Mitsuwa Marketplace

Boooo! I WAS a fan! =(
I used to go there w/​mama bear on our «Vernon runs» for our Japanese goodies. Nonetheless, it’s a huge Korean Galleria Market now. boooo, but yaaay!
* go up the elevator for some cool Korean appliances
* Parking is free for the first hour

Come back Mitsuwa! Lunch hour is just NOT the same since you have been gone. I miss your snacks and I’ve ESPECIALLY missed your bento box selections!
Now they have some Galleria Market in your place. We went there yesterday and all I could think about was the bento boxes being gone. It’s not the same. Phooey on this Galleria Market.
COME BACK!!!

Damn, when I found out this place was closing… I was so sad!
Then I got over it by buying saki and japanese beer by the truckload.
Yes, I revel in my depression while eating my stocked freezer of mochi and other joyous goodies.
Farewell Mitsuwa… I will miss you dearly. Now who here is thirsty?

OMG. i can’t believe i waited here for so long to be part of the 50% off sale!
First of all i got there at 12:50. waitied in line and got in around 2:30!
While waiting in line, people were saying that there is nothing left inside but i still got out fniding some goodies.
I found a grip of mandom cleansing water and picked up 2 of them along with lucido-​l volumizing wax that works WONDER! along with jap magazines, snacks, drinks, bunch of ajinomoto shumais, Spicy cod roe!!! and octupus for sushi! wow. Such great prices after 50% off.
Spent around $ 60 something dollars after my discount from $ 123 or so.
i would so go back but ima call and find out if they are going to stock more!
I got out at 4:30. exhausted but very satisfied!

The end is here, or you’d think so judging by the itty-​bitty japanese grandma’s scurrying across Third Street to get at the market.
The first day of of Mitsuwa’s 50% off sale, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Got there a little before 9:30am and saw that Alameda was backed up, so with a quick right I got metered parking on Traction. Today is a federal holiday so the meters were free; there was no way I was going to get into that long line of cars trying to get into the parking structure.
Admittedly, I was merely the driver for my fiancé’s mom, so I was a little detached from the whole thing; the «thing» being the line of people that started at the market’s northern entrance, went down the drive way to Alameda; snaked back around, back up, and made a left around the structure. I heard the end of the line was someplace close to Fourth Street. The entrance from the plaza was closed and the southern entrance near the turn out was exit only.
Long story short, we got in line (I think my fiancé’s mom found a friend and jumped in) around 9:30, we finally got into the store at around 11:00, and left the store at 1:00pm, and got home at 1:30. When you figure out travel time from South San Gabriel, we spent about four and a half hours buying japanese groceries.
A side benefit to coming to Mitsuwa today were all the people I bumped into that I haven’t seen in ages. It was like a reunion and made the time pass by a lot quicker.
One thing about us (relatively) docile japanese folk is that the whole affair was super orderly. Nobody with a walker got trampled, the riot police weren’t called in, everybody seemed to take the wait to get into the store in stride. By the time we got close to the entrance, I could see that the line got considerably shorter, the weak and impatient having already left.
Much of the store looked as if it had been ransacked by citizens who’ve boarded up their windows fearful of an impending natural disaster; no produce at all! There was also no rice, no shoyu, no tofu; all the major staples of a japanese kitchen had been stripped from the shelves long before we ever got our chance at them, but that didn’t stop my future MIL from looking like a crazed squirrel searching for nuts. I don’t think I picked a single item for purchase today. I was pretty much over the fact Mitsuwa was leaving J-​Town.
Besides, other than the free parking, I wasn’t a big fan of this particular store, having seen it deteriorate from its Yaohan hey-​day, with a department store on the second floor (Pony Toys!!) and lots of restaurants in the surrounding mall. With a lot of the plaza’s retail spaces going vacant, it was too sad, and I also considered Mitsuwa kind of expensive.
I snagged a cart while waiting in line, but those without that sort of foresight lugged around their groceries in whatever that was available: baskets, cardboard boxes, arms. However, by the time you read this, I can’t vouch for the store’s stock; there were some wide open spaces on the shelves that used to be filled. Strangely, the canned American soups didn’t seem to be touched, as well as American ice cream.
I overheard that there’s more stock someplace, so maybe there’ll be some stuff tomorrow? With Mitsuwa gone, there’s Nijiya (in JVP) and Marukai (in Weller Court) left in J-​Town.
I can’t see any hurt in coming by after today’s deluge of people. this sale ends on the 25^th. One person’s poo-​poo is another’s purchase so you might get lucky. Good luck. Besides, it’s not like there’s a hurricane’s coming…

Going to the little Tokyo mall was like stepping into the set of Dawn of the Dead. Store fronts closed down. Always to the brink of being empty. Long, dark hall ways that just beg to be filled with zombies. But then there was the shelter of hope that was Mitsuwa.
I come to report that today, Mitsuwa not only joined the Zombie look, it did so in style. With 50% off on everything, you show us you are going out with a blaze of glory.
Step 1 of any Zombie attack. Stock up on booze.
And that they did. Everything was pulled from the shelves and all bought by the time
Step 2 Plenty of Pocky.
Sure, why not. If you’re in a zombie situation, I guess comfort food would be a good thing to have. Personally, I always liked the slab of Eel or the sushi
Step 3 Survive the crowds
In any zombie situation you’re going to want to get through the crowds quickly. It’ll be tough here, but with these sorts fo sales, it’s something to put up with.
Just don’t get bitten.
We’ll miss you, Mitsuwa in the mall. You were one of two or three reasons why I would come here. DAMN YOU Korean Investors! Trying to make this into K-​town East.

What results when you have a 50%-off store-​wide Mitsuwa liquidation sale with a whole assault of Asians hell-​bent on «assisting» the store clean out its shelves?
Surprisingly, a very civil and orderly affair (probably because the sake and appliances were already long gone).
Observing the shoppers was like watching ants, columns of whom streaming up and down every aisle while slowly clearing products out the shelves; each taking one, maybe two of any item that caught their fancy.
…and here it comes…
EXCEPT FOR ME, ‘CAUSE I WAS GRABBING EVERYTHING THAT WASN’T F*CKING NAILED DOWN!
«MINE! MINE! MINE!!! BI*TCHES!!!
I DON’T CARE IF ALL THE SAKE IS GONE, I +NEED+ THAT 10-​PAIR PACK OF CHOPSTICKS!!!
ALL SNACKS ARE 50% OFF!!!»
*running through the crowded store stepping on heads to leap at the Pocky*
«WHAHHH?!? *seeing the freezer section* THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF HAAGEN DAAZ LEFT!?! AND THOSE FANCY LITTLE JAPANESE CREAM PUFFS?!?»
*waiving the boxes of cream puffs around*
«WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!? THIS IS GOOD SHIT RIGHT HEA-​YA!!!»
*kissing cashier as she’s ringing me out*
«DOMO-​ARI-​FUCKIN-​GATO!»
…
*silently, I look at the receipt as they bag my loot*
…
*a blanket of quiet recognition covers me*
…
«Damn, I spent $ 102.~ (50% off of $ 204.~) in 10 minutes.»
…
Now, WTF am I supposed to do with 10 cases of baby oil, a dozen boxes of Pocky, a fridge full of cream puffs, and one can of shaving cream?

Oh Mitsuwa… how shall I miss you!
I have fond memories of you back when you were Yaohan.
I remember coming to you to buy a Hello Kitty toaster with Kristina Wong.
I came to you for a quick sushi lunch over the summer after a photoshoot.
Please don’t leave!

Don’t leaaaaaave!
Please? Pretty pretty super sparkling rainbows and unicorns pretty with whipped cream and a cherry on top?
Was it something I did? Okay, I could probably have purchased a few more of those rice candies or aloe drinks or random knick knacks but…
…wait, it’s all 50% off next week?
Okay, you’re forgiven. Here’s to bittersweet goodbyes!
*sniff*

MITSUWA MARKETPLACE IN LITTLE TOKYO IS CLOSING.
The last day of Mitsuwa market is January 25^th, 2009!
50% SALE starts from 19^th, ends on 25^th of January.
I loved this Japanese grocery store!
I will miss it.

I was about to got here just now and was on google looking for store hours and read about the sad new.
So, are they changing this plaza into Little Seoul Plaza?
I’m so mad. I wanted to find some cheap shitaki mushrooms.

It was a great place starting with its Yaohan days. I would always come here with my mom (even though it’s a 40 minute drive or so) and into the plaza that now shelters Mitsuwa Marketplace. I haven’t been here in like forever… at least 5 years or so… and now I’m just sad to hear they’re being forced to move out due to some Korean-​investor interests.
I remember that one day here that I had lunch in the food deli in this specific location. I forgot what it exactly was… but it was something along the lines of ramen perhaps (not exactly ramen though). It was just wonderful (and wonderful enough to make me even remember it now.) *sigh* Thanks for the memories Mitsuwa Marketplace (of this location only… they’re still in business though =P…and there’s one that’s around 20 minutes from my house but it isn’t as big nor spacious as this one).

*sigh!* Sayonara, Mitsuwa Marketplace!
I have known this place way back when it was called Yaohan.
I have known this place way back when they had a nice bowling alley upstairs w/​‘kick-​ass’ arcade.
I have known this place way back when they had a plethora of 4 star restaurants inside the plaza.
I have know this place when they had a 50 foot high, ancient wooden ball clock right in the middle of the plaza. Sort of looked like this:
Mitsuwa marketplace is the place to go if you want specially imported Japanese products that you can’t get at normal markets.
One of the best designed parking structures in L.A. Easy to get in and easy to get out.
So sad to hear about them ‘selling out.’ But they will always be 5 stars in my mind for all the memories.

I’ve been going to this market for a long time. Long enough to remember when it was called Yaohan. That being said, it’s a large, usually well-​stocked supermarket with all of the essentials. If you want to make shabu shabu for a cold winter’s night – this is your go-​to place.

