Organic Food in Japan: 10 Tips For Buying It

When I first arrived from New Zealand, I remember feeling extremely lost and disappointed by the lack of organic food and products in Japan. In comparison to back home, where most grocery stores are green and economical, I suddenly found myself surrounded by excess plastic, more plastic, giant chemical fruit, surplus salt and sugar. This made my initial months of Japanese food activity super difficult.

Fortunately for me, one of my inaka (countryside) neighbours, Mr. G, an expert organic farmer from Hungary, came to my rescue. What is Considered Organic Food in Japan?JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)1.



Find Balance2. Do Some Research On Where To BuyNatural HouseBio c’ BonAeon’s Topvalu Green Eye OrganicSeijo IshiiCostco Organic3. Ask Questions4.

Buy In SeasonSeasonal Vegetables in JapanSeasonal Fish in Japan5. Embrace The Freeze6. Grow Your Own7.

Go Free Range8. Know What To Avoid9. Don’t Be Afraid To Try10.

Stretch Meals With BeansRecommended ResourcesJapan Organic & Natural Foods Association (JONA)Crayon HouseLeafearthAnnual Organic Events in TokyoUseful Words For Buying Organic in JapanWhat is Considered Organic Food in Japan?Organic food products in Japan with the JAS logo or otherwise certified logos.When used to describe food, organic products must be produced solely through the bounty of nature, without the use or addition of chemically treated pesticides, fertilizers or other chemical substances. For processed foods, organic food items cannot include any artificial preservatives, flavors, additives or colors.

However, natural preservatives, such as salt, sugar and vinegar, may still be contained in organic products. Fermented foods labeled organic may also contain naturally occurring preservation, such as alcohol or lactic acid.JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)© Photo by JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)One of the easiest ways to look for organic products in any supermarket or store in Japan is to look for the green JAS mark (above) on products.

This official organic logo can only be applied by registered business entities that have been certified by the accredited certification body to verify that organic foods are produced in compliance with the JAS. Japanese companies are actually prohibited from selling agricultural products and processed foods as “organic foods” without the official organic JAS logo.For imported foods that have overseas certification marks, such as USDA Organic marked products, only those that have been certified under the Organic JAS Certification System can be distributed domestically as “organic products”.

Pretty much, if you find an overseas certified product within an official Japanese retail store, it is safe to assume it’s been cleared for organic consumption under the same guidelines as JAS.If you’re looking to buy organic in Japan, here are the 10 tips Mr G taught me that I will now like to pass on to you:1. Find BalanceNot only is organic food scarce in Japan, but it’s also crazy expensive, unlike in places like California, where organic and non-organic produce roughly cost the same.

This means it is almost impossible to buy everything organic in Japan unless you are, like, a billionaire. The trick then is to simply do your best, remembering that consuming healthy foods overall, such as fruits and vegetables (organic or not), is always of benefit. Approach organic eating slowly, taking small yet significant steps at a time.

2. Do Some Research On Where To Buy© Photo by iStock: SunnyVMDIn addition to the small organic sections of Japanese grocery stores, with a bit of detective work, organic foods can be found at local produce stores, farmer’s markets and foreign and/or specialty food stores. Shop around to find which stores and products are most affordable for you.

Here’s a general list of organic chain shops or supermarkets with an organic series:Natural HouseAn organic chain shop dedicated to promoting the organic lifestyle in Japan. Various shops are located around the Tokyo area and a few in other regions; see shop locations here.Bio c’ BonAn organic supermarket from France with fresh produce and everyday products.

There are various shops around the Tokyo and Kanagawa area, see shop locations here. Aeon’s Topvalu Green Eye OrganicAn organic selection of fresh and frozen vegetables, meats, grains, sauces, milk and more within their regular supermarket. Aeon supermarkets can be found all over Japan.

Seijo IshiiA supermarket chain known for having a unique mix of products produced both locally and from overseas. Various organic products are available. They especially have a large selection of organic drinks like wine, coffee and tea.

Costco OrganicCostco requires a yearly membership card purchase; however, it comes with a wide range of bulk items, including many organic items. For those wanting to choose organic for the whole family, a Costco card may be worth the investment.For more specific stores to try in the city, see Savvy’s guide to buying natural and organic foods and our recommendation for Tokyo health food stores.

3. Ask Questions© Photo by iStock: RichLeggMr G’s questions used to drive me crazy on our joint trips to the grocery store. I remember him continuously asking the supermarket staff where everything was from and how everything was farmed.

At first, his questions embarrassed me a little, but then I noticed the employees’ enthusiasm and glow (especially those in charge of a specific food section), and I realized asking such questions was great for getting everybody to think more deeply about what they were working with.Print out the vocabulary at the end of this article and take it with you when you go shopping. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Inquiring about food shows that you value health and the environment.4. Buy In Season© Photo by iStock: bonchanThis one’s obvious.

Buying seasonally is not only a more delicious choice (fresh produce is tastiest, ripe, full with flavor and less handled) but also economical. Food in season is almost always more affordable. You can find ideas for seasonal recipes in my Do You Know What This Is series (sorry for the shameless plug!).

