Uwajimaya is a family-owned Asian grocery chain with stores across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho

Uwajimaya is a grocery chain that sells Asian foods, ingredients, and household goods. The stores are located in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Each location carries fresh produce, frozen items, packaged goods, and prepared foods from across Asia — primarily Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Southeast Asian products.

The chain began in 1928 as a single store in Seattle's International District. Today it operates multiple locations, with the Seattle flagship store being the largest. Uwajimaya is not a mail-order or online-only business; you visit a physical store to shop. The company remains family-owned and operated.

Key Takeaways

  • Uwajimaya has stores in Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Beaverton (Oregon), and Coeur d'Alene (Idaho), each with different hours and product selections.
  • The Seattle location on South King Street is the original and largest store, with a wider selection of fresh produce and specialty items than smaller branches.
  • You can find fresh Asian vegetables, rice, noodles, sauces, frozen seafood, prepared foods, and household items in one trip.
  • Store hours and exact product availability vary by location, so calling ahead or checking the website before visiting saves time and confirms stock.
  • The chain accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at all locations, and some stores may accept mobile payment options.

Current Uwajimaya store locations and what to expect

The main Uwajimaya store is at 600 South King Street in Seattle's International District. This location is the largest and has the most extensive selection of fresh produce, bulk items, and specialty products. It also houses a food court with prepared Asian dishes and is the busiest location, especially on weekends and evenings.

Smaller Uwajimaya locations operate in Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton, Oregon. Each carries core grocery items but may have a narrower selection of specialty or fresh goods than the Seattle flagship. A Uwajimaya store also operates in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Hours and services differ by location — some have prepared food counters, others do not. The Bellevue location, for example, serves the greater Seattle metropolitan area east of the city.

Store hours vary by location and day of the week. The Seattle location typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 8 and 9 p.m., depending on the day. Other locations may have different hours, with some opening earlier or closing earlier than the flagship store. Calling the store directly or visiting the Uwajimaya website before you go ensures you arrive during open hours and confirms whether a specific item is in stock.

What products you can find at Uwajimaya

Uwajimaya stocks fresh Asian produce year-round: bok choy, gai lan, daikon radish, bitter melon, Asian pears, and seasonal items. The produce section changes with availability and season, so what is in stock in winter may differ from summer offerings. You will also find common vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, and herbs used in Asian cooking.

The grocery aisles carry rice in bulk and packaged form, dried noodles, when ready ramen, soy sauce, miso, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and other Asian cooking staples. Frozen sections include dumplings, spring rolls, seafood, and prepared items. You will also find Asian snacks, candies, beverages, when ready soups, and tea. Many items are imported directly from Asia, while others are produced domestically.

The Seattle location has a prepared food section with items like sushi, bento boxes, and hot dishes ready to eat. Some smaller locations may not have this service. Uwajimaya also sells housewares, cookware, small appliances, and serving dishes with an Asian focus. Prices for these items vary depending on brand and origin.

How to find specific items or check stock

If you are looking for a particular ingredient or brand, calling the store directly is the fastest way to confirm they have it in stock. Each location has a phone number listed on the Uwajimaya website. Staff can tell you whether an item is available and which aisle to find it in, saving you time during your visit.

The Uwajimaya website has store locator information and basic details about each location, including hours and phone numbers. It does not have a full online inventory system, so you cannot search stock from home. For specialty items or bulk orders, some stores will set items aside if you call ahead and provide payment information or a deposit.

Payment methods and shopping tips

Uwajimaya accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at all locations. Some locations may accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but cash and cards are always accepted. There are no surcharges for using credit or debit cards at any location.

The Seattle store can be crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer a less busy shopping experience. If you are unfamiliar with Asian ingredients, staff at the store can point you toward items or suggest substitutes if something is out of stock. Prices are generally competitive with other Asian grocery chains in the region, though specialty or imported items may cost more than mass-market alternatives found at larger supermarkets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uwajimaya deliver or ship groceries?

Uwajimaya does not operate a delivery or mail-order service. You must visit a physical store to purchase items. Some third-party delivery services may offer pickup and delivery from certain locations, but this is not operated by Uwajimaya directly.

Which Uwajimaya location has the best selection?

The Seattle flagship store on South King Street has the largest selection of fresh produce, bulk items, and specialty products. Smaller locations carry core groceries but may not stock every item the Seattle store does, particularly specialty or imported goods.

Can I return items I bought at Uwajimaya?

Return policies vary by location and item type. Fresh produce and prepared foods typically cannot be returned. For packaged goods, contact the store directly or ask at the customer service desk about their return policy.

What are Uwajimaya's hours?

Hours vary by location. The Seattle store typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 8 and 9 p.m. Other locations may have different hours. Check the Uwajimaya website or call your nearest store to confirm hours before visiting.

Does Uwajimaya have a loyalty program or rewards card?

Uwajimaya has offered loyalty programs in the past, but current details vary. Ask at the customer service desk when you visit, or call the store to ask about any current rewards or membership options available.