Tokyo Kuma has recently opened its doors in Duluth and the DiG team has gotten the latest scoop on this popular Japanese lifestyle store! For those unfamiliar with the concept behind a Japanese lifestyle store, these stores typically offer a variety of Japanese merchandise from stationary and plushies to popular snacks and kitchen items. Tokyo Kuma offers merchandise for beauty, home and kitchen purposes as well as has an entire grocery area full of cold and frozen items making it a popular spot.
Walking up to Tokyo Kuma, you’ll notice that it’s actually inside a large Asian food court which is also connected to Jusgo Supermarket, an Asian grocery store. This design is super unique and fun because once you’re inside, everything is connected and easily accessible. The store itself is on the right side when you enter but the center of the food court is packed with food vendors selling traditional eats from Peking duck and bao buns to dumplings and desserts. There’s also a row of neon claw machines with cute plushies and small prizes in this area. Stopping by with an empty stomach is recommended so you can enjoy some delicious food after your shopping adventure! Jusgo Supermarket takes up the entire left portion of this building and also has its own entrance from the outside.
Inside Tokyo Kuma, the aesthetic is super vibrant with depictions of their adorable mascot bear and cherry blossom trees along the walls. The store is divided into sections with the refrigerator area towards the registers at the front. Here, you’ll find anything from prepared mochi and cream puffs to drinks and frozen desserts. As you work your way back, you’ll find a variety of pantry items including seasoning as well as kitchen gadgets and decor. This is the perfect section to find a pair of beautifully made chopsticks or a cute Snoopy bowl.
After this area, the store contains a vast amount of beauty supplies and plushies as well as an entire area dedicated to snack favorites. This includes any ramen variety you can think of and international flavors of Lay’s Chips. I opted to get the Samyang Buldak Carbonara noodles to try and the Lay’s Chips in the fried crab flavor. The Korean carbonara noodles have been trending on the Internet lately and offer ramen lovers that perfect balance of spicy and sweet! As for the fried crab chips, the flavor was surprisingly very crab-like but it was almost a little too seafood-forward to enjoy.
Overall, Tokyo Kuma is a fun Japanese lifestyle store with a variety of merchandise available. The next time you’re in the Duluth area, check out this unique store and treat yourself afterwards to a delicious meal from one of the food vendors just outside of the store!
