Uwajimaya Seattle
A vast Asian market offering everything from fresh produce and prepared foods to unique gifts and Japanese books.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Uwajimaya Seattle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast Asian market offering everything from fresh produce and prepared foods to unique gifts and Japanese books.
"Uwajimaya is a paradise for lovers of Asian cuisine and culture! The store is massive, with a huge selection of products."
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 2+ hours exploring everything! :clock1:
Don't Miss the Food Hall
Grab delicious sushi, poke, or other Asian street food for a tasty meal. :ramen:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Asian Grocery Selection
Main grocery floor
Explore an incredible array of Asian specialty products, from fresh produce to unique snacks and ingredients.
Kinokuniya Bookstore
Inside Uwajimaya
Discover a treasure trove of Japanese books, stationery, manga, and Studio Ghibli merchandise.
+1
Food Hall Delights
Food Hall
Indulge in delicious prepared foods, including sushi, poke, and various Asian street food options.
+1
Gashapon Machines
Near the entrance
Try your luck with these popular Japanese capsule toy machines for a fun surprise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Immersion
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 2+ hours exploring everything!
Don't Miss the Food Hall
Grab delicious sushi, poke, or other Asian street food for a tasty meal.
Explore Kinokuniya
Find unique Japanese stationery, manga, and Studio Ghibli merch.
Try Gashapon Toys
Get tokens and try your luck at these fun Japanese capsule machines.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 2+ hours exploring everything!
Don't Miss the Food Hall
Grab delicious sushi, poke, or other Asian street food for a tasty meal.
Explore Kinokuniya
Find unique Japanese stationery, manga, and Studio Ghibli merch.
Try Gashapon Toys
Get tokens and try your luck at these fun Japanese capsule machines.
Look for Royce Chocolate
Discover a delightful section with fresh Royce chocolates. :chocolate_bar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Uwajimaya Seattle is widely praised as a massive, clean, and well-organized Asian grocery store offering an incredible diversity of products. Visitors love the fresh seafood, prepared foods, and unique Japanese items, though some note that prices for certain items like Korean soju can be higher than elsewhere. The store's cultural richness and the adjacent Kinokuniya bookstore are significant draws, making it a destination for more than just groceries.
"Whenever I visit a city, it’s my habit to check if there are Japanese or Korean grocery stores. Seattle offers a wide range of options, so I usually have a meal consisting of deli food from Korean markets or sashimi and sushi from Japanese markets. The flavors are so good that it’s not just about satisfying hunger anymore—it’s become something I truly enjoy. Typically, I park at a beautiful park or a spot with a great view to eat outdoors or inside my car, but this time, due to hunger, I ended up eating in the parking lot with the front windshield as my view.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sashimi and sushi, and the store itself was spacious with a wide variety of items displayed, leading me to make several purchases. Especially delightful was discovering a Royce fresh chocolate section, allowing me to buy several boxes. I didn’t check all the prices, but Korean soju was over $4.00 more expensive here. For Korean soju, H Mart might be a better choice. I highly recommend this place!"
Kai Dwd
"Such a fantastic grocery store with a cultural diversity that you just can’t get in rural Washington. They have a large variety of Japanese food, home goods and candies. It’s a big place to explore so take your time when you stop by!"
Korah
"They have so many Ube and Taro options! The customer service was top tier, and the parking while initially intimidating was a smooth and easy process. The unagi roll I had was very tasty!"
Erin B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uwajimaya Seattle is accessible via public transit, including the light rail. Many visitors use ride-sharing services or drive. Parking is available on-site, though it can be busy on weekends.
Yes, Uwajimaya Seattle offers parking. While it can be intimidating at first, it's generally a smooth process. Arriving during off-peak hours can make parking easier.
The best way to travel depends on your starting point. Public transit like the light rail is an option, as is driving. Consider traffic and parking availability when making your choice.
Absolutely! Seattle's public transit, including the light rail, can take you to Uwajimaya. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Uwajimaya Seattle is a prominent landmark in the Chinatown-International District, making it relatively easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Uwajimaya Seattle is a public market and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the store.
Uwajimaya Seattle typically opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
There is no admission fee to enter Uwajimaya Seattle. It's a grocery store and cultural hub open to the public.
