Tokyo Central & Main San Diego

8111 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
$$$ Grocery store
(1157 Reviews)

Welcome to Tokyo Central & Main, a treasure trove of Japanese culture nestled in the heart of San Diego at 8111 Balboa Ave. Formerly known as Marukai Market, this vibrant grocery store is a one-stop-shop that transports you directly to Japan, brimming with an array of authentic products and delightful surprises. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Tokyo Central offers an exquisite shopping experience that captures the enchanting essence of Japan.

As you wander through the three interconnected stores, you'll find yourself enveloped in a unique ambiance, where the excitement of discovery meets the nostalgia of favorite childhood items. Customers rave about the fantastic assortment available, from fresh produce and seafood in one section to dry goods and packaged snacks in another, offering endless options for culinary experimentation.

The store is a haven for food lovers, featuring a rich selection of Japanese snacks, stationery, and even specialty products like Jasmine green tea — a customer favorite that delivers a floral burst of flavor. Annie T notes how she loves to stock up on her must-have treats here, highlighting the vast array of items that cater not just to humans but also delightful offerings for pets. From beloved Japanese candies to savory treats like takoyaki from their ready-to-eat section, your taste buds are in for a fantastic journey.

For those seeking Japan's whimsical charm, the store has cleverly integrated a wide range of anime merchandise and collectibles that enthrall fans of all ages. Kimi & Lucy enthusiastically described it as “a children’s paradise,” filled with the beloved characters from Pokemon and Sanrio. Every corner is alive with discovery, and it’s no wonder that Sarah Cordial and her daughter could spend hours exploring the delightful trinkets and housewares inspired by their favorite anime shows.

For the collectors among us, Tokyo Central & Main boasts an incredible selection of Bandai models, encompassing all your favorite franchises like Gundam and YuGiOh. With assembly tools available, you can dive deep into the immersive experience of building and customizing your collections, as praised by Scott L, who referred to it as a “dream destination” for enthusiasts.

In summary, Tokyo Central & Main isn't just a grocery store; it's an enchanting experience that bridges cultures and evokes cherished memories. Whether you're hunting for the perfect snack, a cute gift, or merely looking to revel in the vibrant world of Japanese culture, this store is a must-visit gem. Don’t miss the chance to explore all its offerings and embark on a delightful shopping adventure!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
On-site services available
No delivery
No same-day delivery
Highlights
Has great produce
Offerings
Serves food
Planning
Good for quick visit
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
On-site parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

1157 Reviews
Annie T

05 Sep 2025

I coming to Tokyo Central!! They pretty much have everything I need in one shopping center. They even have treats for dogs and cats. Went to Tokyo Central Main today and the building next to it with all the snacks. I love getting snacks, stationaries, and bottled teas from here. My favorite tea is the Jasmine green tea (see pic below!!) because of the floral taste. I drink those like water throughout the day, so yahh I stock up on those on a weekly basis LOL!! I rarely go to the building with groceries and didn’t go in this time. But I highly recommend this place!!!

Isaac A

14 Jul 2025

Formerly Marukai Market. There are three stores to choose from. One with fresh produce, seafood, cold and frozen food. The other dry and packaged goods. The third is for great Japanese toys and trinkets. Fantastic place to buy authentic Japanese products.

Sarah Cordial

14 Jul 2025

It had been a few years since I last visited this store. The name has changed, but the merchandise has fairly remained the same except that now there were more anime merch and beauty products. My daughter and I got lost in the store for nearly 2 hours; inspecting and reinspecting everything we liked. We loved seeing items from our favorite anime, loved all the adorable housewares and trinkets. We definitely left with more items than we needed, but absolutely had no regrets. A return visit is imminent.

YANI Cova

12 Jul 2025

Children’s paradise! I felt so nostalgic walking through the store. I wanted all the Sanrio and Pokemon they had. The spam and cup of noodle items were super cute too!

Scott L

07 Jul 2025

A Dream Destination for Collectors and Lifestyle Enthusiasts! I absolutely love this place—it's every man’s dream! You can find an amazing selection of Bandai models featuring iconic IPs like Gundam, Digimon, Ultraman, and Yu-Gi-Oh!—all available here. Plus, they offer assembly tools, so you can fully enjoy the hands-on experience of building these models. For fans of Hello Kitty, the selection is incredible, with everything from plush toys and mugs to even collaboration kitchenware! Beyond that, the store also has a wide variety of beauty products, stocking all the major Japanese brands. Tokyo Central & Main is the perfect spot to find everything you need to enhance your lifestyle, from hobby kits to beauty essentials. I can’t recommend it enough!

Kimi & Lucy

27 Jun 2025

This shop is like Don Quijote without the annoying music. If you are seeking your fav Japanese snacks, makeup, or something random like Nosemint, Jagabee, or a bag with shiba inus on it…you found it! It is cheaper than a flight to Okinawa! There are three separate buildings: household products, dry goods, and fresh groceries. It is worth visiting all 3 shops. If you love Japanese food and products, this is 1-3 hrs of shopping heaven. Loved it.

Sergio Valenzuela

25 Jun 2025

Awesome stores in the San Diego area. Tokyo Central Specialties has great cooked foods (takoyaki is amazing), fresh and affordable ingredients, and delicious desserts.

Mr. No Tengo Dinero

08 Jun 2025

Pretty cool Japanese figures store! There are many animation character stuffs here! It reminds me of Tokyo a little bit! If you like to get something Japanese stuff, I believe this is a good store to have a look at!! Pretty cool

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