---episode: 2028 title: Costco Japans MATCHA Soft Ice Cream Experience date: 2025-06-26 youtube_id: CU6ydX20Jb0 duration_seconds: 1018 channel: Only in Japan Go type: video_summary people:

• John Daub
• Kanae
• Leo
• Dentist (referenced) places:
• Japan
• United States prefecture:
• Chiba
• Aichi
• Tokyo
• Yamagata city:
• Chiba
• Nagoya
• Tokyo
• Shinjuku
• Omotesando
• Yamagata neighborhood: [] transport:
• Taxi season: Summer topics:
• Costco Japan food court
• Uji Matcha Soft Cream
• Japan-only products at foreign chains
• Japanese ice cream culture
• Summer in Japan
• Rice shortage in Japan 2024-2025
• Mount Fuji climb planning
• Regionality in Japanese retail
• Soft serve ice cream in Japan
• Japanese food culture food:
• Uji Matcha Soft Cream
• Costco cookie
• Mango smoothie
• Chicken sticks
• Quarter pound hot dog
• Combo pizza
• Salmon poke roll
• Jumbo bulgogi bake
• Clam chowder
• Red bean with cream croissant (Tsubu an pan)
• Flan
• Blueberries
• Yogurt
• Figs
• Okara snack with ume and katsuobushi
• Otsumami mix with edamame
• Avocado oil
• Rice (10kg bag) japanese_terms:
• "itadakimasu": Japanese phrase meaning "I humbly receive" — said before eating a meal as a form of gratitude
• "okara": Soy milk residue, a byproduct of tofu production, used in Japanese cooking and snacks
• "ume": Pickled plum (umeboshi), a traditional Japanese condiment with sour and salty flavor
• "katsuobushi": Bonito fish flakes (dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna), a staple of dashi stock
• "otsumami": Japanese snack mix, similar to nuts-and-bolts appetizers
• "tsubuan": Chunkily mashed red bean paste, popular filling for Japanese sweets and pastries
• "kanpai": Japanese word for "cheers," literally meaning "dry cup"
• "itadakimasu": Used again before eating tags:
• costco-japan
• uji-matcha-soft-cream
• japan-costco-food-court
• only-in-japan-go
• john-daub
• summer-japan
• chiba-japan
• japanese-ice-cream
• regional-japanese-products
• japan-food-culture
• rice-shortage-japan
• mount-fuji-2025
• foreign-chains-in-japan
• soft-serve-ice-cream-japan locations:
• Costco Chiba
• IKEA Japan
• Mount Fuji Summit Post Office

---

Costco Japans MATCHA Soft Ice Cream Experience

Overview

In this episode (2028), John Daub ventures to Costco in Chiba Prefecture to taste their limited-time Uji Matcha Soft Cream, a Japan-exclusive item that has become surprisingly popular at the warehouse club's food court. The video captures the quintessential challenge of eating soft serve ice cream in Japan's intense summer heat — the matcha confection melts into a green soup almost instantly in the wind and sun. Beyond the ice cream, John provides a comprehensive tour of Costco Japan's regional food offerings, which blend familiar American Costco staples with uniquely Japanese items, demonstrating how international chains adapt to local markets.

The episode serves as both a food review and a cultural commentary on retail localization in Japan. John purchases and samples multiple items including a massive warm cookie, a red bean with cream croissant (tsubu an pan), and discusses the evolving pricing of longstanding Costco Japan menu items like the famous quarter-pound hot dog and combination pizza. He also reveals his Costco haul, which includes Japan-only snacks like okara (soy milk residue) with ume and katsuobushi, illustrating the appeal of regional products even at American chains.

The video concludes with broader reflections on Japan's current rice shortage crisis, John's upcoming Mount Fuji climb scheduled for July 8th (which he plans to livestream), and a preview of tomorrow's potential Omotesando sofa shopping expedition. John reflects on how chains like Costco, McDonald's Japan, and L.L. Bean successfully blend familiarity with Japanese-specific products, making them worthwhile destinations even for tourists focused on experiencing "only in Japan" content.

Highlights

• 01:39 John tastes the Uji Matcha Soft Cream for the first time and is genuinely impressed, noting it genuinely tastes like quality matcha despite skepticism about Costco's ability to source Uji matcha during a shortage.

• 02:41 John reviews the full Costco Japan food court menu, providing pricing history for items like combo pizza (raised from 250 yen to 400 yen over the years) while the hot dog has remained stable at just over a dollar.