Generally, pets are not allowed inside grocery stores for health and safety reasons, except for service animals. It's advisable to leave your pets at home.
Uwajimaya occasionally hosts events or has special promotions. Following their social media or checking their website can keep you informed about any upcoming happenings.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
Uwajimaya Seattle offers a vast selection of Asian groceries, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, noodles, sauces, snacks, and beverages. They also carry home goods, kitchenware, beauty products, and gifts.
Yes, Uwajimaya Seattle has a dedicated section with Japanese skincare and beauty products, including popular brands.
Absolutely! Uwajimaya Seattle is renowned for its extensive collection of Japanese snacks, candies, and unique treats.
Yes, Uwajimaya Seattle has a highly-regarded fresh seafood counter and a prepared food section offering delicious sushi and sashimi.
Indeed! Uwajimaya Seattle is known for its wide variety of Ube and Taro flavored products, from desserts to drinks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Uwajimaya Seattle features a vibrant food hall with various vendors offering sushi, poke, noodles, pastries, and other Asian street food delights.
Yes, the food hall at Uwajimaya Seattle is perfect for grabbing a delicious and convenient meal.
While specific options vary by vendor, you can often find vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like vegetable sushi rolls, noodle dishes, or salads. It's best to inquire with individual vendors.
Uwajimaya Seattle has a food hall with multiple food stalls, rather than a single sit-down restaurant.
You can enjoy your food within the food hall area, or take it to a nearby park or back to your accommodation. Some visitors enjoy eating in their car with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside Uwajimaya Seattle, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other shoppers and staff. Avoid intrusive photography.
The colorful displays of produce, unique snack packaging, the Kinokuniya bookstore, and the bustling food hall offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos of the Gashapon machines. They are a popular and visually interesting feature.
For commercial photography or filming, it's best to contact Uwajimaya Seattle directly to inquire about their policies and obtain any necessary permissions.
Expect vibrant photos of diverse Asian foods, unique Japanese products, interesting stationery, and the lively atmosphere of the market.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Kinokuniya bookstore offers a wealth of visually appealing manga and children's books that can spark young imaginations. +1Make a day of it by exploring the grocery aisles, letting kids pick out a new snack to try, and enjoying a meal from the diverse food hall.
+1 The prepared food section, with its sushi and other kid-friendly options, can be a great way to introduce children to new flavors in a casual setting. 🍜 Foodies & Culinary Adventurers
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vast array of Asian sauces, spices, and unique ingredients that can elevate your home cooking. The food hall is a must-visit for sampling authentic Asian street food from various vendors.
+1 From savory noodle dishes to sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every craving. Keep an eye out for seasonal items and limited-edition snacks, as Uwajimaya often features new and exciting products. 📚 Bookworms & Stationery Lovers
+1 The stationery selection is particularly noteworthy, featuring a wide range of pens, notebooks, planners, and unique desk accessories that are hard to find elsewhere. Beyond books, Kinokuniya also offers a curated selection of Japanese lifestyle goods and pop culture merchandise, including popular items from Studio Ghibli.
It's the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or a special gift for someone who appreciates Japanese culture and design.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Asia: The Grocery Experience
Beyond the staples, Uwajimaya excels in its specialty sections. The Japanese skincare and beauty products are a major draw, with many visitors finding their favorite brands and discovering new ones.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Royce chocolate section is a must-visit, offering a delightful indulgence. Navigating the store is an experience in itself. While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the layout is generally well-organized, making it easy to browse. The cultural diversity evident in the product selection is a significant part of its appeal, offering a glimpse into various Asian traditions and tastes.
Beyond Groceries: Culture and Community
+1 It provides a quiet escape and a chance to immerse oneself in Japanese literature and art.The food hall is another testament to Uwajimaya's role as a cultural center. It brings together various vendors serving authentic Asian street food, from savory unagi rolls and flavorful poke bowls to delicate pastries.
+1 This culinary diversity reflects the rich tapestry of Asian flavors available within the store, making it a popular spot for both quick bites and leisurely meals. Visitors often praise the quality and authenticity of the food offerings. Community members and visitors alike appreciate Uwajimaya for its ability to connect people with their heritage and introduce others to new cultural experiences. The store's long history and its commitment to providing a wide range of authentic products have solidified its status as a beloved Seattle institution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit