Japan celebrates its own Labor Thanksgiving Day earlier than American Thanksgiving, but if you’re craving an American-style feast, the biggest challenge often comes before the cooking even begins: finding a turkey. This hefty North American bird, roughly three times the size of a typical chicken, isn’t exactly a supermarket regular in Japan, which can make sourcing one feel like its own holiday quest.
Whether you’re planning to brine and roast the bird yourself or prefer a no-fuss, ready-to-serve cooked turkey, here are the best places in Japan to get your Thanksgiving turkey, raw, butcher-ready, or fully prepared.
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How Much Does Turkey Cost in Japan?
Unlike in North America, turkey is less common in Japanese supermarkets, so most options are either imported or sold by specialty stores. Prices vary depending on size, brand, and whether the bird, but expect it to be slightly more expensive than your typical turkeys in the United States.
| Weight | Price Estimate |
| 2 kg (small) | ¥8,000 |
| 3–4.5 kg (medium) | ¥8,500–¥9,500 |
| 5–6 kg (large/premium) | ¥11,000–¥12,000+ |
Whole turkeys in Japan generally range from 2 kg “small” birds to 6 kg premium turkeys. A “baby” turkey of around 2 kg costs approximately ¥8,000 and is perfect if you’re cooking for a small family or want a festive centerpiece for a special dinner. Medium turkeys, weighing between 3–4.5 kg, typically cost ¥8,500 – ¥9,500. These are ideal for holiday meals serving 4–6 people. For larger gatherings, large or premium turkeys of 5 – 6 kg are priced around ¥11,000–¥12,000+, depending on the quality grade. Imported USDA turkeys fall into this category and are suitable if you’re feeding a bigger group.
Where to Get Raw Turkey in Japan
Part of the Thanksgiving charm (or nightmare) is cooking your own turkey from scratch, which is a week-long labor of love. Turkeys are usually sold frozen, so you’ll need time to defrost them, and if you’re following American tradition, you might brine them, roast them, or even fry them – to each their own preference and family recipe. Then comes the classic fear: What if my turkey turns out too dry? Or worse, unevenly cooked. (Tip: if that worries you, try spatchcocking: a method where the backbone is removed so the bird can be flattened for quicker, more even cooking.)
If you’re ready to take on the bird and are searching for your Thanksgiving turkey, here’s a guide to butcher shops and specialty grocers offering raw turkeys in Japan.
1. Costco
Great for: Bulk-buying other Thanksgiving items
The classic, good old Butterball turkey is available at Japan’s Costco when you need it. You can also find pre-cooked turkey breasts if you want to reduce the Thanksgiving Day cooking stress. Since Costco specializes in bulk items, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on other Thanksgiving essentials, too, like pumpkin, cranberries, stuffing, and plenty of cheese for that mac and cheese. You might even get a head start on Christmas gift shopping while you’re there!
The only downside is that Costco locations are often outside the city, meaning you’ll need a car or bus to get there. The good news is that several Costco branches are conveniently located near Tokyo. Grab the quarter-pound hot dog while you are at it and some pizza slices for the quintessential Costco experience.
2. National Azabu Supermarket
Great for: Downtown turkey shopping for convenience
National Azabu Supermarket is well-known for its high-end imported items, where expats can find everything from French cheeses to American chips. Located in Hiroo, a chic district close to Shibuya, it’s a convenient stop if you’re in central Tokyo, and you can see and choose your turkey in person.
If you prefer, you can also order online through their website. The selection is quite something: they carry whole frozen Prestage turkeys ranging from 6 lbs to 16 lbs at very reasonable prices. During the fall holiday season, you can typically find other Thanksgiving staples like stuffing and cranberry sauce.
3. The Flying Pig
Great for: Costco’s turkey shopping if you don’t have a membership
The Flying Pig is an online retailer that resells Costco items—perfect for those one-time-a-year shoppers who don’t want to deal with a Costco membership. The website is available in English and is super easy to navigate.
They sell frozen whole turkeys, like the 5.5-kilogram (12-lb) Butterball turkey, along with other pantry staples. They even sell pumpkin pies and other Thanksgiving food. Shipping is pretty reasonable, no matter how much you order — 1,100 yen per shipment for both frozen and chilled boxes — so buying in bulk is a great deal.
Prices are a bit higher than going straight to Costco, but considering you don’t have to trek to a warehouse or get a membership, it’s a small price to pay for convenience.
