Toyo Shokuhin & Gifts

This family-run Japanese gift shop is a hidden gem. The service is top-notch—friendly, helpful, and the staff genuinely cares about their customers. You’re not just another transaction here; they take the time to make sure you feel welcome and find exactly what you’re looking for. The store offers a carefully curated mix of authentic Japanese items, from traditional gifts to high-quality food products. The ramen selection is legit, and the sake lineup is impressive—clearly chosen by people who know their stuff. Everything feels thoughtful and well-sourced, with no filler. If you’re in the Cary area, this place is a must-visit. Whether you’re after a unique gift or specialty ingredients, it delivers across the board.

We loved everything! Especially they're sushi and sweet treats 😋 definitely going back! Good selection of rice including imported, Ramen, drinks, snacks, variety of sauces and gift items.

What an amazing shop! So many specialty Japanese foods that we have struggled to find elsewhere. We will absolutely be back on a regular basis.

A wonderful place for all authentic Japanese groceries. The owners are super friendly and hospitable. Prices are reasonable for imported goods (by comparison to H-Mart). They give you little free treats at check out, which adds an extra touch to the level of family friendly atmosphere. We love this place, I highly recommend.

What a little bit of magic combining so many Japanese comforts with the "do it local" vibe Cary loves. Five minutes into my first visit I was wowed by the selection. Ramen, Curry, Potato Snacks, Miso Paste, Sake, Pocari Sweat...so many things that coloured our recent trip to Japan (and brought tiny moments of comfort) can be found at Toyo Shokuhin & Gifts. You can find a few knives, household goods and skin products here too. And let me take a moment to clarify the noodle situation, since I know that's what many of you will look for. We're not just talking dried packs and bowls of instant ramen like you're used to, but bundles of stand-alone ramen or udon just waiting to be dropped into your pot...and also frozen "Fresh" noodles that cook like a minute and a half and have a completely different bite to them. Conveniently the frozen stuff is right across the Aisle from a respectable sake selection, and they have two of my favourites: Bride of the Fox and Drunken Whale. O happy day! What really makes this place great though is the staff. I cant say enough about one of the proprietors Chris, who said hello to us, asked us about our recent trip, and was just all around friendly, approachable, and willing to answer any question about what was available. More to the point, we saw that he knew many of the early visitors well, asked after their family, and checked to make sure they had their usual favourites. This sort of mom-and-pop, know your regulars vibe was part of the what made Japan feel intimate and cozy, and I think its something so well appreciated in the Cary area too. They take care of you here, and I can't wait to come back!

Wonderful little store with great Japanese products. I've gotten tea, natto, plates &cups, soup bases, soy sauce, everything there. The staff are kind and attentive and I love shopping here.

I was literally a kid in a candy store! I can't wait to try the snacks we picked out!