This place is great! I honestly don't see places like this often, and it's exactly what you'd expect! Also the lady was so nice, even gave my son a candy because he was fussing. Its a great environment and you get what you need. read more

Circle Japan - Taiyaki! - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Such a lovely shop! The owner is super sweet and made us feel so welcomed. One of the best Japanese stores I've been too. They have many different snacks and goodies. The prices are reasonable for items that are rare to find in the area. ありがとうございました!! read more

Store is always clean. Love the organization and the lady is always amazing and helpful ! I always buy my favourite japanese drinks and snacks here. The frozen takoyaki's are some of my favs too read more

I am having ANPAN withdrawals! Need to pay a visit to see Tomoko-san!!!! ~~~~~~~~ A cute little corner of Japan located on Beach Boulevard. I stopped in one Saturday after reading Cari S & Julie A's reviews. Did Julie say "An Pan?" I HAD to try it! I was greeted with a "Irashai mase!" from Tomoko-san. She is the one who makes the homemade 'An Pan's' daily. There are 4 varieties to choose from, but I stick with the original red bean paste one because that is what I grew up on. Hot and toasty, fresh from the oven goodness! Really! I've already been here several times and on one occasion, I had to wait for them to come out of the oven! On another occasion, I couldn't get one because there were many TOGO call-ahead orders! There is a variety of candies, rice cracker assortment, noodles and refridgerated and freezer items -- all authentic Japanese food items! Not a mixture from other Asian countries, like some of the other stores. Have you ever had sushi candy? No, it doesn't taste like sushi, but looks like it. What a novelty item! If you like NATTO, then there is a large variety of it in the freezer. Natto is fermented soy beans. It's an acquired taste. It comes with its own sauce and mustard packet. I've been eating it since I was little. I mix up the sauce packets with the beans and eat it on steamed white rice. It is my comfort food item. Then Tomoko suggested eating it with 'black vinegar' on top. She said it's good for cleansing the liver. 'Black vinegar' I say? Yes, BALSAMIC vinegar. So of course, I had to try it when I got home. It adds a zing to the Natto and it is my favorite way of eating NATTO! Add a little bit of finely chopped green onions and pour it on hot steamy white rice. NOM NOM! No need to cook it. Natto keeps well in the freezer and usually comes in a 2 or 3 pack. Sit at the counter and have 'an pan' with a hot green tea latte or fresh brewed coffee while you are taking a break from retail therapy. Listen to the chatter of Tomoko-san and her friends. Learn a few Japanese phrases! It is truly a unique little Japanese gathering place in the middle of Jacksonville. Next visit, I'll be trying the sake to take home! After all, who doesn't like a warm, fuzzy buzz on a cool Florida night (at home, that is)? read more

Circle Japan - Instant curry udon noodles -These were good! - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

See all

This is a gem of an Asian grocery store! The woman at the register was so sweet and she was very friendly with me as soon as I stepped into the store even though it was my first time in the store. She helped me find some frozen onigiri to enjoy at home. There's a great selection in the store. Included are freezer section items like sushi-grade fish, chips, cookies, noodles, curry, and all other kinds of food. They have a lovely tea selection including real matcha tea. My favorite is the Jasmine Green Tea. The prices were very fair at Circle Japan. They have a cafe attached the grocery store in case you want a quick fresh bite to eat! Overall, Circle Japan is a lovely and clean store with warm atmosphere and friendly people. read more

There is such a wide variety of products packed into a tiny store. The owner makes red bean buns daily but they sell out fast so, get there earlier! read more

Circle Japan - Red Bean buns! - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

See all

Great Japanese product selections! I mainly came here for Dars! It's a cozy place with lots of items from savory to sweet. read more

Circle Japan - Which one will I eat first? - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I love this little shop. Don't let the size fool you, it has an awesome selection of specialty and day to day Japanese ingredients, snacks, sake and tea. The owners are always extremely helpful. You feel welcome from the moment you walk in the door until you leave. They answer any and all questions. It's a great place to go explore. I try to buy something new every time I go. You will not be disappointed! read more

