Marukai Market: West LA

Marukai Market West LA is a cornerstone of the Westside’s Japanese community, offering a bright and spacious shopping environment at the corner of Pico and Bundy. While it shares a parent company with Tokyo Central, this location maintains the classic Marukai branding and is known for a slightly more upscale, community-focused feel. It serves as an essential hub for residents of Sawtelle Japantown and the surrounding neighborhoods, providing a meticulous selection of imported groceries, professional-grade seafood, and premium household goods without the overwhelming sensory experience of the larger “discount” formatted stores.

This location is particularly favored for its high-quality fresh departments. The seafood section is a highlight, featuring expertly sliced sashimi and seasonal whole fish, while the meat department is a reliable source for authentic Japanese Wagyu and thin-sliced cuts perfect for sukiyaki. The prepared food section is expansive, offering a daily rotation of fresh bento boxes, chirashi, and a variety of onigiri that attract a steady stream of local office workers and residents. Additionally, the store features a well-curated beauty and wellness aisle stocked with imported Japanese skincare and health supplements, making it a comprehensive destination for a Japanese lifestyle on the Westside.