This is regarding their e-store. I ordered items on 12/30/2017 and as of today, nothing has been shipped. I sent two e-mails and left one voice mail message to their e-store, but no one ever responded or called me back. I finally called the office in Gardena and a female answered the phone, but her English was horrible and did not understand what my concern was regarding my items not being shipped. If you plan on ordering from their e-store and you don't mind waiting on shipping, that's ok. But they are definitely not very expeditious with customer orders. read more

Went to three Marukai markets on Sunday, looking for Uni-Arare for my wife. Just could not find it. But at one of the markets, we found a Bear Papa kiosk and bought some. Very good cream puffs and surprisingly, cheaper than standard cream puffs are other major bakeries. Couldn't figure that out, but my wife said she loved it. Also, Marukai has great specialty fish and seafood, for sushi and such. This past weekend they had great hamachi, great chu-toro, great mirugai, and giantic prawns. If we had more time and were going to cook at home, I would have bought some stuff and made a home sushi party with a lot of Japanese beer and Shochu. read more

It's very clean and organized. They have a variety of selection. The deli food is good. Some of the staff are very helpful and friendly and some are not. Always plenty of parking and you don't have to wait a long time waiting in line for a register. read more

This place is a wonderful place to go with your family and friends. I came here ever since I was a little kid. This is basically a Japanese Target. There is everything you need here. There are school supplies, so much food and snacks, makeup, chairs, restaurants, and home décor. But one thing they should fix is their security guard. About a month ago, I went with a group of 4 friends on a Saturday night. We were being totally respectful and they had a really uptight security guard follow us everywhere. I understand that we are young and look naïve, he made us very uncomfortable. My friend felt so uncomfortable, we jokingly ran away from him. This triggered him and started to fast walk towards us, and asked us to leave. We tried to explain to him how uncomfortable we felt, but due to a language barrier he couldn't sympathize. Other than this situation,i love Tokyo cental. read more

So my friend Michelle took me here for my first time...and I totally heart it!! I'm a Hispanic wanting to be Asian, and I have to say this store FASCINATED me!!! You will find the best car fresheners there. They will last you, and I am not lying, for a month!!! I was kinda put off by the whole membership thing...yeah, its only $10.00 (I think) but really? really? a membership? Everything else there is awesome! To the face creams, facial blotting tissues, cosmetics, furniture...and a huge variety of food...Their selection of soy sauce is ridiculous!!! Cant wait to go back! FYI: There is also a location in Downtown LA (Thanks Lia!) read more

Super cool place. I really dig the prepped food boxes. Very convenient. Very clean, an abundance of items to browse or buy. Well Lit. Much bigger then most other Japanese Markets I've been to. I really like that they have lots of 'can't find anywhere else besides Japan" items here (that can be found!) read more

My family has gone here for years for 80% of our groceries. Especially since we usually cook Japanese food. I remember when I was little my mom would let me pick any snack I want to go with my bento (japanese lunch). Love this place. I also like the food court. I usually order Wakamen Udon. Becuase I love noodles. read more

We love almost everything about Marukai - the food, the people, the prices. If you have never shopped in a Japanese market you should really give it a try. Sign up for their flier and get money off with their card program. The flier can teach you what you may not know about the foods you can buy. Although you can dearly for meats and seafood they have great priced items as well. read more

My fiance and I love Tokyo Central! We travel all the way from Phoenix to go and shop there! The food is amazing, we love that they have a lot of japanese goodies and drinks! We hope they'll decide to expand to AZ! read more

Cutesy market. Overpriced though. I went in there to look around. it's a fun place to just check out to see what's being sold out there. What's interesting to me is buying from the vendors out front. They were selling octopus cake and japanese red bean pancakes. Quite delectable and comes out hot. I love it when food is freshly made. read more

This store has the best selection and prices on a wide variety of Japanese goods-from groceries to furniture- you will find what you need at Marukai. They do have several other locations around the LA area, but the Gardena location is my favorite. If you are looking for a hard-to-find Japanese product, check here first. While you are there grab a meal in their food court, you'll be glad you did! read more

Out of all the Marukai that I have been to (West Co, Costa Mesa, and this one), I think this one is the best- not only is it the biggest, but there is always wide selection of items more so than in West Covina. There is a small food court that isn't very popular, but it is much better than the one in West Covina. I think the food court in Costa Mesa is the best though. read more

This is a great Japanese market - some of their items are reasonable and others are not. Be careful of the fishcakes - they are laden with MSG. The produce section is good and the rice cakes are good as well. They have quite a broad variety of sushi quality fish as well as ready made sushi. read more

Don't miss out on the upstairs! Lots of cool furniture and home decorations.

For Japanese groceries and specialty items this is a great place to go. They have a wide variety and selection of authentic Japanese cuisine. You can also find a nice selection of Hawaiian products too. Membership is required, but if you go infrequently you can go up to the register, say you forgot your card and pay the $1 fine (more than worth it). Rice is always found at a great price here. The fish selection is fresh and well worth it. And they always have a wonderful selection of sushi available all made fresh that day. There's a little food court that serves a good selection of tasty dishes. Try the ramen! I only wish they had a specialty selection of Japanese collectible toys. read more

I lived in Japan and this store just brings back so many memories of all the goodies and mysteries of walking into a Japanese market. I don't know what they are so I rely mostly on the photos and sometimes it's good, sometimes it's a fail but this is one store that the phrase, "going to a candy store" truly applies.So many many interesting stuff, so many many different stuff to try and explore, they even have Hawaiian dry food and frozen as well and stuff to make sushi and sukiyaki, little Japanese plates and cups and appliances, the list goes on and on... I would've given them a 5 star but I don't get the membership fee??? Since I don't come here enough, I just pay the one time fee which is minimal. read more

Despite the rocky transition from Marukai to Tokyo Central, this market is still my go to for Japanese groceries. Though there are several other Japanese markets in the area Tokyo Central has always been the most comfortable to go to. I feel it has good customer service and friendly security staff. I frequently go to most of the stores in the area and Tokyo Central staff are the only ones who actively recognize and greet me when I shop. I feel this attentiveness is going above and beyond, the main security guard Ben, in particular remembered me before I remembered any of the staff. It was his friendly service that made me realize how attentive the other team members were. It's always a pleasure to go shopping at Tokyo Central. read more

I believe this was a Marukai way back in the day but it is now changed to Tokyo central which is pretty much the same and much of the layout has not changed. They have a great selection of mostly Japanese and asian items from beauty, household, stationary, and grocery. They also have It used to be more low-key but it is now more crowded and busy. read more

I love Asian markets. But of all the Asian markets in the area, this one is the only one that meets my "Target standard"--meaning it has anything and everything you'd ever want, just like Target. Asian inspired furniture? Check. A huge assortment of cute tea cups? Check. Mochi? Of course, it's a Japanese supermarket! And food court? YES!! This is actually the reason I come here the most. It may be small, but it's cheap and they give you a LOT of food. I absolutely LOVE the Korean food they have there. You gotta try the bi bim bap, fried rice, and the noodle side dish. There's also ramen and udon... not the best I've had but is definitely good enough to make me all warm and sleepy during my lunch breaks. They come in huge restaurant-sized bowls. $20 for 1 year membership? Heck yes, totally worth it. read more

I love love LOVE Marukai! This store puts any 99 Ranch Market or Mitsuwa to shame. This store is huge and I can spend a lot of time browsing at the Japanese home goods, stationary, foods, sushi and furniture that spans over 2 floors. While other stores may have 1 or 2 varieties of something, Marukai has 5 or 6 different types of authentic Japanese branded items. They also have at least 10 different foods they are sampling for you to try and hopefully buy (they got me!). They have a Hawaiian section with many imported items. They also have Popin Cookin' kits, a fun kids gift, for only $4.95 (a great deal compared to Ebay or Amazon). In order to purchase anything here, you must be a member - $10 for the year, or $1 for the day. If you buy the day pass, it can be purchased at the register, and no cost to browse. Small beans for great quality Japanese goods. read more

Biggest Japanese market I've ever seen around these parts. They sell everything you can think of and only authentic Japanese items. Food, produce, fresh meats, houseware, massage chairs, rice cookers, etc... What's great is that even the prices are not overly expensive for the japanese items. In fact I'd call them cheap. I would shop here for everything if only it were closer to me.. However, you need a membership to shop here. $1 for a one-day guest pass $10 annual pass. I would recommend coming here to stock up on anything you can think of that is Japanese and Hawaiian read more

Amazing selection of everything. This 2 story store is more like a department store than just a supermarket. Wonderful deals on their specials. I drive down from west los angeles to buy their super fresh fish. Downstairs has a huge grocery store and housewares. Upstairs is furniture, bedding, and clothing. Huge selection of sake. Love this place! read more

This places is the Japanese BOMB ! ! Homesick for Japan? Head here, wanna feel like your in Japan only larger and cheaper and people speak English ...head to Marukai's! They also have a Beard Papa's Cream Puff;s to boot, oh boy am I in trouble. read more

I love this store. I'm not from the area but any time my family and I are in socal we always make a stop at marukai. It's a must not matter how busy our schedule is. They have a great variety of clothes, food, kitchen stuff and asian knickknacks. I recently found some leggings with fleece lining for only $4.99! I tried them on when I got home and wish I bought more. They are so comfy! I also stock up on all my japanese food essentials when I'm there (curry, nori, mochi, and sauces). I also looking upstairs at the furniture and japanese Obi's. I'm always looking for pretty fabric and although most of their obi's are used you can get lucky from time to time. Membership is $10/year or you can pay $1 at the check out for a one day pass. There is a marukai in norcal but it's just not the same. This store is by far the best! read more

Not only do they have an insane selection of Japanese and other Asian food products, they have the best damn Pocky section I have ever seen in my life. Pocky. God's gift to nerds who love stick shaped food. Pocky in every flavor. Tahitian vanilla. Coffee. Tiramisu. I drool. I feel alive. I bought a 12 pack of Ichiban for $9.99. My heart nearly burst. And then a few aisles over, I found that my favorite Japanese coffee in a can was LESS than the standard $.99 a can. I started scooping them off the shelf with such enthusiasm that a nearby stockboy gave me a funny look. Stupid Americans. Yes, I am stupid. STUPID FOR THIS PLACE LIKE CRAZY! read more

By far the biggest Marukai (or Japanese store outside of Japan) I've been to. This Marukai was like an amusement park!  Membership is required for all purchases, but a one-day pass is available for just $1.  The store is packed with Japanese goodies from snacks galore to a second floor of furniture to endless rows of cute and inexpensive dishware.  This was a Japanese Target to the max, and true to form, I left with items I didn't even know I needed.  However, I did find that upon visiting a standard Marukai just minutes later, I had scored deals on my purchases at the first location, even after accounting for the dollar membership! If you have some time, drop by and check this place out for endless rows of treats and do-jiggers galore! read more

They overcharged me and they promised to refund overcharged portion but they don't keep their promise. They are so insincere.

great store. I think of this store like a Costco with Japanese products. They have food,housewares,clothing,stationary,decorative items,a food court and upstairs more furniture and house items. Some at surprising prices like kimonos for $9-$29 or! read more

Tokyo Central - International Grocery Near Me - Gardena, California

Great place to come and shop at. Some coo little eateries inside. Awesome seafood selection of course. Lots of great japanese, even some korean appliances. You might also find some of the same products that you could find at ralphs or vons....but cheaper..which caught my eye. I was surprised that was their regular price, when normally i need a club card and a sale for American markets. Membership is only 10$, and you can easily save that cost on the seafood you can buy there. Give the place a try, you will find it opens up a different selection of food for you, if you are interested in trying things, or just interested quality selection. Also, my new favorite, try the spam musubi from the food joints in the front, and add some sciracha sauce..Awesome!!! read more

This is my go-to Japanese grocery store. They always have a great selection of fish to make sushi or sashimi at home and the prices are very reasonable. Service is always extremely friendly. read more

They have everything from furniture to fresh baked goods. Love going in and getting lost discovering all the fun goodies in this superstore!! Go on Sunday! They have really cool samples incase you are afraid to try some things they help you! Go and enjoy! read more

Some great deals here. Membership is only $10/year. This location is the best one in LA, as they have housewares, clothing, furniture and all sorts of stuff other locations don't. It's a bit far for me, which is why I don't go too often. Their seafood section is pretty good......the usual stuff you find at Japanese markets in LA, however, they have more selection of fresh (i.e. not frozen) stuff. Take advantage ! read more

Sooo huge! I got lost in here...in the best way possible. Food selection is comparable to other branches, but the selection of cookware, tea sets and dishes is fabulous! Plus, it's reasonable. read more

The best time to come to Marukai is the day before New Year's eve. Plenty of parking. No crowds. Everything is in stock... no wait, that's the absolute worst time ever to come here. read more

Man they have everything. I used to go here and shop followed by Beard Papa's in my face... Or if I couldn't wait til after... I'd appetizer it with one in hand while pushing my cart... =D Oh yeah and p.s... don't get turned off my the tiny annual membership, it's so worth it... read more

I just gorged myself on things that I bought from here: kalua pig, poke, saimin, and hawaiian sun. Yummy! :-) You don't have to be a member to shop here, but they do charge you $1 for a "day pass." Don't waste your time standing in the membership line, they just add the $1 when you check out. read more

I am a fan of this place for all the great reasons that everyone has voiced. HOWEVER, what the f**k is up with a membership fee? Why? It's not like you get some crazy discount like Costco's. Plus, the fee is like $1 a visit or $5 for the year. Does that even make sense? Obviously, it's not enough to really make a big profit. It's almost like a "we are charging you because we can and it will leave a weird taste in your mouth" kind of feeling. Just weird in a kid-animated-hard-core-sex-sweet-dirty-confused-so innocent-wrong kind of way. P.S. check out the gas prices at the Arco station right next to Marukai. Freakin' cheap!!!!!!!!! read more

This one is much bigger and had a better range of selection than the small one on Sepulveda & Hawthorne. It has 2 stories, and a food court. There's a few other shops around Marukai, but I haven't checked them out, and I'm not sure if it is a part of Marukai. read more

I have been going to Marukai Market in Gardena since before I can remember--probably since I was a baby. Marukai is Japanese grocery chain that carries just about everything...and I do mean everything. If you want sashimi, they have it. You want to get slippers, cute little stickers, a rice cooker, an air conditioning unit, a Japanese character painting, a box of chocolates, and back massager, Marukai Market will have all that too. From fresh produce to origami paper, I think this place is the one-stop-shop that will satisfy! At least that's how I feel when I go. Parking is the one thing that always causes me stress at Marukai's. The huge popularity of Marukai Market makes finding a parking spot a competition in itself on weekends. It's just you vs. all the other Japanese people throughout Los Angeles vying for the few spots. It reminds me of musical chairs as you circle the lot again and again, hoping that someone will pull out just in time for you to swipe in. Once you won that battle, the war continues inside. The battles only continue as you grab your little Marukai shopping cart and fight your way through the tiny aisle spaces. My Favorite Part: Considering the fact that I don't speak or read Japanese, I always enjoy going to Marukai's and trying out something new. Normally, it's my family that says tries "hey, try this," which get's me inspired to reach back to my roots. (yes, I'm Japanese!) Always Good, Always Get: Rice, Sushi, Ono kamaboko, Mabo Tofu, Rice Crackers, Sukiyaki Beef, Produce, Shoyu, YakiSoba, Ground pork (because regular supermarkets don't carry it), Cookies, Cha Sui boa, Gyozas and SPAM. read more

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I've had a membership here off and on for about 12 years. It's amazing how many different things you can find here from Japan. The quality of the produce is really impressive. I mean, you can actually buy seeds for Japanese vegetables. I also like the meat selection here, plus the Hawaiian groceries are good too. There's a small food court too. read more