Seasonal Vegetables in JapanSpring VegetablesSummer VegetablesAutumn VegetablesWinter VegetablesSeasonal Fish in JapanSpring FishSummer FishAutumn Fish5. Embrace The Freeze© Photo by iStock: TatianaPut your freezer to good use. If you happen to stumble upon a good buy of bulk organic fruits and vegetables, freeze them for a later time.

According to Mr G and various articles online, this is a much better option than buying expensive out-of-season foods from abroad.6. Grow Your Own© Photo by iStock: OKrasyukThis all depends on your location.

But if you’re lucky enough to have some space, it’s not so difficult to grow your own vegetables. In Japan, seeds are available anywhere from the obvious Home and Garden Center to 7/11. This gardening in Japan cheat sheet should help when you’re on the hunt for your own giant beanstalk.

Mr G advises starting small. Apparently, carrots and radishes are easy to grow. If, however, your apartment is shoebox-small (um, 99% of us), why not give herb pot plants a go? A quick internet search should leave you with plenty of self-guided blogs and videos.

Or, just check out this article on how to grow your own Japanese herbs and spices. Top your tako (octopus) spaghetti with freshly picked shiso (perilla) while sporting a little feng shui in your home.7.

Go Free Range© Photo by iStock: deepblue4youWhen it comes to animal products, choose free range instead of caged. Also, check feeding. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure.

According to Mr. G, the most preferable is hay and silage instead of corn or soybean. Wild meat is also a good option.

Try venison or wild boar. As for fish and other seafood, choose small where possible. The smaller the sea creature, the less time it has spent in the ocean and, therefore, ocean “pollution.

”8. Know What To Avoid© Photo by iStock: kaorinneWe have already acknowledged that buying everything organic is borderline impossible. We can only afford so much.

But in saying so, there are some products Mr G highly recommended I avoid. These include non-organic: ApplesPeachesCherry tomatoesGrapesSweet bell peppersHakusai (Chinese cabbage)Broccoli Leafy greens in generalThese products have topped the most pesticide-contaminated produce lists for years in a row. That’s right: Don’t buy gigantic Japanese apples unless you’re sure they’re pesticide-free!9.

Don’t Be Afraid To Try© Photo by iStock: TATSUSHI TAKADAThat said, don’t be afraid to try the following non-organic foods, which are considered the most “clean” of all:Sweet cornAsparagusMangoesOnionsEggplantKiwiGrapefruitPineappleAvocado10. Stretch Meals With Beans© Photo by iStock: Janine LamontagneLast but not least, a great thing about Japan is its abundance of mame (beans). Beans can truly stretch a meal.

Purchase dried organic beans and use them year-round to fill tacos (by mixing with mince), soups, pastas and stews.Recommended ResourcesJapan Organic & Natural Foods Association (JONA)Jona is an NPO established to promote organic agriculture and disseminate organic food around Japan. They hold regular online seminars (in Japanese ) and interactive events where you can participate in various activities, such as working on an organic rice farm.

Their Instagram account introduces various organic food producers and manufacturers, making it a useful learning resource about which local Japanese brands to look out for.Crayon HouseSpecializing in organic products, food and events, Crayon House aims to promote organic living in Tokyo and Osaka through its online and Tokyo and Osaka-based stores. They also have an organic restaurant in Tokyo with an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch for ¥1,550 per person and a Japan-wide food delivery service.

LeafearthLeafearth is an Organic Restaurant Certification that launched in 2014. They focus on evaluating the efforts of restaurants and other establishments that serve dishes using truly organic ingredients. See their full list of organic-certified restaurants in Japan here.

Annual Organic Events in TokyoEarth Garden: Holds seasonal events that make organic and ecological lifestyles more accessible and raises awareness of the coexistence between nature and people in everyday life. (2025 Scheduled Dates: Spring: Apr. 19-20; Summer: Jul.

4-6; Autumn: Oct. 25-26; at Yoyogi Park)BioFach Japan Into Organic: The latest information on the organic industry will be gathered from Japan and overseas. (2025 Scheduled Date: Sep.

26-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.

m. at Tokyo Big Sight East Hall 1-2)Organic Lifestyle Expo in Tokyo: A massive trade show that brings together organic producers from across the country. (2025 Scheduled Date: Oct.

2-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.

m. at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Hall 2F-5F)There are more and more stores, restaurants, and beauty salons in the capital that embrace the organic way. Have a look at some of our other articles for more on stores where you can buy organic, dine out on delicious organic food and pamper yourself with organic beauty.

Useful Words For Buying Organic in JapanJapaneseAll-naturalEnglish放し飼いHanashigaiFree range放し飼い卵Hanashigai tamagoFree range eggs無添加MutenkaAdditive-free無農薬MunouyakuPesticide-free自然派ShizenhaAll natural自然食品Genetically modified GMONatural product有機栽培Yuuki saibaiOrganic farming / Organically farmed有機野菜Yuuki yasaiOrganic vegetables有機YuukiOrganic (usually used for foods)オーガニックOoganikkuOrganic (can be used for foods, cosmetics, etc.)100%草飼料で育った肉Hyaku paasento kusashiryou de sodatta niku100 percent grass-fed meat地元JimotoLocal保存料HozonryouPreservatives遺伝子組み換えIdenshikumikaeGenetically modified (GMO)This article has been republished with various updates and additions for 2025 by The Savvy Team..