Family Dining · Practical guide
MEIDI-YA
Historic Kyobashi & Hiroo Stores, MY Jam & Gourmet Tips
Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.
Quick Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Japanese name | 明治屋 (MEIDI-YA) |
| Brand Name | MEIDI-YA / 明治屋 (株式会社明治屋 / MEIDI-YA Co., Ltd.) |
| Store Type | Historic high-end grocery emporium, royal purveyor of fine Western foods & direct wine importer |
| Target Audience | Connoisseurs of culinary history, luxury jam and preserve collectors, wine lovers, and travelers seeking aristocratic Japanese gift items |
| Ordering Style | Dignified self-service grocery browsing with attentive floor assistance from wine and grocery specialists |
| Membership Required? | No membership or Japanese resident ID required for general shopping |
| Approximate Price Range | Freshly baked Delibake breads and pastries ~¥280–¥780; legendary MY Jam fruit preserves and fruit compotes ~¥450–¥1,850; gourmet "Oishii Kanzume" premium canned delicacies ~¥480–¥1,200; direct-import European wines, Japanese whiskies, and luxury gift hampers ~¥2,500–¥35,000+ (subject to revision); Tax-free availability and any designated counter must be confirmed for the specific shop; do not infer eligibility from mall or street-shop format alone |
| Multilingual Support | English signage and bilingual product descriptions at international branches (notably Hiroo Store and Kyobashi Store); staff in diplomatic enclaves can assist in English |
| Payment Methods | Cash (JPY), International Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay), Transit IC (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA), e-Money (iD, QUICPay), QR Mobile Pay (PayPay, etc., depending on store location) |
| Store Network | Approximately 37 domestic specialty grocery stores across Japan (per official Meidi-ya company releases), headlined by historical landmark flagships in Tokyo (Kyobashi, Hiroo, Tamagawa), alongside premier presences in Kyoto, Sendai, and Nagoya |
What it is
MEIDI-YA (株式会社明治屋)—operating under its enduring motto "Always the Very Best" (いつも いちばん いいものを)—is one of the most venerable and prestigious institutions in Japanese culinary commerce. Founded in Yokohama in 1885 (Meiji 18) by Hikosaburo Isono as an international ship-chandler provisioning foreign maritime vessels with Western groceries, MEIDI-YA soon relocated its headquarters to Tokyo's historic Kyobashi district. In 1900, MEIDI-YA was granted the prestigious warrant as an official purveyor to the Japanese Imperial Household Agency, providing luxury provisions, wines, and confectionery to the Imperial Palace.
MEIDI-YA’s MY strawberry jam was launched in 1911. Recipes vary across the current range; check the ingredient list for fruit, sugars, gelling agents and any ingredients relevant to your diet.
How to order
Step 1: Visiting Historic Landmark Stores (Kyobashi or Hiroo)
- Kyobashi Store (京橋ストアー): Located at Kyobashi Station (connected directly to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Exit 7). Features historic architecture, a wine bar, and heritage grocery displays.
- Hiroo Store (広尾ストアー): Located right outside Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hiroo Station. Situated in Tokyo's primary embassy district, it features deep international cheese, butcher, and foreign grocery selections.
- Take a shopping basket at the entrance.
Step 2: Browsing the "MY Jam" & Gourmet Canned Goods Aisles
- Look for the famous "MY" (マイ) red-and-white shield logo.
- Browse the iconic jam wall featuring over 30 varieties of fruit preserves, citrus marmalades, and fruit compotes.
- In the canned food aisle, discover the gold-labeled "Oishii Kanzume" (Delicious Canned Food) series, featuring gourmet tapas that can be eaten straight from the tin.
Step 3: Selecting Delibake Artisan Breads & Fine Wines
- Visit the Delibake Meidi-ya (デリベイク明治屋) bakery counter for freshly baked French baguettes, German sourdoughs, and butter brioche.
- Browse the temperature-controlled wine cellar, where certified sommeliers can help you select Japanese wines from Yamanashi or direct-import French Bordeaux.
Step 4: Checkout & Payment Process
- Pay at the staffed cashier registers.
- Pay using cash, international credit cards, transit IC cards, or supported mobile payments.
- Ask for gift packaging if buying jams or canned goods as souvenirs ("Gifuto-yo de onegaishimasu").
Step 5: Tax-Free Policy Notice
- Check tax-free status at the specific branch: A grocery store’s street, station or mall location alone does not establish whether its purchases qualify for the tax-free refund program. Confirm that the specific seller or designated joint procedure counter is authorized before purchasing.
- Confirm whether the particular shop or a designated counter serving it registers eligible tax-free export purchases. Neither a mall location nor a street or station location establishes eligibility or ineligibility.
- In locations where tax-free shopping is supported, Japan's airport refund tax-free mechanism (enacted November 1, 2026) applies:
- Pay the tax-inclusive price at checkout.
- The participating retailer verifies your eligibility and registers the tax-free purchase electronically in the National Tax Agency’s system, directly or through an approved provider. Follow the shop’s passport or supported Visit Japan Web procedure.
- At departure (within 90 days of purchase, and BEFORE checking your baggage with your airline), present your passport at a tax-free procedure terminal for export confirmation. Keep all purchased tax-free goods available; show them at the customs inspection area only if a red result requires it.
- The tax refund is executed by the merchant where purchased or its designated refund operator, using the method registered at the time of purchase. At some airports, participating purchases may qualify for cash collection at a designated refund terminal; check the availability and registered refund method with the seller.
What to order first
1. MEIDI-YA "MY Jam" Heritage Fruit Preserves (Strawberry & Orange Marmalade)
- Japanese Name: 明治屋 マイジャム クラシック (つぶつぶイチゴ / ビターオレンジマーマレード)
- Price: ~¥486–¥864 (tax-included; subject to revision)
MEIDI-YA’s MY strawberry jam was launched in 1911. Recipes vary across the current range; check the ingredient list for fruit, sugars, gelling agents and any ingredients relevant to your diet.
