Mitsuwa Marketplace
A vast Japanese supermarket and cultural hub offering authentic groceries, a vibrant food court, and unique Japanese goods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast Japanese supermarket and cultural hub offering authentic groceries, a vibrant food court, and unique Japanese goods.
"A must-visit for foodies and anyone seeking authentic Japanese products, offering a taste of Japan in the suburbs."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends get packed! Arrive before 11 AM for easier parking and shorter food court lines.
🍜 Explore All Food Stalls
Don't stick to one spot! Try different vendors in the food court for a diverse culinary experience.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 12,309 reviews
Type
Asian Grocery Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Food Court Feast
Food Court Area
A vibrant hub with diverse Japanese eateries, from udon and ramen to tempura and bento boxes. A must-visit for any foodie!
Authentic Japanese Groceries
Supermarket Aisles
Explore a vast selection of Japanese snacks, sauces, fresh seafood, and unique ingredients you won't find elsewhere.
Bakery Delights
Bakery Section
Indulge in delicious Japanese pastries, breads, and sweet treats that are both visually appealing and tasty.
Tamagotchi Pop-Up (Seasonal)
Special Event Area
Discover exclusive Tamagotchi merchandise and collaborations, a treat for collectors and fans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Culinary Delights
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends get packed! Arrive before 11 AM for easier parking and shorter food court lines.
🍜 Explore All Food Stalls
Don't stick to one spot! Try different vendors in the food court for a diverse culinary experience. +1
🛍️ Unique Japanese Finds
Beyond food, discover cosmetics, anime goods, and home essentials. Great for gifts! +1
💰 Cash for Some Vendors
While many accept cards, having some cash can speed up transactions at smaller food stalls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends get packed! Arrive before 11 AM for easier parking and shorter food court lines.
🍜 Explore All Food Stalls
Don't stick to one spot! Try different vendors in the food court for a diverse culinary experience. +1
🛍️ Unique Japanese Finds
Beyond food, discover cosmetics, anime goods, and home essentials. Great for gifts! +1
💰 Cash for Some Vendors
While many accept cards, having some cash can speed up transactions at smaller food stalls.
🍰 Don't Skip the Bakery
Their pastries and breads are a delightful surprise and a perfect sweet ending.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mitsuwa Marketplace for its authentic Japanese groceries, diverse and delicious food court options, and clean, well-organized environment. The friendly staff and unique product selection are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a highly recommended destination for food lovers and those seeking Japanese goods. Some find it overwhelming due to its size and popularity, especially on weekends.
"upermarket. The selection is impressive—everything from authentic sauces, ramen, and snacks to fresh vegetables and beautifully cut seafood. Their sushi bar offers consistently fresh and delicious options, and the bakery items are a treat.
The store is exceptionally clean, and the layout makes it easy to navigate without feeling crowded. Staff members are always friendly, welcoming, and willing to help you find exactly what you need. The prices are fair for the quality, and there are many unique items you won’t find in regular grocery stores.
If you enjoy Japanese cuisine or just appreciate high-quality food and great service, this supermarket is definitely worth visiting.
It opens at 9am daily !"
Gato
"I recently visited this Japanese market and had such a great experience! The place is clean, well-organized, and full of authentic Japanese products that you can’t easily find elsewhere. From fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat to imported snacks, ramen, sauces, and seasonal ingredients, everything looked high-quality and carefully selected.
The staff were friendly, polite, and very helpful when I needed recommendations. The atmosphere also feels very cozy—almost like stepping into a small market in Japan.
There’s also a small food corner where you can grab ready-to-eat meals, sushi, bentos, and desserts. Everything tasted fresh and delicious.
Overall, this market is perfect for anyone who loves Japanese food or wants to explore new ingredients. The prices are reasonable for imported goods, and the variety is excellent. I’ll definitely come back again!
Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
Nattawoot Maneetorn
"Visiting family from way out of the area. They’ve been here many times. Day after Thanksgiving and the place was utterly packed. I quite appreciated the food court and bakery. The attached bookstore is perfect for those manga/anime lovers (not me), and the 11 year old niece was grimacing at the female anime figurines in the corner “with the big ones”. Hard to explain why they were pretty out there, but this market caters to a wide range of tastes…"
Steve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mitsuwa Marketplace is located in Arlington Heights, about a 35-45 minute drive from downtown Chicago, depending on traffic. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Yes, there is a large parking lot available. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Arriving early is advised.
Mitsuwa Marketplace is typically open daily from 9 AM. Specific closing times may vary by section (e.g., food court, grocery). It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While it's possible to reach Arlington Heights via Metra train, the marketplace itself is not within easy walking distance of most stations. A taxi or rideshare would be necessary from the nearest station.
The Arlington Heights location is the primary Mitsuwa Marketplace serving the Chicago area. Other locations are primarily on the West Coast (e.g., California).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Mitsuwa Marketplace. It's a public marketplace and grocery store.
There is no entrance fee for the food court. You pay for the food you order from the various vendors.
Yes, Mitsuwa Marketplace offers gift cards, which can be a great option for yourself or as a gift.
Mitsuwa Marketplace does offer online shopping and delivery options, including through services like Instacart, for many of their products.
Yes, Mitsuwa Marketplace often hosts special events and pop-ups, such as the Tamagotchi Paradise, which feature unique merchandise and experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food court is a highlight, with popular choices including ramen (especially from the udon spot ), tempura bowls from Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr.,
sushi, bento boxes, and various street food-style snacks. The bakery also offers delicious pastries.
+1
Yes, many vendors offer vegetarian and pescatarian options. Look for udon, vegetable tempura, sushi rolls, and bento boxes with seafood or vegetable sides.
While there are several ramen options, many visitors rave about the udon spot for its affordability and taste, and other ramen vendors are also highly recommended. +1
Mitsuwa has an extensive selection of Japanese snacks, including Pocky, Kit Kats in unique flavors, mochi, rice crackers, and various candies. +1
Absolutely! Mitsuwa has a dedicated sushi counter offering fresh sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes that are perfect for taking home or enjoying at their seating areas. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use in most areas of Mitsuwa Marketplace. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other shoppers and staff, and avoid intrusive photography.
The vibrant food court with its diverse stalls, the colorful displays of snacks and groceries, and the bakery's beautifully presented pastries are all great for photos. Special pop-ups, like the Tamagotchi event, also offer unique photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, avoid photographing staff without permission or in a way that could be considered intrusive. Some temporary exhibits might have specific photography rules.
A versatile setup like a mirrorless camera with a standard zoom lens or a smartphone with good low-light capabilities works well. The lighting can be a bit mixed, so a lens with a wider aperture can be helpful.
Yes, you can take photos of the anime figures and merchandise, especially in the bookstore section. Just be respectful of other shoppers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit