Maruetsu

Quick Facts

What it is

Maruetsu (株式会社マルエツ) operates 308 supermarkets across Greater Tokyo, under the Maruetsu, Maruetsu Petit and Lincos names. Its stores sell groceries, fresh foods and prepared meals, with assortments and hours differing by branch.

Maruetsu tailors its retail footprint through three primary store concepts:

• maruetsu (マルエツ): Comprehensive standard supermarkets carrying full arrays of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and household essentials.
• maruetsu petit (マルエツ プチ): Compact food supermarkets operating at selected urban locations. Check the official directory for nearby stores and actual hours.
• Lincos (リンコス): A smaller group of food stores with a different assortment and presentation; use the official store directory to confirm products and location.

For international travelers staying in Greater Tokyo, Maruetsu can be a practical place to buy prepared food, fruit and drinks. Some locations open late and some offer round-the-clock shopping; check the exact branch for its current opening hours and ready-to-eat selection.

How to order

Step 1: Finding Your Neighborhood Branch

Use the official Maruetsu store finder rather than assuming a branch is within walking distance of your accommodation:

• Use the shop name and address from the official Maruetsu directory; signage differs by format and location.
• Check the selected branch for extended or 24-hour opening; these hours cannot be assumed for all Maruetsu Petit stores.
• Plan around the hours in the chosen branch listing, including any holiday notices.

Step 2: Navigating the Fresh Food & Hotel Dining Aisles

• Grab a hand basket at the entrance.
• The Seasonal Fruit Selection: Look for strawberries, peaches or grapes when they are in season. Varieties, origin and price vary by store and week.
• The Fresh Sashimi & Sushi Counter: Look for packaged sushi and sashimi where offered. The assortment and preparation method vary by store and day.
• Private Brand "eatime" (イータイム): Look for United Super Markets Holdings' premium-label products when stocked, and check the current labels and categories.

Step 3: Fast-Track Checkout Options

• Option A: Scan&Go Ignica Smartphone App: The official FAQ says customers can register products on their phones and pay through the app using a credit card, PayPay or AEON Pay. Availability is listed for Maruetsu, Maruetsu Petit and Lincos except the specified Uoetsu Kojiya branch; check registration and accepted card requirements before relying on it as a visitor.
• Option B: Self-Checkout: If your branch has self-checkout, follow its available on-screen prompts. Language choices vary by machine; ask staff for help if needed.
• Option C: Staffed Registers: Place your basket on the register belt for traditional cashier service.

Step 4: Payment & Tax-Free Status Clarification

• Insert or tap your payment: Cash (JPY), major global credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex), Suica/Pasmo transit cards, or mobile QR payments (PayPay, AEON Pay).
• Tax-Free Status: The Maruetsu official shopping FAQ does not advertise a chain-wide tourist tax-free service. Do not assume an ordinary purchase qualifies; ask the specific branch before shopping. Food for takeaway is generally subject to the reduced 8% consumption-tax rate, while alcohol and most non-food goods use 10%.

What to order first

1. In-Store Nigiri Sushi & Sashimi Platters (お寿司・刺身盛り合わせ)

• What it is: Packaged nigiri sushi or sashimi, where the selected store stocks them; fish types, condiments and preparation vary.
• Why buy it: Packaged sushi can be convenient for a meal at your accommodation. Check freshness labels and the store's storage instructions.
• Price expectation: Compare the store label; platter sizes, fish and discounts vary.

2. Seasonal Premium Japanese Fruits (Strawberries, Grapes, Peaches)

• What it is: Seasonal strawberries, grapes or peaches when stocked; the exact variety and production region are shown on the label.
• Why buy it: Buy seasonal Japanese fruit in practical supermarket pack sizes; compare the displayed origin and price.
• Price expectation: Check the per-pack or per-100g price; imported and premium cultivars cost more.

3. Freshly Prepared Hot Bento Boxes & Yakitori Skewers

• What it is: Bento meals, rice dishes or cooked side dishes from the prepared-food section, with the selection varying by branch.
• Why buy it: Ready-made meals can be convenient when you are staying in a hotel or apartment; check heating and storage labels.
• Price expectation: Check the prepared-food label and pack size; marked-down items vary by time and branch.

4. U.S.M.H "eatime" Private-Brand Foods

• What it is: A private-label food product from the eatime range when available; the product category and flavor change by store and season.
• Why buy it: Compare a private-brand item with nearby alternatives and check its label, ingredients and price.
• Price expectation: Compare the cup size and price tag at the store; flavors and stocks change.

5. Japanese Canned Chu-Hi & Local Microbrews

• What it is: Japanese canned chu-hi and other canned cocktails may contain shochu, vodka or other spirits; fruit content varies by product. Check each can’s ingredient and alcohol labels. Some stores may also stock craft beer.
• Why buy it: Compare canned Japanese drinks in a supermarket setting; stock and prices vary.
• Price expectation: Check the shelf label; alcoholic drinks are sold only to people aged 20 or older in Japan.

Payment & practical info

Prices and details checked: August 2026.

• Accepted Payment Modes: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, WAON, transport IC cards and several mobile-payment options are listed in the official FAQ. Check accepted methods at your checkout type.
• Tax-Free Status: Do not count on tourist tax-free purchasing; the official shopping FAQ does not list a chain-wide refund service. Normal Japanese consumption tax applies unless the specific store confirms otherwise.
• Operating Hours: Consult the selected store in the official locator; hours and 24-hour service vary by branch.

Good to know / Common mistakes

1. The Magic of Evening Discount Stickers

Look for clearly marked discounts on refrigerated ready-made food near its sale-by time. Staff may apply markdown stickers, but discount timing and percentages depend on each store and day.

2. Chopsticks and Condiments at Checkout

Chopsticks, spoons and condiments may be available with prepared food. Ask staff whether utensils are supplied at your branch; do not assume they are free or placed by self-checkout.

3. Microwave Warming Stations

Some supermarkets offer customer microwaves, but availability and instructions vary. Ask store staff before heating purchased food; do not assume a microwave is provided.

Sources

• The Maruetsu, Inc. Official Corporate Portal (Verified: 2026-11-12)
• Maruetsu Official Store Directory (Verified: 2026-11-12)
• United Super Markets Holdings Corporate Overview (Verified: 2026-11-12)