Toyo Shokuhin & Gift Shop

What a wonderful store! I was born in Fukuoka, so I love authentic Japanese grocery items, especially the sweets I remember from childhood. The young woman working at the counter was friendly and helpful. it was such a nice surprise to receive some complimentary omochi and sushi. more

I am not sure why several people think the customer service is not friendly. I am not asian but have been going to Toyo for about 15 years. I have always been treated nicely there even when I first started going. The women at the counter are always helpful if you ask them where something is, or ask for advice on a recipe, or anything else. Although you may be able to find some items at other stores a little cheaper, you will not be able to find everything elsewhere. The fresh omochi they hand out with purchases is a nice touch as well. more

This is a little and cute Japanese store. The ladies at the counter may appear distant but they are not at all. Instead, they are very kind and gentle. Think about the cultural difference! That makes them shy and respectful, which does not mean unfriendly! The store has a good selection of essential Japanese goods, such as Japanese seaweeds, ume, cakes with beans, kinako and macha ice cream which is really good and refreshing in the summer. So, I’m really happy to have this store in town! more

I go there occasionally and stock up (it's not convenient to where I live)--it is worth the occasional trip. As with other non-Japanese customers (I am actually 1/2 Japanese but don't look it), I don't feel particularly welcome. I DON'T think this is a cultural difference (as suggested by another reviewer), since I have frequented other Japanese specialty stores in other cities and am NOT treated this way there. They are overpriced, but hey, they don't have competition and they have stuff that pan-Asian stores don't so what's to stop them? I still buy it. Pros: Good selection, ""free"" sushi with enough $$ dropped into the cash register Cons: Price, customer service more

I went in not knowing what to expect, because some Japanese stores I have been to are what I consider very traditional, non-English speaking, reserved, etc. It's a small store, but there is a pretty good variety and selection. I can find my staple items every time. The staff has always been very appreciative (even giving free items) and helpful if I ask for something and I am very obviously caucasian. I have not experienced what the other reviewers have at all. Pros: decent variety, prices seemed reasonable Cons: small store limits selection more

This little store is purely Japanese as opposed to pan Asian like Grand Asia Market. They have a good selection (mostly dry goods, but some fresh items) and a few things you can't get at GAM. I like helping to support this store which seems to be heavily immersed in preserving Japanese culture in the Triangle.\r \r That said, they could work on their service and this is why they get 3 as opposed to 5 stars. I don't know if it's because I'm visibly not Japanese, or because (as another reviewer said) I never spent more than $15 but I've never felt welcome in the store. I chalk it up to cultural differences, and am polite no matter what, but if they want to survive with GAM around the corner they are going to have to work on how they treat customers. more

The store has a wide vareity of Japanese foods, which is very good. However, the store clerks there were terrible!!!! They are not friendly at all. If you buy a lot of products, you are fine. If you don't, you will get the worst service ever!!! SO take a lot of money and shop a lot of foods! more

This is the best place to buy japanese food, and especially sticky rice! They have a great selection, and are most helpful with non-japanese speaking customers, even willing to share their secret recipe for sushi, which they give to you on weekends if you make a large purchase. Umm... the best. They've got a great selection of japanese tea sets (And real GREEN tea! ) and saki sets and bowls. The little bowls and dishes are so cute. And make great gifts. I buy my rice and seaweed there every month or so, to make my own sushi and other japanese dishes. This is the place to shop for Japanese food! Pros: Great Selection & Service Cons: Pricey? more

it's your home for japanese food, condiments, crackers, etc. Wonderful selection for a small location. more

Japanese grocer that also stocks pots, pans, bowls, statuettes, books, magazines, and other gift items. Very cool! more