Florida's Underrated Japanese Market Offers Cultural Delights And Authentic Flavors

Japan possesses a culture of exacting perfection when it comes to the products and services that it offers. This applies across the board, whether it is a private onsen in a luxury hotel near Mount Fuji or an everyday ramen eatery in Osaka, the city nicknamed "Japan's kitchen" for a reason. Often, there's no length to which Japanese companies and shops won't go to offer a unique and excellent customer experience, and Ebisu, a Japanese lifestyle store that has brought its quintessentially Japanese products and store culture to Jacksonville, Florida, is no different.

After opening its first location on American shores in Colorado, Ebisu has since expanded across the country. Although Jacksonville, Florida, may seem an incongruous choice of location, the retail store fits nicely in the diverse city and is a nice addition to the Windy Hill neighborhood, where you can already find a mix of establishments offering Latino, Korean, and Vietnamese goodies. 

An approach to the 8,000-square-foot store on Beach Boulevard is the first clue that you are about to enter a high-quality Japanese retail adventure. The glossy, floor-to-ceiling windows beckon you into the establishment where rows of neatly arranged snacks, cosmetics, and kitschy merch line the shelves and gleam under the bright store lights. Giant statues of Luffy and Goku (classic anime characters) preside over the scene in all their heroic glory, invoking the feeling that you are visiting a trendy neighborhood in Japan.

Unlike some markets that span multiple sections and rooms, Ebisu's products are housed in one big room and are divided into different categories, similar to a supermarket, and you'll often find items displayed based on color or style. For instance, one section of shelving is stacked entirely with pink and purple plates and bowls, while the one next to it displays only yellow ones. Similarly, large display cases show uniform products that are packaged by size such as a shelf dedicated solely to 16-ounce fizzy drinks. The store also includes a row of arcade-style claw machines that will let your inner child out as you play, and each one features one type of character or anime-themed plush toy.

@laurynxtravels

If you're looking for fun things to do or affordable and unique Japanese products check out Ebisu in Jacksonville, Florida. 🇯🇵🧸🍭 Ebisu is a Japanese lifestyle store. They provide several products ranging from snacks, drinks, games, toys, self care products, and much more! Majority of the items are extremely affordable and convenient items to have or gift someone. 🎁 11160 Beach Blvd 126, Jacksonville, FL 32246 📌 I'm always sharing things to do, places to eat, and the best staycations. TAP THE PLUS (+) for more things to do! SHARE this with a friend! 📲 #foodie #jaxfoodie #jacksonville #jacksonvilleflorida #thingstodo #thingstodoinflorida #thingstodoinjacksonville #funactivities #floridaattractions #japanese #japanesesnacks #japanesefood

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Their trendy toys aren't the only anime items enticing you to stack your basket. Anime merch drives the fun vibe at the store and includes wearable items like socks, slippers, and keychains, as well as kitchenware like cups and bowls and handy tools like pens and even toilet paper. True to form, they are all neatly stacked in their assigned places. But the merriment doesn't stop there. In harmony with the savory, umami flavor profile that Japanese cuisine and goodies are associated with, Ebisu also sells a wide variety of savory munchables, such as black pepper chips, soy sauce chips, and spicy chicken-flavor ramen cups.

Not only does Japanese culture take the idea of excellence seriously but it also focuses heavily on aesthetics. Japanese beauty products are known for their high quality and for containing cutting-edge ingredients, such as matcha, sake, and rice bran.

Entering the beauty aisle at Ebisu offers an immersive stroll down a long line of Japanese body-care products including lotions, soaps, shampoos, and skin treatments. Tsubaki hair products, whose motto promises "salon-quality hair at home," and Segreta, whose hair products include pomegranate and soybean extracts and are geared towards restoring aging hair, can also be found. Tester perfumes are also available, and with intriguing labels like "jasmine musk," there's no reason not to try.

It would be reasonable to assume that the imported goods at Ebisu would mean exorbitant markups, but Google reviewers have described prices for some items as "fair" and even "great."  The main draw, though, is the chance to step into a world from another country without having to use a passport. So, head to Ebisu Jacksonville and pretend you are in Japan for a day.