• 03:32 John reveals his pizza customization habit of adding free onions on top — a "free" topping he insists transforms the combo pizza into something special.

• 04:12 John opens and samples the red bean with cream croissant, rating it 3.5 out of 5 and noting it's a unique "only in Japan" item that combines Western pastry with Japanese red bean paste (tsubuan).

• 06:17 John shows his Costco haul including Paw Patrol t-shirts for Leo (4 for 2,000 yen / ~$15), blueberries, yogurt, figs, and Japan-only okara snacks with ume and katsuobushi.

• 10:41 John offers practical advice: soft serve ice cream in Japan's summer heat melts too fast to eat normally — you essentially have to drink it as it becomes a matcha milkshake.

• 11:47 John previews his Mount Fuji climb on July 8th, promising to bring viewers along via livestream, and mentions the summit post office he's been training to visit.

• 12:25 John delivers a thoughtful analysis on how Costco Japan balances American familiarity with Japanese-specific products, making it worth visiting even for Japan-obsessed tourists.

• 14:00 John discusses the 2024-2025 rice crisis in Japan, expressing concern about the upcoming harvest (which doesn't begin until late September) while noting rice remains cheaper at Costco even at increased prices.

• 16:28 John closes with a teaser for tomorrow's potential Omotesando sofa shopping livestream and reflects on the Japan-exclusive product phenomenon at chains like L.L. Bean Japan.

Timeline / Chapters

• 00:02 Introduction: Uji Matcha Soft Cream reveal and Costco Japan food court overview
• 01:06 Setup: John prepares tripod and laments the strong wind at the outdoor eating area
• 01:24 First taste: "Itadakimasu" and initial reaction to the matcha soft cream
• 01:39 Deep taste review: John confirms quality and experiments with melted matcha ice cream
• 02:12 Photo opportunity: Capturing the ice cream before complete meltdown
• 02:41 Full menu tour: Complete Costco Japan food court pricing and history
• 03:32 Pizza with onions: John shares his free topping hack
• 04:12 Surprise item: Red bean with cream croissant taste test and review
• 05:55 Cart check: John retrieves his actual shopping cart
• 06:17 Full haul reveal: Paw Patrol shirts, produce, Japan-only snacks, avocado oil
• 08:37 Red bean croissant conclusion: Finishing the croissant with rating
• 10:41 Cookie update: Warm cookie remains intact while ice cream became "porridge"
• 11:47 Preview: Mount Fuji climb on July 8th and upcoming plans
• 12:25 Cultural analysis: Why Costco Japan and international chains are worth visiting in Japan
• 14:00 Rice crisis discussion: Japan drought, rice shortage, harvest timeline, and personal shopping
• 16:28 Closing: Tomorrow's plans, Mount Fuji prep, and sign-off

Japan Travel Tips

1. Visit Costco Japan for regional exclusives: Each Costco location features different Japan-only menu items and products. The Uji Matcha Soft Cream and red bean pastries are examples of unique offerings worth seeking out, especially at the Chiba location near the coast.

2. Use free toppings strategically: At Costco Japan food court, toppings like onions are free. John recommends adding them to the combo pizza for extra flavor — a simple hack that enhances the familiar American-style pizza with Japanese flair.

3. Timing matters for soft serve: Soft serve ice cream in Japan melts extremely fast during summer months (June-August). Plan to consume it immediately or accept that it will become a drinkable "milkshake" — which John actually recommends as an alternative experience.

4. Bring a membership card and cash (or yen): Costco Japan requires a membership card for entry and shopping. While most items are priced in yen, the value proposition is strong — four Paw Patrol t-shirts for 2,000 yen (~$15 USD) represents significant savings.

5. Watch for price increases over time: Some Costco Japan items have seen significant price hikes. The combo pizza has risen from 250 yen to 400 yen over the years, while the quarter-pound hot dog combo has remained stable. Research current pricing before visiting.

6. Explore Japan-only products at familiar chains: Chains like McDonald's Japan, Krispy Kreme Japan, and L.L. Bean Japan all offer Japan-exclusive items and sizes. John specifically notes L.L. Bean's Japan-only products and sizing, which cater to Japanese body proportions.

7. Consider regional product availability: Japan-only snacks like okara with ume and katsuobushi are available at Costco Japan. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts for food enthusiasts back home, showcasing unique Japanese food culture.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

Itadakimasu (いただきます)

• Meaning: "I humbly receive" — a phrase of gratitude said before eating a meal
• Cultural context: This phrase reflects the Japanese concept of acknowledging the life that was taken to create the meal. It is paired with "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) after eating.

