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This Local Japanese Supermarket Created a Stir on Instagram with Beautiful Fruit Sandwiches
Colorful, fresh, seasonal, delicious. Fruit sandwiches are a popular treat in Japan. Recently, a local supermarket in Aichi Prefecture has been gaining popularity on Instagram for their take on the sweet snack. Intrigued, I took a trip to Okazaki City to see what the hype is all about.
I got off at Uto Station and easily found the shop. The nostalgic appearance of an old Japanese greengrocer shows its nearly 50 years of history. By combining the power of fresh fruit and appealing Instagram posts, this local supermarket has attracted visitors from all over the country. It's not uncommon to see people in line in front of the store waiting to get their hands on a fruit sandwich. The most popular ones usually sell out pretty quickly so be ready to get in line if you want a chance to get your favorite.
Peeking into the store I was instantly captivated by the shelves lined with seasonal fruits. Everything looked delicious!
The fruit used in the sandwiches is carefully selected by the manager himself at the early morning market every day. Depending on what fruits are available the price and lineup of the sandwiches will change each day. Part of the fun is not knowing what you'll find!
For their size, the sandwiches are surprisingly heavy! The 'san-nen san-gumi' (third year third class) sandwich is based on a recipe devised by the local elementary school students. Large pieces of kiwi, banana, Shine Muscat and mandarin oranges are tightly packed within it. There is also another half a banana hidden inside.
The fragrant bread and fresh whipped cream enhance the flavor of the fruit. Before I even realized it I had already devoured the whole thing.
Sandwiches are not the only fruit snack available here. The store also offers delightful parfaits and milkshakes. The luxurious parfaits are made with multiple layers of fruit, vanilla sponge cake and whipped cream. The banana shake is made from the highest quality bananas and it's incredibly sweet. Recommended for banana lovers!
*Sale time for fruit sandwiches varies depending on the day. Please check Daiwa Super's Instagram account for details.
You'll always find a surprise at Daiwa Super. From keeping their product lineup interesting to organizing janken tournaments before opening, the management makes sure this is one exciting supermarket.
In the picture below is the general manager Sosuke Oyama. He speaks English so if you run into him in the store be sure to ask for his recommendations!
In addition to Daiwa Super in Okazaki, there is also a Daiwa Kyoto Main Store near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto and a Daiwa Hida Takayama Main Store in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. If you are visiting nearby be sure to check them out for some fruit sandwiches and shaved ice!
Address: 37-4 Yamanokami, Utocho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture (MAP)
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Fruit sandwiches sales start time: Tuesday sales not available / Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. / Thursday from 2:00 p.m. / Friday from 10:00 a.m. / Saturday from 2:00 p.m. / Sunday from 10:00 a.m.
*While supplies last
Regular holidays: Monday
Access: short walk from Uto Station on the Meitetsu Main Line
*The above article is based on information from September 2019.
Daiwa Super in Okazaki
My destination was Daiwa Super, a greengrocer located in the Utocho neighborhood of Okazaki City. It's a 10-minute train ride from Higashiokazaki Station which is by Okazaki Castle, the city's main tourist destination.I got off at Uto Station and easily found the shop. The nostalgic appearance of an old Japanese greengrocer shows its nearly 50 years of history. By combining the power of fresh fruit and appealing Instagram posts, this local supermarket has attracted visitors from all over the country. It's not uncommon to see people in line in front of the store waiting to get their hands on a fruit sandwich. The most popular ones usually sell out pretty quickly so be ready to get in line if you want a chance to get your favorite.
Peeking into the store I was instantly captivated by the shelves lined with seasonal fruits. Everything looked delicious!
Exquisite Sandwiches Made with Fresh Fruit
The people at Daiwa were kind enough to let me show you all the 14 types they have in stock. The thick sandwiches are meticulously filled with all kinds of fruit: from the locally harvested figs to the seasonal peaches, melons and Shine Muscat grapes. The way the slices are peeking out from the sandwich is really inviting.The fruit used in the sandwiches is carefully selected by the manager himself at the early morning market every day. Depending on what fruits are available the price and lineup of the sandwiches will change each day. Part of the fun is not knowing what you'll find!
For their size, the sandwiches are surprisingly heavy! The 'san-nen san-gumi' (third year third class) sandwich is based on a recipe devised by the local elementary school students. Large pieces of kiwi, banana, Shine Muscat and mandarin oranges are tightly packed within it. There is also another half a banana hidden inside.
The fragrant bread and fresh whipped cream enhance the flavor of the fruit. Before I even realized it I had already devoured the whole thing.
Sandwiches are not the only fruit snack available here. The store also offers delightful parfaits and milkshakes. The luxurious parfaits are made with multiple layers of fruit, vanilla sponge cake and whipped cream. The banana shake is made from the highest quality bananas and it's incredibly sweet. Recommended for banana lovers!
*Sale time for fruit sandwiches varies depending on the day. Please check Daiwa Super's Instagram account for details.
Shop for Aichi Souvenirs
Sometimes the most authentic souvenirs are found in grocery stores rather than souvenir shops. After sampling Daiwa Super's famous fruit, I decided to go souvenir hunting. In the other sections of the store I grabbed some popular foods from Aichi prefecture. If you come here I recommend you try the nabe (hot pot) soup from the famous Akakara nabe restaurant that originated in Nagoya. Also, the Kondate Iroiro Miso is said to be the best selling miso in Japan.You'll always find a surprise at Daiwa Super. From keeping their product lineup interesting to organizing janken tournaments before opening, the management makes sure this is one exciting supermarket.
In the picture below is the general manager Sosuke Oyama. He speaks English so if you run into him in the store be sure to ask for his recommendations!
In addition to Daiwa Super in Okazaki, there is also a Daiwa Kyoto Main Store near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto and a Daiwa Hida Takayama Main Store in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. If you are visiting nearby be sure to check them out for some fruit sandwiches and shaved ice!
Information
Daiwa Super | ダイワスーパーAddress: 37-4 Yamanokami, Utocho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture (MAP)
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Fruit sandwiches sales start time: Tuesday sales not available / Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. / Thursday from 2:00 p.m. / Friday from 10:00 a.m. / Saturday from 2:00 p.m. / Sunday from 10:00 a.m.
*While supplies last
Regular holidays: Monday
Access: short walk from Uto Station on the Meitetsu Main Line
*The above article is based on information from September 2019.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 11 08,2019 Author：Di Zhang
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