We are finally back in California and started moving into our house on Saturday!
We are only partially moved in however, because all of our stuff that was left in storage when we moved to Japan has not yet arrived. We were told about 3 months ago that it had already been moved out to California, but we found out last week that was not the case. Sigh.
With all of the craziness that comes from moving, we needed something that was familiar. A bit of Japan was just what the doctor ordered. I have been to several Asian markets out here before, such as one of the local 99 Ranch Markets, but many of them focus on Chinese, Taiwanese, and other Asian products, but not so much on Japanese products. I recently found out about a couple of Japanese markets and figured it was time to visit! We went to Mitsuwa Marketplace, and we were not disappointed.
As soon as I walked in the door I felt like I had just gotten off the plane in Japan. All the familiar smells were there, people were speaking Japanese, signs were written in Japanese…heaven! The marketplace boasts a supermarket section, over 15 specialty retail shops (offering everything from books and cosmetics to pottery and Japanese confectionery), and a fabulous food court. I spent about an hour wandering the aisles and peaking into shops while Squirrel amused herself by talking to all of the friendly shop workers.
I arrived home laden down with many familiar favorites such as seasoned nori (seaweed), a Japanese curry mix, toasted black sesame seeds, and marinade to make pickles. 
I slipped on some comfy tabi and sat down to enjoy a comforting, yet healthy, lunch of some fresh pickled cucumbers and a salmon onigiri.
At Mitsuwa the prices were good, the selection was vast, and the people were friendly and helpful. I’ll definitely be going back. I wonder if anyone would notice if I pitched a tent somewhere and moved in?
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open 7 days/week: 9am – 8pm
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I was just at that very Mitsuwa last week! I highly recommend Santouka in the food court for ramen. Yum! :)
I love Mitsuwa! I was pleasently surprised when a Japanese friend took me and showed me around a few years ago.
I hope your items arrive soon and that your home starts to feel even more like home.
i hear there’s a mitsuwa in NJ! i really must go :)
I don’t think all of our asian grocery stores put together equals the size of your Japanese store… sigh! I’m dying of cultural depravation out here! Hope you get your stuff soon! I can’t wait to see more of the house, so far it looks amazing!
Glad you found it! There’s another store on Harbor with an adjacent Bookoff and hyaku-en store. My mind is blank right now, so I can’t remember what it’s called. See you soon!
AWESOME!!! I’m so happy for the three of you!
I’m glad you found a bit of Japan to make the day better. :)
It is like Japan, except the aisles are big enough to push a cart down. The one in Costa Mesa is Marukai, it has a hyaku yen store, and there is a Kinokuniya book store down the street. Watch out for the Japanese family garage sales. Lots of fun.
Yay, you guys are moved in! Sorry to hear about your stuff arriving a bit later, that’s a bummer. :-( At least you had Mitsuwa to cheer you up!
And for those near the New York metro area, there’s a Mitsuwa in Edgewater, NJ
My husband and I love Japanese food too, and he went to one market (can’t remember the name) in town and got me some Udon. Yummy! Maybe it was that one since we live in Costa Mesa/South Coast Metro area.