Okara (おから)

• Meaning: Soy milk residue, a byproduct of tofu and soy milk production
• Cultural context: Often considered a healthy, fiber-rich ingredient in Japan. Used in various dishes including cookies, crackers, and savory snacks. John purchased a Japan-only okara snack seasoned with ume and katsuobushi.

Ume (梅)

• Meaning: Pickled plum, most commonly known as umeboshi
• Cultural context: A traditional Japanese condiment known for its intense sour-salty flavor. Used in rice balls (onigiri), obento boxes, and as a flavoring agent in various snacks and dishes.

Katsuobushi (鰹節)

• Meaning: Bonito fish flakes, dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna
• Cultural context: A fundamental ingredient in Japanese cuisine, used to make dashi (foundational soup stock). Also used as a topping for dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and rice dishes.

Otsumami (おつまみ)

• Meaning: Snack mix, appetizer, or bar food
• Cultural context: Similar to the concept of "nibbles" or bar snacks. John purchased an otsumami mix featuring edamame and Japanese beans.

Tsubuan (粒あん)

• Meaning: Chunkily mashed red bean paste (as opposed to smooth an)
• Cultural context: One of the most traditional Japanese sweet fillings, made from azuki beans. Used in pastries, ice cream, and traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets). Costco Japan offers a red bean with cream croissant featuring tsubuan.

Kanpai (乾杯)

• Meaning: "Cheers" — literally "dry cup"
• Cultural context: The universal Japanese toast used when drinking with others. John uses it casually at the end of his ice cream experience.

Regionality (地域性)

• Concept: John repeatedly emphasizes Costco Japan's "regionality" — the balance between maintaining the familiar American Costco experience while adding enough Japan-specific products and menu items to make it distinctly Japanese.

Food & Drink Guide

Uji Matcha Soft Cream (300 yen / ~$2.30)

• 00:02
• What it is: Soft serve ice cream made with Uji matcha, a premium shade-grown green tea powder from Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
• Where to find: Costco Japan food courts, Chiba location specifically mentioned
• Cost: 300 yen (approximately $2.30 USD)
• Cultural significance: Uji matcha is considered some of the highest quality Japanese green tea. John questions how Costco secured it during a reported matcha shortage. The ice cream melts so quickly in summer heat that it essentially becomes a matcha milkshake.

Costco Cookie (~$2.25 / 350 yen estimated)

• 03:32
• What it is: Massive chocolate chip cookie, larger than expected
• Where to find: Costco Japan bakery section
• Cost: Approximately $2.25 (estimated)
• Cultural significance: Served warm, giving the impression it just came out of the oven. John notes it's still soft and good even by the end of the video — holding up better than the ice cream in the summer heat.

Red Bean with Cream Croissant (Tsubu An Pan)

• 04:12
• What it is: Croissant filled with tsubuan (chunky red bean paste) and cream, dusted with powdered sugar
• Where to find: Costco Japan bakery, Japan-exclusive item
• Cost: Not specified
• Cultural significance: John describes it as an "only in Japan" item — a Western-style croissant adapted with traditional Japanese anko (red bean paste) rather than the custard more common in Western versions. John rates it 3.5 out of 5, praising the texture and flavor combination.

Quarter Pound Hot Dog with Drink (just over $1)

• 02:41
• What it is: Costco's famous hot dog, includes a drink
• Where to find: Costco Japan food court
• Cost: Just over $1 (stable price over the years)
• Cultural significance: John notes this item has maintained its price over the years, making it an exceptional value. It's one of Costco's most famous menu items globally.

Combo Pizza (400 yen / ~$2.80)

• 02:41
• What it is: Combination pizza with pepperoni and vegetables
• Where to find: Costco Japan food court
• Cost: 400 yen (raised from original 250 yen)
• Cultural significance: John demonstrates his habit of adding free onions on top of the pizza, transforming it with a Japanese touch. The price increase from 250 yen to 400 yen over the years reflects inflation and ingredient costs.

Okara Snack with Ume and Katsuobushi

• 06:17
• What it is: Snack made from okara (soy milk residue) seasoned with pickled plum and bonito flakes
• Where to find: Costco Japan, Japan-exclusive product
• Cultural significance: Demonstrates how Costco Japan sources local Japanese products. John considers bringing some back to America as a unique food souvenir.

