Take your taste buds on a trip to Japan

Anyone who adores Japanese cuisine will instantly fall in love with J-Shop located on Young Street.

The Japanese supermarket opened about one year ago and specializes in Japanese groceries, food items such as fresh Kobe beef, fish and vegetables, and bites to eat when you’re on the go.

It definitely is a place you won’t want to overlook.

“About 95 percent of our products come from Japan,” explains manager Takakazu Maeda.

And when he says the products come from Japan, he means it — they literally, are directly from Japan, as almost everything in J-Shop is airlifted in three times a week and brought straight from owner Hideyoshi Takasawa’s personal contacts.

In fact, when Dining Out paid a visit to the shop, Takasawa was in Japan picking up the next best thing to share at J-Shop.

Among these Japanese treasures, Maeda recommends trying three popular items: Kamameshi Bentos, (brought in from nearby restaurant Hakkei) available with Shrimp, Veggie or Chicken ($16 each).

Each bento is served in a stylish two-story box, one holding the main dish and sides, and the other filled with a side of rice mixed with veggies. So, not only are these bentos delicious, but they’re eye-catching as well. The colors and aroma of hijiki seaweed, egg, soybeans, nimame and goma tofu surround the main course and certainly will leave you feeling satisfied.

Next up at J-Shop is a special offered from Nov. 23 to Dec. 5. For just $12.50, you can indulge in Jumbo Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Tempura or Pumpkin Tempura.

Make sure to try some on your next Japanese grocery run.

J-Shop

1513 Young St., Ste. 101, Honolulu
200-5076
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Sunday
jshop-hawaii.com