The owner was super nice and friendly, and she was also dressed very professionally. She immediately greeted us as we walked in and made us feel very welcomed. This store has great variety of Japanese products that you won't be able to find in other Asian grocery stores in Jacksonville. I especially loved all the Japanese snacks, soda, and other drinks. We got some frozen Tonkotsu ramen, soda with a marble, and some snacks. The only down side is that the prices are slightly higher than other stores for certain products. For instance, frozen mochi ice cream costs around $4.00 at La Salsa Market, but it costs $5.99 here. I guess it's because they don't get as many customers due to its hidden location. Regardless, I'm still planning to come shop here in the future when I crave for Japanese things. Pro: Variety of Japanese food, snacks, and drinks that you can't find elsewhere Very nice & friendly owner that makes you feel welcomed Con: Higher prices on certain items than other Asian stores in the area read more

Circle Japan - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

See all

First time visiting this place. I drive by the shopping center all the time but today I found it to be a hidden little gem. The owner greeted us ever so kindly and as we were browsing the store she was very attentive and made sure we knew was some the the unfamiliar products were. She's been baking these red bean buns that are I believe were 1.50, for one and she let us try one for free. It was DELICIOUS. I love red bean so it was good for me. Many of the prices of the products here are a but cheaper than the other Asian markets in the area. She does sell a few other cultural products besides Japanese products. She's very sweet and the baked Japanese cakes too that only needs to be ordered at least one day before hand. Cute store id come back read more

Circle Japan - Such delicious ORGANIC red bean bun! - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Super awesome vibe owner is great super helpful I've gotten many items from this store such as Japanese soda and other assorted snacks read more

Really cool place to get Japanese products. I go here to find recipe ingredients that are hard to find at Publix or Fresh Market. Good selection of Saki and frozen goods too read more

This place is so cute although hidden away besides trees. As I entered the place I was greeted immediately by the. Cashier who just seemed like they were so happy to be there. There is lots of snacks from Japan here as well as ramen. The sake selection is also immaculate. Many frozen foods as well. What won me over was the service. Cashier understood English perfectly fine and made me feel like I was in Japan the way she mixed Japanese and English it was like a learning opportunity. Overall just a pleasant to experience. read more

An absolutely wonderful store. it was like a visit to Japan and the woman running the place was delightful to talk with. It is small but has all the essentials. read more

Not sure how I've never seen this place before. Such a cool place with authentic Japanese groceries. And the smell from the bread is amazing! The owner was so friendly and welcoming. It will be a regular stop for my family from now on, and I highly recommend it for everyone. read more

Circle Japan is the best! The lady that runs the lace is so adorable and very friendly, also she is so helpful! Great selection of groceries, most all are imported, and she has a a big variety of sake/wine too! The Japanese candy is the best I have ever had, way better than the candy here in the states for sure! If you are looking for a good Japanese store definitely give this place a try, best in town for sure!!!! read more

Circle Japan - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This is my favorite store in Jacksonville. They have a great selection of hard to find Japanese foods and goods. The sake and beer selection is also fantastic. And the shop keeper is so so nice it makes it a pleasure every time I shop here. どうもありがとうございます !!! read more

new favorite spot in Jacksonville! All the food and treats reminded me of my favorite supermarket in new york city and made me feel great inside. I'm going to be back as soon as possible. Thank you so much Circle Japan!! read more

As a Japanese citizen (been in the states since 1981) and a recent transplant to Jacksonville from NJ (home to perhaps the best Japanese grocery store in the country - Mitsuwa), finding a Japanese grocery store was at the top of my list. Circle Japan had pretty much everything I needed to restock my pantry with what I conisder Japanese necessities. From Mirin, Ramen, rayu, 7 spice, hondashi, miso paste, yakiniku sauce (Ebara) to Kewpie Mayonaise, they had it all. I'm going to do my best to give them as much business as humanly possible so they stay where they are. You should too. read more

I love visiting Circle Japan! This little Japanese grocery boasts a variety of Japanese products, with everything from soaps to sweets to sake. The owner Tomoko also stocks some freshly made goods, including fresh bread, dango (dumplings), et cetera. Her prices (especially on the sake) are extremely competitive, and the store is extremely clean. I just visited for the fourth time today, and will definitely be back! read more

