Smokyo

Costco is easily the best import supermarket in Tokyo.

It's in Makuhari (near Kaihim Makuhari station). It has some really good deals on cheese, which is really expensive in Japan. A Kilo of cheddar costs about $10. It can cost much more than that at other food stores. It is also good for vegetarians.

The have frozen Buritos (8 for 1400) and spinach and cheese ravioli (a big bag for 1200 yen). You can get all the spices you need at reasonable prices and Corona @ 172 yen a bottle.

The lower floor is mostly food and the upper floor has furniture and household electronics/ computers (you can get English versions of Windows OS XP and Vista and software such as MS Office) Can be difficult to find English software version in Japan.

If you want to go best to take a car as you will invariably come out with much more that you expected. From Tokyo, head down route 14 or 15 towards Chiba.

You can also take a train. You need to take the Keiyo line (from Tokyo Station- this line als goes to Disneyland) It is a few stops past Maihama (the TDL station).

Costco have a membership system which costs 4200 yen per year to join. You need membership to shop there. The only other way is go with a friend who has membership. Each member can bring two friends into the store.

Address • 1-4 Toyosuna, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba 261-0024,

Japan Regular Hours • Daily : 10:00am-8:00pm • Holiday Season Opening Hours:Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st 10am to 6pm

Warehouse Telephone • 81-43-213-4111 Warehouse Features • 1 Hour Photo / Digital Prints • ATM • Bakery • BBQ Deli • Beer & Wine • Business Products • Delivery • Food Court • Fresh Deli • Fresh Fish • Fresh Meat • Fresh Produce • Fresh Sushi • Optical Department • Pharmacy • Pizza to go • Rotisserie Chicken • Tire Service Center Opening Date • December 2000

And Here is a excerpt from Costco's FAQ son their website

	Where can I use my Costco membership?
	Your membership is good at more than 500 Costco locations worldwide. For a complete list of locations, visit [www.costco.com]
	Why do I have to show my membership card upon entrance to the warehouse?
	Since our members pay a fee to shop at Costco, we allow only Costco members to shop. Your picture appears on the card because your membership card can be used only by you and is non-transferable. Your picture also prevents unauthorized use should your card ever be lost and stolen.
	What are Costco’s hours of operation?
	General hours for all warehouses are: Daily 10:00am to 8:00pm Holidays follow regular hours unless posted.
	Why am I asked to show my receipts as I exit the warehouse?
	Staffing the doors is our most effective method of maintaining accuracy in inventory control. It benefits both us and our members. This practice ensures that you received everything you paid for and were not overcharged or our undercharged for any item.
	What types of payment does Costco accept?
	You may pay by cash, Amex card or Costco Orico co-branded card. We do not accept other credit cards because their fees would increase the costs to us and our members.
	Can I bring in a friend who is not a member?
	Sure. You may bring up to two guests into the warehouse each time you shop, though only Costco members may purchase items.
	Why are there no express lines?
	The answer is two-fold. First, the majority of our members typically purchase a large quantity of products during their shopping visits to our warehouses. Currently, the typical member purchases an average of 14 Items each and every time he or she shops. Secondly, operating an express checkout line adds additional overhead costs, thereby driving up our cost of doing business.
	Why are there no dressing rooms?
	We are trying to adhere to a no-frills policy. This means keeping our costs as low as possible. Dressing rooms take employees to staff them as well as floor space that could be better utilized. But, remember our return policy: if something does not fit, just bring it back for a full refund.
	How do I return merchandise?
	Bring your merchandise and receipt directly to our membership desk for a full and courteous refund. Please bring all certificates, packaging and parts.