Tsushima Island Shopping Guide 2026: Value Mart Must-Haves
Heading to Tsushima Island? Don't miss these incredible finds at Value Mart! We're sharing our top picks, from savory ramen to delicious Japanese snacks and local spirits.
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Heading to Tsushima Island? Don't miss these incredible finds at Value Mart! We're sharing our top picks, from savory ramen to delicious Japanese snacks and local spirits.
Your Essential Tsushima Island Shopping List
Value Mart's Best Buys
Planning a trip to Tsushima Island and wondering what treasures to bring home from this charming island getaway?
You're in luck! Today, I'm excited to share my top picks from my recent shopping spree at Hitakatsu's Value Mart.
I actually visited two Value Mart locations: one near Hitakatsu Port and the larger Oura branch. Since my trip was a quick escape, I focused mainly on delicious Japanese snacks and drinks. Let me walk you through each of my fantastic finds!
1. Instant Noodles & Ramen
My first hot tip is the Tantamen Cup Noodles. While I typically prefer fresh Japanese ramen over instant versions (which can sometimes taste a bit artificial), the Tantamen cup noodles are a delightful exception. They offer a perfect blend of spicy kick and savory umami that truly hit the spot for me. At around ~$1-2 each, they're a bit pricier for instant ramen, but if you're a noodle enthusiast, they're definitely worth grabbing!
You can't talk about Japanese cuisine without mentioning mentaiko (spicy pollock roe)! I picked up both Mentaiko Soba and Udon cup noodles. While the mentaiko flavor wasn't as intense as I'd hoped, they're a fun and unique option if you're curious to try distinctive Japanese instant noodle varieties.
I also grabbed a pack of Nissin's Raoh Miso Ramen, hoping to relive the delicious miso ramen I enjoyed in Hokkaido. The noodles were wonderfully chewy and the broth was nicely seasoned, making it quite tasty. It was a good find, but perhaps not a must-buy if you're short on space.
2. Snacks & Sweets
Japanese snacks are always a highlight, and I have a few go-to favorites I always stock up on!
First up is Pretz, a crunchy and satisfying snack I buy every time. The satisfying snap as you bite into them makes them perfect for munching when you're feeling peckish. I highly recommend the classic Salad, Tomato, and Salt Butter flavors – they're all dependably delicious!
Alfort chocolate biscuits are another staple in my pantry. I even discovered a new flavor this trip, "Chocolat Sable," and had to try one! If you love the combination of rich chocolate and crisp biscuits, Alfort is a must-try. You won't be disappointed!
Next, Konjac Jelly. While you can find these in many places now, they're often a slightly better deal in Japan. I picked up two packs this trip. They're fantastic frozen as a refreshing alternative to ice cream on a warm day.
3. Other Must-Have Gems
Here are a few other unique items I recommend adding to your shopping list:
Did you know Japan is famous for its delicious udon noodles? Among them, Sanuki Udon is renowned for its incredible chewy and springy texture. I bought two types, as pictured. The pre-cooked noodles on the left were a bit disappointing, breaking apart easily. However, the uncooked noodles on the right maintained their delightful chewiness even after extended cooking. If you're buying udon, I highly recommend opting for the uncooked varieties for the best experience!
When visiting a new place, a local magnet is always a must-have souvenir! The Value Mart Oura branch had a couple of badge-style magnets featuring local designs, perfect for commemorating your trip.
4. Alcoholic Beverages
The final category of essential buys is alcoholic beverages. While the Hitakatsu Value Mart has a limited selection, you'll find a much wider variety at the Oura branch.
I picked up a six-pack of 150ml mini beer cans. There's something special about that first refreshing sip of beer, and these tiny cans let you enjoy that perfect moment without committing to a full-sized drink. Just be aware that they can be 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than regular-sized beers. Also, double-check the label! The Kirin Gokujo <Nama> I bought turned out to be "happoshu" (a low-malt beer) rather than a true beer. Always confirm before you buy!
Horoyoi chu-hai is another great find. While it might cost around ~$2 in some countries, you can snag one for about ~$1 in Japan. You can bring up to 5-6 cans back duty-free, so if you're a fan of these sweet, fruity alcoholic drinks, definitely stock up!
The Value Mart Oura branch surprisingly offers a diverse selection of whiskies. I picked up a bottle of Nikka Black, perfect for mixing into highballs. At around ~$7, it's incredibly affordable, and buying just a few bottles can easily offset the cost of your ferry ticket!
Finally, consider picking up Yamaneko, Tsushima's regional shochu. "Yamaneko" means "wildcat" in Japanese, and it's a symbol of Tsushima Island. This shochu is crafted by Kawachi Brewery, the island's only distillery, making it a truly unique local souvenir. It's a fantastic choice for collectors of regional spirits! (Please remember to drink responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues, and drinking during pregnancy can harm the fetus.)
Here are a few essential tips to make your Value Mart shopping experience a breeze:
The Value Mart Hitakatsu branch closes at 7 PM, so if you're planning to grab dinner or late-night snacks, make sure to shop earlier in the day. On weekends, popular food and alcohol items can sell out quickly, so an early visit is always best.
For more extensive shopping, I highly recommend heading to the Oura branch. It's a medium-sized supermarket with a much larger selection of alcohol, food, snacks, and other goods.
With these shopping tips and my list of must-haves, I hope you have an amazing and fruitful shopping trip on Tsushima Island!
According to the article, Value Mart Hitakatsu has a limited selection of alcoholic beverages. If you want to purchase a wider variety of alcohol, such as whiskey or local Tsushima shochu, it is recommended to visit Value Mart Ohura, which is larger and offers more options.
The article recommends the uncooked type of Sanuki Udon. While pre-cooked noodles tend to break easily, uncooked noodles maintain their chewiness and elasticity even after being boiled for a long time, making them more delicious.
Value Mart Hitakatsu closes at 7 PM, so if you want to buy late-night snacks or other items, you should shop in advance. On weekends, food and alcoholic beverages can sell out quickly, so it's best to visit early.
Yamaneko is the name of a wild cat living on Tsushima Island, and it is a local shochu that symbolizes Tsushima. It holds symbolic significance as it is brewed by Kawachi Brewery, the only brewery on Tsushima.
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