A quaint little market with popular japanese snacks, drinks, and meals. Lots of ingredients typically used in Japanese cuisine and tons of candy for those with a foreign sweet tooth. The owner makes these absolutely delicious red bean buns (Anpan) that's a must try if you're lucky enough to get there before they sell out. Certainly the place to go if you're somewhat interested in the culture, or just want to take a step out of America for a minute or two! They also have a collection of books that are all entirely in Japanese for really cheap! Good to pick up a few if you're learning the language. Very.. very! Nice service! read more

Circle Japan - Collection of Japanese books for a really cheap price! - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I finally found a real japanese store in Jax. It's a grocery store/cafe. The place is small, but i felt like I was in japan for a moment. People there are very friendly and nice! The owner welcomes u as soon as u enter the store, just like in Japan. They have a lot of Japanese stuff such as pocky, sake, mochi, bread with bean filling, Japanese mayonnaise, Kirin beer, curry mix, and much more. And Oh!! They also have Chui's!!! Yes!!!!! It's an alcoholic drink that everybody drinks in Japan. Sadly, they only had lemon flavor. Watch what u buy because most are in Japanese, so ask if u are unsure what u are buying. This place is great, but I wish they have more stuff. Here's some Japanese phrases that u can use to make ur shopping experience fun. *O-ha-yo Go-zai-mas ------Goodmorning *Ko-ni-chi-wa -------------Good Afternoon/Hi *Su-mi-ma-sen -------------Excuse me/sorry *Ko-re na-ni? ---------------What is this? Oi-shi des ka? -------------Is this good/tasty? *ko-re wa suki(ski) des yo -------------------- I like this! *ko-re wa ski des yo ----------------------I love this! *Ka-wai-i ------------------Cute *____ a-ri-mas-ka? -------Do u have_____? *I-ku-ra des ka? ------------How much? *Do-mo a-ri-ga-to go-zai-mas -----------------Thank u very much *Ma-ta ne -------------------See u later *Ja(jha) ne ----------------------bye read more

It's a small shop but it boasts an excellent selection of Japanese grocery products. The owner is extremely friendly and polite, and we love coming here to stock up on a wide variety of Japanese snacks, seasonings, and sakes that we love! Many of these items and brands are otherwise very difficult to find in the Jacksonville area, so I'm very grateful for Circle Mart. read more

Every store/business in Jacksonville should learn something from the owner at CJ!! You are genuinly greeted with a smile and thanked even if you just stop by. My husband lived in Japan for a few years and nothing compares to the way business is handled there. People seem to make so much fuss about chain restaurants/stores that people forget about the quality and value of food, service and common courtesy when it comes to shopping and experience not just brand. All I can say is, it is truly a breath of fresh air to find local groceries, small restaurants that provide excellent service and something unique! =) I was glad to find Coconut Pocky's and Koala's March cookies, tea's & lots of other foods/snacks. =) read more

Such a lovely little shop! There are no true Asian shops or restaurants to be had in my little corner of southeast Georgia, so I decided to make a trip to Jacksonville (about an hour and 45 minute drive) specifically for this store...and I was NOT disappointed!! The store itself is small but manages to carry quite a large variety of Japanese ramen, cooking ingredients both ready-to-make (like boxed curry) and raw, sake, snacks, and refrigerated and frozen items. When you first enter the store you are greeted in Japanese by the owner, Tomoko, who is the probably the most friendly store owner I've ever had the good fortune to meet. Immediately I went to the snack isle, being the sweet fiend that I am. I was very very happy with the selection of items; one entire side of a shelf was dedicated to mostly all sorts of instant noodles, and there was even Calpis/Calpico, Ramune & Pocari Sweat stocked! And don't forget to look in the freezers-- I was incredibly pleased to find she also stocks traditional Japanese sweets. I kind of went in expecting higher prices due to a previous reviewer, but honestly I think Circle Japan's prices are quite reasonable as the area doesn't have but two other Asian grocers, and I know for sure that at least one of these grocers has prices that are slightly higher I ended up spending $65. Yes. And since I went on a Saturday, Tomoko-san indeed had an-pan baking in the oven. I enjoyed some wonderful green tea while I waited, and I was happy to have the an-pan directly out of the oven. So so delicious. Overall it was the most pleasant experience you could have in a store, and the 90 something mile trek was very well worth it. Five out of five stars because it really was as good as it gets. read more

