Big-A Suginami Asagaya Minami — Supermarket in Koenji, Tokyo

Big-A Suginami Asagaya Minami is a branch of the Aeon-affiliated Big-A chain, set under the elevated railway on Asagayaminami in Koenji. You reach it by passing beneath the tracks, and the shop reads as a practical neighbourhood supermarket rather than a food hall: bright since the renovation, with more registers and a rearranged display layout.

The reason to come is the water. It sells at a notably low price, and people buy it in bulk, so a trip here can mean carrying several bottles home. Bread and rice are the other cheap staples, and there are bento boxes and prepared foods for a quick pickup alongside the drinks and dry goods.

Quantities are small, which suits cooking for one. The fresh side is thin: the fresh food selection is limited, so plan on the dry goods, the drinks and the ready-made meals rather than a full produce shop. The fish rice cake snack is worth adding to the basket.

A basket typically runs ¥1,000–3,000, and everyday items come at low prices. PayPay is accepted. Come early if you want the water: it frequently runs out of bottled water, which is inconvenient when you have made the trip expecting to buy it.

The shop suits anyone staying nearby who wants cheap drinks and staples in small amounts, and anyone passing under the tracks between Koenji and the surrounding streets.