Uwajimaya is a chain of Asian grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest with locations in Washington and Oregon
Uwajimaya operates physical stores in Seattle, Tacoma, and Beaverton (Oregon), plus an online store that ships nationwide. The chain stocks East Asian groceries — primarily Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese products — alongside housewares, books, and prepared foods. Each location includes a food court or prepared-food section. The stores are independently owned and operated by the Uwajimaya company, not a franchise model.
The Seattle location on South King Street is the flagship store and the largest. Tacoma's store is smaller but carries the same core product range. The Beaverton location opened in 2000 and serves the Portland metro area. All three physical locations operate their own produce sections, butcher counters, and seafood departments.
Key Takeaways
- Uwajimaya has three physical locations: Seattle (South King Street), Tacoma, and Beaverton, Oregon, plus an online store that ships to most U.S. addresses.
- The stores carry Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese groceries, fresh produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods in their food courts.
- Each location includes a produce section, butcher counter, and seafood department staffed by employees who can answer questions about unfamiliar products.
- The online store carries a subset of in-store inventory and charges shipping; some items ship faster than others depending on warehouse location.
- Store hours and holiday closures vary by location, so checking the website or calling ahead is necessary before visiting.
What products Uwajimaya stocks in each department
The produce section carries Asian vegetables year-round: bok choy, gai lan, daikon radish, bitter melon, long beans, and seasonal items like bamboo shoots and fresh lychees. Availability changes with the season and supplier. The store also stocks common U.S. produce like apples and lettuce.
The grocery aisles hold rice (short-grain, sushi rice, jasmine, and specialty varieties), noodles (ramen, udon, rice noodles, egg noodles), sauces (soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, miso paste), and canned goods. Frozen sections include dumplings, buns, vegetables, and prepared dishes. The snack aisles carry crackers, cookies, and candies from multiple Asian countries.
The butcher counter sells pork, beef, and chicken cut to order, plus specialty items like pork belly and chicken feet. The seafood counter stocks fresh and frozen fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish. Both counters can prepare items on request if you ask when you arrive.
The housewares section includes cookware, dishes, utensils, and small appliances like rice cookers and hot water dispensers. Books and magazines in Asian languages are shelved near the front of most locations.
How to find specific items or ask about products
The in-store staff can help you locate items or suggest substitutes if something is out of stock. Many employees speak multiple languages and are familiar with how to use unfamiliar ingredients. If you are looking for something specific, calling the store directly is faster than browsing — each location has a phone number on the Uwajimaya website.
The online store has a search function, but inventory is smaller than the physical stores. Items marked "in stock" ship within a few days; items marked "special order" take longer. Shipping costs vary by order size and destination. The website shows which items are available for in-store pickup if you live near a location.
Store locations, hours, and how to visit
| Location | Address | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle (Flagship) | 600 South King Street, Seattle, WA 98104 | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Tacoma | 3828 South 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Beaverton | 10500 Southwest Allen Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
Hours change for holidays and occasionally for staffing. The Uwajimaya website lists current hours and any temporary closures. Parking is available at all three locations. The Seattle store is accessible by public transit (light rail and bus) and has a parking garage. Tacoma and Beaverton locations have surface parking lots.
The Seattle store includes a food court with prepared Asian dishes — ramen, donburi, bento boxes, and other items. Tacoma and Beaverton have prepared-food sections where you can order items to eat in or take out. Menus and pricing vary by location.
Ordering online and shipping to your address
The Uwajimaya online store accepts orders from most U.S. states. You create an account, add items to your cart, and choose a shipping method at checkout. Standard shipping takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your location and item availability. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.
Some items cannot ship due to weight, fragility, or state regulations (alcohol, for example). The website shows which items are shippable before you add them to your cart. If an item is out of stock online, you can call a store location to ask if they have it in person.
Prices online are sometimes higher than in-store prices because of shipping and handling costs. Bulk items like rice and oil may have a minimum order or higher per-unit cost online. Checking both the online store and calling a physical location can help you find the best price for large orders.
Payment methods and return policy
Uwajimaya accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at all locations. The online store accepts major credit cards and PayPal. In-store, you can also use EBT (SNAP benefits) for may be able to access food items — produce, meat, seafood, and packaged groceries may have access to, but prepared foods and non-food items do not.
Return and refund policies differ between in-store purchases and online orders. For in-store purchases, bring your receipt and the item to the customer service desk. For online orders, contact customer service through the website to start a return. Perishable items (produce, meat, seafood) typically cannot be returned once delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SNAP benefits at Uwajimaya?
Yes, SNAP (EBT) is accepted at all three physical locations for may be able to access food items. Produce, meat, seafood, and packaged groceries may have access to. Prepared foods from the food court and non-food items like cookware do not. The online store does not currently accept EBT.
Does Uwajimaya ship to my state?
Most U.S. states are covered, but some items cannot ship to certain states due to regulations. The online store shows which items ship to your zip code when you search or add items to your cart. If you cannot find what you need, call a store location to ask about alternatives.
What if I cannot find an ingredient I am looking for?
Call the store directly or visit in person and ask a staff member. They can tell you if the item is in stock, suggest a substitute, or special-order it if it is available through their supplier. Response time for special orders varies but is usually one to two weeks.
Are there other Asian grocery stores besides Uwajimaya?
Yes. The Pacific Northwest has other Asian grocery chains and independent stores. Uwajimaya is one option, but comparing prices, selection, and location with other stores in your area may help you find what works best for your needs.
Can I order from Uwajimaya for same-day or next-day delivery?
The online store does not offer same-day delivery. Standard shipping takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need items urgently, visiting a physical location is the fastest option. Some items marked "in stock" ship within a few days.