When people travel, they usually visit famous places. Now many travelers also visit supermarkets. This is called grocery tourism. It means going to a local supermarket, market, or convenience store to learn about everyday life. Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report says 39% of travelers usually visit a grocery shop on holiday, and 44% buy local goods they cannot get at home. Skyscanner’s 2026 travel trends say supermarket visits are now a major food trend. (partner.expediagroup.com)

A grocery store can show a country in a very real way. You can see local foods, new drinks, small daily habits, and even how stores are set up. Skyscanner says travelers enjoy these visits because supermarkets help them understand local culture and feel like a local. Booking.com also says grocery stores are becoming must-visit places on trips, and 78% of travelers say trying new foods is a big part of travel. (skyscanner.net)

Japan is a great place for this kind of travel. The Japan National Tourism Organization says conbini are one-stop shops for food and useful services. Many stores have copy machines, bus ticket services, and ATMs that work with some international cards. JNTO also says travelers can find easy foods like onigiri, salads, nuts, and hot meals there, and another official guide calls Japanese convenience stores a cultural staple. Seven-Eleven Japan alone had more than 21,000 stores in Japan as of February 28, 2025. (japan.travel)

So, on your next trip, try one simple stop: the local supermarket. Walk slowly. Look at the lunch boxes, snacks, drinks, and fruit. You do not need a lot of money, and you do not need special plans. Grocery tourism is fun because it is small, easy, and close to real life. In one short visit, you can taste a place and understand it a little better. (skyscanner.net)