Organic Food in Japan: Tokyo’s Best Options, Naturally
Organic and health food options are becoming more prevalent in Japan, but they can often be difficult to find if you don’t know what you are looking for.
The phrase for ‘organic’ in Japanese is “yuuki Saibai.” A catch-all phrase for foods grown without chemicals and/or pesticides is “Mu kachou.”
It might be helpful to ask if the produce is organic or chemical free by saying: “Kore wa, yuuki saibai desuka?” or “Kore wa, mu kachou desu ka?” – “Is this organic?” or “Is this chemical free?” If all else fails, remember that some people working at organic food outlets will probably understand the word, “ooganikku,” a Japanized version of the word organic; so you can also simply ask, ‘Kore wa ooganikku desu ka?’
You can buy organic and health food produce from a variety of sources including direct from the farmer, supermarkets, speciality stores and even online. The list below should give you a good head start in finding what you need—please note that unless otherwise specified, websites are in Japanese only.
Tokyo Farmers Market Breakdown
Farmers markets are a great spot to buy fresh organic fruit and vegetables. Not only is the produce is seasonal and high quality, but you will be supporting local agriculture.
We Are The Farm
3-24-10 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
We Are The Farm is an organic restaurant opened for dinner daily and lunch on the weekends. Produce is sourced from their own farm.
Whilst organic food in Japan hasn’t caught on quite like it has in Western countries, it is slowly starting to catch up. Farmer’s markets are popping up and the range of organic and health food options at supermarkets are steadily increasing. Whether it will lead to a food revolution in the future is anyone’s guess.
Here are some major organic shops in Tokyo. Please note that all websites are in Japanese.
Natural House
Natural House has several shops in Tokyo. As far as niche markets go, Natural House is likely going to have the best selection around. They do have a small skincare, cosmetics, and perfume section, as well as a hot deli bar serving a rotating mix of sustainable vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Please visit their website to find shop addresses.
https://www.naturalhouse.co.jp/shops/
Online Store
https://www.naturalhouse.jp/
Crayon House
Crayon House is a funky spot that can turn into an afternoon of fun for the whole family! They have a children’s bookstore on the first floor, as well as an entire floor of wooden toys one story up. The basement floor is dedicated to organic products. Crayon House also has a location in Osaka.
A: 3-8-15 Kita-Aoyama Minato-ku Tokyo
W: https://www.crayonhouse.co.jp/
Online Store
https://www.crayonhouse.co.jp/shop/r/r50/
Horizon Farms
Horizon Farms provides safe, organic, natural, high-quality and sustainable meat, fruit, groceries and other agricultural products. Dairy-free and vegetarian products are also available.
You can also shop via Amazon Japan
OHSAWA JAPAN
OHSAWA JAPAN is one of the coolest spots for organic food in Tokyo. The store is dedicated to macrobiotic cuisine and lifestyles, with a dedicated macrobiotic deli. Not only can you buy organic ingredients, but you’ll find an excellent range of gluten-free goods and baking ingredients, suited for home chefs and novices alike.
A: CI Building Higashiyama Store: 3-1-6 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku
W: https://new.ohsawa-japan.co.jp/
Online Store LIMA Netshop
https://lima-netshop.jp/
Bio c’ Bon
Bio c’ Bon is a French grocery store chain specializing in French import goods and other specialty foods. They also have one of the best bulk sections in Tokyo, with everything from carob chips to steel-cut oats to dried fruit. Bio c’ Bon also has a hot deli and salad bar with a selection of fresh cheeses and breads as well as vegan hot deli options. Please find shop addresses on their website
https://www.bio-c-bon.jp/shop/#tokyo
Online Store
https://www.bio-c-bon.jp/
自然食品 F&F
F&F has exploded over the last few years, quickly becoming the most easily reachable store on the list. Their locations extend into outside of Tokyo (Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama).
https://www.shizensyoku-ff.com/location/
Online Store
https://anshindo-d.com/
GAIA Net
Tucked away in the quiet yet enviable neighborhood of Yoyogi-Uehara, this sweet neighborhood favorite has been serving health-conscious Tokyoites for years. They have an excellent organic produce section, and they focus primarily on patrons looking for macrobiotic food options.
Ochanomizu Shop
A: 3-3-13, Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Yoyogi Uehara Shop
A: 3-23-6 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://www.gaia-ochanomizu.co.jp/
Online Store
https://www.gaia-ochanomizu.co.jp/shop/