This is a great little place. Outside seating for nice days. A cute little children's corner with tables and toys. Tons of authentic Japanese foods. Great customer service in both Japanese and English. read more

My teenage son and I have been coming to Circle Japan for over a year now - at his request. Not only is the store clean and the selection great, but the proprietor is the friendliest and sweetest woman you'll ever meet! Great selection of sake, beers, plum wine and green tea - and lots of fun! read more

the owner Tomoko san from Japan is very sweet and friendly! As I'm Japanese , I stop and get Japanese stuff there when I crave soul food of mine. She makes a bun stuffed with sweet red beans which is gluten free, nut free, daily free, egg free... great for those who have allergy. read more

Most famous shop in Japanese community. She knows everybody. Very friendly. All the products here are trust worthy. If you call in advance, she will bake Japanese style cake and bread. I goes there every week and I enjoy talking with her. read more

This place is hard to find as it's in the far corner of a small plaza. The store itself is tiny with very few selection. The front section has a few items such as sake, sauces, snacks, refrigerated and frozen items, dried products. The back section is a cafe. I wish I had stayed longer to enjoy it... next time. I'm used to Los Angeles prices so it's an unfair comparison, I know, but the prices are very high. The lady (owner?) is very sweet. She makes the store delightful. I will come back just for that. read more

Very nice Japanese and Oriental market. Very nice friendly cashier who instantly greeted us at the entrance as well as to the other customers entering the store. Very wide selection of Japanese grocery items and other Japanese products. Reasonably priced items and shelves were fully stocked. Very impressed with Circle Japan with the atmosphere and friendliness! read more

such a cute japanese shop! definitely had things i've never seen at any other Chinese/asian/japanese spots. picked up some cute treats. the lady who works there is so cute and friendly! she made the experience fantastic! it's also for sure the cleanest japanese store in jacksonville ive been to, definitely a place to stop by! read more

Circle Japan - Bakeries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

See all

Having lived in Japan for nearly 2 decades I need a place to find my "Japanese fix". This is it. They have all the things that remind me of Japan. From bags of "Koshihikari" rice to a block of frozen "O-toro" (BIG O) for sushi or sashimi, they had it. They even bake Japanese pastries if you come on the right day of the week. read more

All the good reviews of this place, I had to try it and yes, it is that good. One thing that really stands out is the excellent staff. That is a BIG + for me since I don't eat Japanese food all the time, the staff really helped me out on what to order. sake, tea, food all excellent. read more

What an amazing store! The owner of this store is really sweet. Every time I come here, she is always so nice and friendly. The selection of Asian/ Japanese food are wonderful. There are many great items such as different soy sauce, candies, noodles, and they even have some bakery items! I usually get the chocolate and green tea pastry which I heat it in the morning before work. It tastes wonderful and it is really good with coffee as well. The store is super adorable and it really makes me happy when I go in there! read more

Every time I go there it takes me back to my days living Japan. This small grocery shop has many things - from sake, ramen, curry, spices, snacks to frozen sushi grade fish (hamachi and ahi). Friendly owner greets you at the door every time. read more

After living in Japan for 7 years, (Tohoku and Yokohama district) we are very pleased to have a Japanese shop nearby our house. The selection is amazing. (We buy furikaki, miso paste, and Japanese green tea leaves while we are not in Japan.) We will be visiting this store often. Domo! read more

This is one of my favorite little shops in the ville'. The first time I went I had a hard time finding the place due to the fact that it is at the end of a strip mall, tucked in the corner. But once you find it, what a great gem. The lady who owns the place is sweet as pie. Her fresh baked buns are great. She usually has one with bean curd, one with chocolate, and little pieces of hot dogs wrapped in her dough and topped with sesame seeds. The place is small but it is packed with all sorts of goodies. The sake selection is amazing. I love stopping in after I leave FSCJ. I usually get there right as she is pulling some warm buns out of the oven. Stop in some time and chat with the lady who owns it. Hope you like it as much as I do. read more

Super cute place that has the basics for Japanese cooking, a very nice sake selection and the owner is incredibly nice and helpful. I'd give it five stars if it was bigger. read more

The only place I go for anything Japanese. Having lived there for 6 years, I miss it ,and Japan circles selection brings me back there. Check for the frozen "beef bowl" it's bomb. read more