Let's Fresco!

Okay fans, here is our local supermarket. Because our fridge is the size of a shoebox, we are here every single day.

Alek went with me and took all the photos. I thought people would think it was a little weird if a lone gaijin lady walked around shooting photos. I like using my kids as social props here.

Anyway, maybe he should have used a tripod :o)

Here is the main entrance. This is one of those nice guys who direct traffic. Except there's no car parking lot. He moves bikes around to make room for you. He picks up shopping baskets. He helps out. You can see he's walking right past the socks display. (Shawna, I bought some socks here for you! Just wait 'til you see them.)

Here is where we bring our cut-up milk and juice cartons. Alek gets 10 yen apiece for cutting them up, and Hugo gets 50 yen for bringing a stack of them here. Usually the uniformed guy helps him out.

The promotional item at the front door today was this One Piece (a famous manga) toilet paper.

Yes, I bought it.

Next up is the milk.

It doesn't come any bigger than this. Which is okay, because we couldn't fit anything fatter into our fridge.

When I get home, I'm expecting to be blown away by the sheer size of all the packages.

To your right, the beer section.

More proof that Japan is the most civilized place on earth.
A view 'round the dairy corner.
"It's irresistible I just can't help it" vanilla yogurt.
Behind us, Big Fat Bread.

(There is no Skinny Bread section.)
Some prepared foods.

(For the record, I-Heart has better stuff. But it's too far away for daily use. )
Here is the mochi section! This is one of Darrin's favorite sections.
And here is the fried foods section. Today they are offering fried squid, fried fish, tonkatsu, croquettes, fried chicken, and fried oysters.

Very close to here was the scene in which Darrin witnessed two American tourists who grabbed a rice ball and started yelling back at the chefs, pointing at it: "CHIKKIE? CH......CH......CHICK....CHIKKIE? CHICKEN?????"

We like to make fun of them.

Anyway, here's the tempura section. (Pair this with some udon and broth for a lovely, light dinner.)

On to produce! All prices are in yen, ladies and gentlemen.
I think of this as the "Western vegetables" section.
Peaches, wrapped in styrofoam sleeves, placed in plastic bubble packs, and encased in a layer of saran wrap. Price is for two peaches.

Yes, we still buy them.

One of those famous Japanese melons. This price is a bit higher than average.Pretty sweets.
This is the Cup Noodles section. Well, only about 20% of it.
On to fish!

The largest part of the store.

Here is the sashimi section, still being stocked this morning at 11. These, ladies and gentlemen, are packs of boiled crab leg, pre-shelled and just sitting there for you to eat (About 500 yen a pack)
Tako.
Maguro. Later today, this whole case will be filled with sliced sashimi!
Here's the fish-you-have-to-cook section.
Alek wanted you to see this.
Some kind of crab here. Still moving a little bit. 890 per crab.
Squid, 100 yen per. Not moving.
Alek loves to eat these mini-fishies. (But nobody else does.)
Shellfish and fish heads.
Some of the seaweed....
Meat sauces.
Here is the wagyu. Available each and every day!
Alek is proud of this dramatic pork/chicken picture.

Summer somen noodle promotion. (You eat these noodles cold, in ice water!)
Some of the frozen foods...ramen, gyoza, yakisoba, etc. Good for bentos.
Here is the rice section. About 2000 for a 5kg bag.
Alek wants you to see the floor.
Here is the speaker in the ceiling. In December, this store plays the most rocking Christmas soundtrack ever. And I am not kidding! You would love it.

During the rest of the year, this speaker spews muzak that haunts our dreams. Darrin says it's like some kid playing the same two notes over and over on an electric keyboard while the boom-chuck backbeat plays.

Ice cream treats. A truly amazing selection!

Refrigerated vitamin doses and gel packs of energy drinks. (Scott and Tracy, see? You'd feel right at home here!)

Breakfast cereal. Most of it sweet. We buy all the corn flakes.
Alek really likes the dried fruit section.
Here's the natto section. Do you eat....natto? (we don't).
A small part of the tofu section. (We prefer to buy from tofu kitty.)
Udon and broth. One of the cheapest things in the store.
On the way out, you pass the Japanese veggies. Here's some type of crazy special mushroom --four for 1580!
These other 'shrooms are only 100 yen a pack or less.

Pumpkin, nagaiimo, and carrots.

Senbei section....
Chips and snacks. Placed right where kids wait for checkout...Look at the size of the "Big Bag." (Maybe 6oz.)
And the checkout lanes! These cashiers are so cheerful and efficient, even though they have to listen to that muzak all day.

Finally, here is where you put down your money. (I would show you my money, but that seems so personal.) But here is my Eco-card. Every time I bring my own bags I get a stamp. :o) A completed card is worth 100 yen!

That's Fresco. I hope you enjoyed it.