2. "Oishii Kanzume" (おいしい缶詰) Premium Japanese Canned Tapas
- Japanese Name: 明治屋 おいしい缶詰 (国産真いわしとオリーブ油 / 牛肉の赤ワイン煮)
- Price: ~¥486–¥972 (tax-included; subject to revision)
- Why It Is Essential: The ultimate luxury canned food experience. Unlike ordinary tuna cans, Oishii Kanzume are chef-crafted appetizers ready to serve: Japanese sardines simmered in extra-virgin olive oil, domestic beef simmered in red wine demi-glace, and smoked Japanese scallops. Encased in beautiful gold-rimmed cans, they make virtually indestructible culinary gifts.
3. Delibake Meidi-ya English Fruit Loaf & Pain de Campagne
- Japanese Name: デリベイク明治屋 イギリスパン / フルーツブレッド
- Price: ~¥380–¥756 (tax-included; subject to revision)
- Why It Is Essential: Baked in-house using traditional European slow-fermentation techniques. The English Bread features a crisp, crusty crust and light, airy crumb, while the Fruit Bread is packed with rum-soaked raisins, dried orange peel, and walnuts.
4. MEIDI-YA Marshmallows (Chocolate & White Vanilla)
- Japanese Name: 明治屋 マシュマロ (ダ・ヴィンチ コーヒーマシュマロ / チョコマシュマロ)
- Price: ~¥172–¥324 (tax-included; subject to revision)
- Why It Is Essential: A cult-favorite Japanese sweet produced by MEIDI-YA for decades. Crafted with natural gelatin and whipped to a pillow-soft, cloud-like texture, these marshmallows melt luxuriously in hot cocoa or coffee. They are ultra-lightweight and nostalgic.
5. Japanese Premium Wine & Single Malt Selections
- Japanese Name: 国産プレミアムワイン (山梨県産 甲州白ワイン / マスカット・ベーリーA)
- Price: ~¥2,200–¥8,800 (tax-included; subject to revision)
- Why It Is Essential: As an official Imperial Household purveyor, MEIDI-YA maintains immaculate wine selections. Pick up authentic Japanese white wines crafted from the native Koshu grape in Yamanashi Prefecture, celebrated internationally for its delicate mineral acidity that pairs sublimely with sushi and sashimi.
Payment & practical info
Prices and details checked: November 2026.
- Accepted Payment Modes: Cash (JPY), major global credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay), transit IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA), e-money (iD, QUICPay), and mobile QR codes (PayPay, etc., depending on store location).
- Tax-Free Notice: Ask the specific shop whether it registers eligible export purchases and which counter handles the procedure. Do not infer participation from the store format; budget for the displayed tax-inclusive price until the shop confirms its service.
- Operating Hours: The historic Kyobashi Store operates from 10:00 to 20:00 daily; Hiroo Store operates from 10:00 to 21:00 (hours vary by store).
- Liquid Packing Caution: Jams, fruit compotes, and wine bottles over 100ml must be packed securely inside checked luggage. Wrap glass jars thoroughly in bubble wrap and soft clothing to prevent breakage during international flights.
- Promotional Discounts: Promotional discount campaigns or seasonal gift set promotions may be held during specific seasonal windows. Check in-store signage for current details.
Good to know / Common mistakes
1. Liquid Restrictions on Jam Jars
A common airport security mistake: travelers often place fruit jam jars inside cabin carry-on bags, assuming jam is a solid. Under international aviation security rules, all jams, marmalades, and pastes are classified as liquids/gels. Any jar over 100ml will be confiscated at the airport security gate. Always pack your MEIDI-YA jams securely inside your checked suitcase!
2. Historic Building Architecture in Kyobashi
The Meidi-ya Building in Kyobashi was constructed in 1933 in the classical Renaissance style and was the very first private commercial building in Tokyo to feature a direct, integrated underground entrance to the subway line (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line). Take a moment to admire its stone masonry and historic elevator facade.
3. Gift Box Wrapping Service
MEIDI-YA provides exquisite gift packaging, boxing sets of MY Jams or Oishii Kanzume in royal blue gift boxes tied with ribbon—a prestigious traditional Japanese gift presentation.
FAQ
Q1: What does the "MY" logo stand for on the jam jars?
A: "MY" stands for Meidi-Ya, the historic brand abbreviation. The iconic red-and-white shield logo has been a symbol of royal quality and purity in Japanese pantries since the early 20th century.
Q2: What makes "Oishii Kanzume" canned food so popular?
A: Unlike basic ingredient cans, Oishii Kanzume are gourmet ready-to-eat restaurant dishes simmered with premium ingredients (such as Japanese wagyu, olive oil, and herbs). They are designed to be enjoyed directly as luxury appetizers alongside wine, beer, or rice.
Q3: How does the tax-free system enacted November 1, 2026 work if I find a participating mall branch?
A: At participating mall stores offering tax-free service, pay the tax-inclusive price and have your passport registered. Before departure from Japan (within 90 days), scan your passport at the tax-free procedure terminal before checking your baggage, with all tax-free goods in your possession. A red result requires you to show the goods at the customs inspection area. Once verified, your refund is executed back to your registered payment method by the merchant or its refund operator.
Sources
- MEIDI-YA Co., Ltd. Official Corporate Portal (Verified: 2026-11-09)
- MEIDI-YA Store Directory & Historic Kyobashi Guide (Verified: 2026-11-09)
- Japan Customs Departure Tax-Free Regulations (Verified: 2026-11-09)