Otsumami Mix with Edamame

• 06:17
• What it is: Japanese snack mix featuring edamame and various beans
• Where to find: Costco Japan
• Cultural significance: Represents the adaptation of Western bulk-snack shopping culture to Japanese tastes.

People

John Daub

• Host of Only in Japan Go, American living in Japan for over 30 years
• Context: Reviews Costco Japan's Uji Matcha Soft Cream and food court offerings. Shares personal shopping haul including items for his son Leo and wife Kanae. Mentions his upcoming Mount Fuji climb and dental appointment (with a joke about his sugar consumption being a "dentist's nightmare").

Kanae

• John's wife, not present in this video
• Context: John mentions he needs to "fix up" the house before she returns, implying she is traveling. He is cooking for himself while she's away.

Leo

• John's son
• Context: John purchased four Paw Patrol t-shirts for Leo at 2,000 yen (~$15), calling it a "pretty good deal."

Dentist (Referenced)

• John's dentist
• Context: John jokes that this episode is "the dentist's nightmare" due to his sugar consumption (cookies, croissant, ice cream). He humorously hopes the dentist doesn't watch the livestream.

Key Takeaways

• Costco Japan successfully balances American familiarity with Japan-exclusive products, making it worthwhile even for tourists focused on "only in Japan" experiences.

• The Uji Matcha Soft Cream (300 yen / ~$2.30) is a surprisingly high-quality item, though summer heat means it melts into a drinkable matcha milkshake almost immediately.

• Japan-only products at Costco include okara snacks, red bean pastries, and regional menu variations that differ by location.

• The 2024-2025 rice shortage in Japan is a real concern, with harvests not beginning until late September and reserves currently depleted.

• International chains like McDonald's Japan, Krispy Kreme Japan, and L.L. Bean Japan all offer Japan-exclusive products worth exploring.

• John's upcoming Mount Fuji climb on July 8th will be livestreamed, with the summit post office being a specific destination.

• Free toppings like onions at Costco Japan can significantly enhance familiar foods with a Japanese twist.

Notable Quotes

• 01:39 "Oh, this is good. This is really matcha. I don't know if it's Uji. They said it's Uji matcha, so it must be. There's supposed to be a matcha shortage. So how the heck did Costco get Uji matcha?"

• 02:41 "The pizza's always a good go-to. But the price has been raising on there from 250 yen to 400 yen over the years. The hot dog has stayed the same."

• 05:22 "Typically, I don't eat that much sugar. This is really good. I think if you're in Japan and you got a Costco, I think you need to show them your Costco membership. There's a lot of people getting this, so I know that it's pretty popular."

• 09:54 "I like the texture of the croissant. It's not a great croissant, but it's good. Cream, good. Powdered sugar, good. Tsubuan, good. Put together, pretty good. Yeah, I give that a three and a half out of five."

• 12:25 "Costco is pretty good. I like the regionality of it. They keep it kind of familiar. So it still feels like I'm going to America when I'm inside of there. But they add enough regional stuff where it also feels like this is definitely Costco, Japan."

• 14:00 "Rice crisis is real, guys. The harvest doesn't start coming in until around the third week of September. And until then, we're like on reserves. Rice reserves all over the country."

Related Topics

• Rice Shortage in Japan (2024-2025): John's discussion of Japan's current rice crisis, drought conditions, harvest timeline, and increased rice purchases at Costco connects to broader food security issues affecting the country.

• Mount Fuji Climbing Culture: John's upcoming July 8th climb and training, including his summit post office visit, relates to Japan's iconic mountain and the unique experience of climbing it.

• Regional Product Localization at International Chains: The phenomenon of Japan-exclusive products at chains like McDonald's Japan, Krispy Kreme Japan, and L.L. Bean Japan represents a broader trend in retail localization.

• Japanese Food Culture and Sweets: The red bean croissant represents the fusion of Western and Japanese confectionery traditions, particularly the use of anko (red bean paste) in non-traditional items.

• Nagoya Escalator Manners Campaign: John mentions his recent Nagoya trip to film escalator content featuring a new escalator manners campaign, connecting to Japanese social etiquette topics.

• Summer in Japan Challenges: The rapid melting of soft serve ice cream illustrates the intensity of Japanese summer weather and practical adaptations locals and visitors must make.

Search Tags

#costco-japan #uji-matcha-soft-cream #only-in-japan #john-daub #summer-japan #chiba-japan #japanese-ice-cream #costco-food-court #japan-only-products #regional-japanese-food #tsubuan #red-bean-paste-japan #rice-shortage-japan #mount-fuji-2025 #soft-serve-japan