Sake and Asian Condiments.
Mitsuwa is a chain of Japanese grocery stores; there are several locations in LA. The Mitsuwa Market at Mitsuwa Plaza in downtown LA is the best one. Why?
1) Snake River Farms Kobe Beef (thinly sliced) —
The Japanese don’t f – k around when it comes to shabu shabu. The meat is so marbeled with fat it is like beef pornography!
2) Coolest Sake–
Mitsuwa carries several strong brands of sake at reasonable prices. I always stocked my fridge with Nigori sake (unfiltered sake). Mitsuwa carries an awesome brand. I don’t remember the name. Look for a clear glass bottle with a short oval shape that is cloudy at the bottom and clear at the top. This is the smoothest and least sweet. Plus, it looks really cool in your fridge! It only costs $ 5 a bottle!
3) Best Rice Cooker–
This is one item you can’t get at Williams-​Sonoma or Crate & Barrel. Mitsuwa carries Japanese brand rice cookers which are THE BEST! You’ll always have perfectly cooked rice no matter what type: sushi, jasmine, wild rice, etc. It also works magic for grains too: Bulgar wheat, Quinoa, Barley, etc.
They also carry take-​out sushi, sashimi, vegetables, fruits, a gazillion different instant noodle varieties, and Asian spices & condiments. The sashimi is usually frozen so I tend to avoid it. There is also free parking that you MUST VALIDATE. The plaza has several other shops. My favorite is a store that sells Japanese plates, tea pots, mugs, and platters located on the bottom level.
Happy Shopping!

Of all the Japanese markets in the Eastside, this has to be my favorite.
In Little Tokyo alone, there’s three Japanese markets: Marukai, Nijiya and this one. Marukai and Nijiya are awfully small and the selection poor. If you are just running in for a bottle of Pocari, sure, go over there. However, if you are planning for a ghetto sushi dinner, come here. They have decent sushi for the price. I once held a last minute sushi dinner complete with sake, beer, edamame, the works for 6 people. It took me less than an hour to prepare everything and it costs only $ 150. We had sushi coming out of our ears, and I’m still drinking the ridiculous amount of sake and beer left over from that dinner.
Now, the sushi that you get here isn’t the best that you can’t get ever (don’t think Sasabune) but it definitely is more than edible and is quite good. You have to pick the fresh fish though. If you shop smartly, you can save a ton here.

Everyting here is expensive… but
I am reviewing how good the BENTOs are here. I’ve gotten bentos from Nijiya, Marukai, and even Mitsuwa in Torrance. It doesn’t quite stack up to the ones made here. I can’t quite agree with Kit S’ review. Here’s an example why:
$ 5.25 Tonkatsu Bento (
)
Includes: Big piece of Tonkatsu (overly breaded, but great juicy, fatty portions), potato salad, (really good! made the Japanese way) white rice,(tastes like white rice) fried rice (slightly oily but tasty), fried noodles,(noodles tasted like it was made along with some vegetables but without vegetables) along with pickled ginger, and two edamame.
2 thumbs up in supporting the local salaryman’s stomach on an beer budget!

Had some time to kill before an art show and saw this place. It’s so easy to lose track of time here. The strip mall was closing so there was almost no one here. The little restaurant place inside was already closed, so I had to scavenge for food in all those isles.
I remembered a thread where someone mentioned Shin Ramyun Spicy Noodle Soup, so I had to get that. I also took a few pictures of all the booze. (Sorry for the blurry cellphone pics, but they’re still awesome) As I was leaving, I noticed some Mochi (see picture) and I just had to get that.
If you leave the market through the strip mall, you will see this little shop with cool cookware. Really decent prices on ramen bowls, sushi plates, tea cups and pots… as well as other things. (see picture)
Cool place… we only got 99 Ranch Market in the Valley. I’m definitely jealous.

My first Mitsuwa experience was the once in Torrance… and I have to say that I am glad that one is closer to me because I prefer it so much more! I wandered in here as I needed to kill some time waiting for my dinner date to show up. I thought for sure I could find something to buy… candies, some sort of hair/​bath product, fruit… But it was all looking kind of dingy and the flourscent lights buzzing above me were making me think this is a bad 7 – 11.
Its prima donna of me, but I like my grocery stores to be clean and sparkly. Yes, I will pay more for this!

Sea urchin. check,
Yellowtail. check,
Bluefin toro. check,
Fried mackerel bento plate to eat at work the next day. check,
Have the HR and accounting departments yell at you because the mackerel smells like crap. check,
Not giving a crap because it was finger-​licking good. check,
Scare employees away due to foul breath even after 5 Listerine strips (and foul shirt from mackerel stain). check.
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When you can’t wait for incompetent Hollywood sushi chefs (cough cough, hint, hint: Sushi Roku, Koi, etc.) to mess up your $ 28 toro sashimi (folks, that’s $ 28 for 4 slices not even the length of your ring finger), go caveman style and buy the fish yourself.
Mitsuwa’s fish is sashimi grade and so fresh that it doesn’t have a fishy odor (it’s flown in). $ 60/​lb. sea urchin but it’s worth every drop of tongue-​look-​a-​like, orangey goo.