01
- Kaki (persimmon, unit)100 yen ≈ $0.67
Smaller Fruits
- Small tomatoes (tray with 7 units)238 yen ≈ $1,60
- Grapes (small bunch): 300 yen ≈ $2,01
- Strawberries (small tray)250 yen ≈ $1.68
Vegetable Prices
Vegetables, especially seasonal ones, are a healthy and affordable option. Here are the prices of some greens we found:
Leaves and Salads
- Lettuce238 yen ≈ $1,60
- Spinach (sauce): 150 yen ≈ $1,01
- Cabbage (whole head)180 yen ≈ $1,21
Various Vegetables
- Radish shoots (カイワレ): 38 yen ≈ $0.25
- Eggplant: 198 yen / 250 yen ≈ $1.33 / $1.68
- Carrots (3 units): 40 yen ≈ $0.27
Vegetable Prices
Fresh and affordable vegetables are common in smaller markets. See below for some examples:
Roots and Tubers
- Onion (100g): 20 yen ≈ $0.13
- Onion bag198 yen ≈ $1.33
- Sweet potato (unit)120 yen ≈ $0.80
Common Legumes
- Bell pepper98 yen ≈ $0.66
- Shiitake Mushroom198 yen ≈ $1.33
- Eringi Mushroom98 yen ≈ $0.66
- Okra: 58 yen / 78 yen ≈ $0.39 / $0.52
Other Products and Observations
In addition to fruits and vegetables, we found other interesting items, including:
Garlic and Ginger
- Garlic (bag)580 yen ≈ $3.89
- Garlic (3 units)158 yen ≈ $1.06
- Ginger (みょうが)118 yen ≈ $0.79
Meats and Fish
The prices of meats ranged from 250 to 600 yen per tray, equivalent to $1.68 to $4.02, which is affordable, especially when compared to options in large supermarket chains.
Tips for Saving in Local Markets
To make the most of your shopping experience in Japan, follow some simple tips:
- Compre produtos da estaçãoThey are fresh and cheaper. Fruits like persimmons and Nashi pears are more accessible in the autumn.
- Visite mercados locaisPrices can be much lower than those of large chains.
- Aproveite descontosMarkets tend to offer discounts at the end of the day, especially on perishable items.
Shopping at local markets is not only a way to save money, but also an opportunity to learn more about Japanese food culture and small businesses. If you have the chance, it's worth exploring and trying the variety of products these markets offer.