4. The Meat Guy
Great for: Poultry, protein, and turkey from expert butchers
The name says it all. When it comes to high-quality meats, The Meat Guy has you covered. This is the place to buy turkey and a wide range of other meats in Japan that can be hard to find in regular supermarkets, from a one-pound ribeye steak and New Zealand porterhouse to Australian lamb. They sell USDA A-grade premium whole turkeys, ranging from a humble 8 lb (around 3.6 kg) to a massive 16 lb (6.3 kg). As a meat specialist, they also offer roasting bags, stuffing, and other holiday essentials to help you prepare the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
They even offer pre-cooked turkeys of up to 2 kilograms (perfect for about six people), made in-house by The Meat Guy team, complete with gravy. Their website provides clear guidance on thawing, cooking times, and portion sizes, so the chances of messing up your turkey are practically zero. The Meat Guy delivers nationwide, so you can order everything online and have it shipped straight to your doorstep.
Learn some Japanese to speak confidently!
If you want to go one step further, learning some Japanese for confident communication can be very helpful. Want to know how to make a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner or order your turkey over the phone? Coto Academy in Tokyo and Yokohama offers conversational Japanese lessons with friendly native teachers, helping you gain the skills to speak naturally and confidently while handling holiday arrangements.
5. Nissin World Delicatessen
Great for: Variety of imported items
While many stores sell turkey only around Thanksgiving, Nissin in Sangenjaya is an international delicatessen that carries turkeys year-round, in sizes ranging from small 3–4 lb birds to massive 20+ lb giants. They offer both cooked options, like a whole smoked turkey, and USA-imported frozen turkeys. Prices can be higher, but for a once-a-year celebration, it’s a worthwhile splurge.
Nissin is worth visiting for more than just the turkeys. The store carries around 40,000 products, including a whole floor dedicated to imported wines. It also features a sizable frozen section and even a gardening corner. While prices are typical for an international supermarket, you’ll find unique items here that are hard to source anywhere else.
6. Niku No Hanamasa
Great for: Bulk shopping for Thanksgiving — and your monthly groceries
Hanamasa is one of those stores geared toward the restaurant industry — for restaurant owners and locals looking to buy milk, pantry items, and ingredients in bulk at low prices. It offers a wide selection of meat and fish, making it a great spot to source your Thanksgiving turkey. Just remember that turkeys need to be pre-ordered.
There are plenty of Hanamasa locations around Tokyo, and many branches are open 24 hours. Just look for the iconic yellow logo with the cow head!
7. Aeon
For those unfamiliar, Aeon is one of Japan’s largest supermarket chains, offering a wide range of groceries, household goods, and imported products.
Fair warning: Not all Aeon supermarkets carry turkeys, but around Thanksgiving and Christmas — November and December — you might be able to find some frozen, standard-size birds.
8. Meidi-Ya
Meidi-Ya is a supermarket trusted by home cooks looking for hard-to-find ingredients—everything from hams and international wines to gourmet foods and, of course, turkeys. During the holiday season, you can typically find whole turkeys alongside a variety of seasonal items. The store is especially popular among cooks for its wide selection of quality ingredients.
There is a Meidi-Ya in Roppongi, right across from Roppongi Hills.
Where to Buy Cooked Turkey in Japan
Sometimes, you want to avoid the stress (and potential family squabbles) that can come with cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Luckily, you can skip the labor and buy fully roasted turkeys in Japan, ready to be delivered straight to your table.
Keep in mind that many of these options require advance orders — sometimes several days ahead — so plan accordingly to ensure your turkey arrives on time. If you want to enjoy a no-fuss Thanksgiving sit-down dinner, check out our top picks for American-style Thanksgiving spots in Tokyo.
1. Lucadeli
Great for: Premium, organic Thanksgiving and Christmas meals
Thanksgiving is one of those meals worth splurging on, and if quality is a priority, consider pre-ordering a whole roasted turkey from Lucadeli. Based in Tokyo, Lucadeli is an organic catering service that specializes in lunch boxes for international families and schools.
Their famous roasted turkeys are available for Thanksgiving and Christmas, ready for home delivery. The holiday turkey menu ranges from small portions to triple-L and mega sizes—a whopping 13-kilogram bird. You can also choose individual sides or a special holiday set, which includes items like homemade cornbread, organic pumpkin pie, maple-glazed bacon, and rosemary-scented mashed potatoes. Get the slow-cooked honey-glazed ham, served with cranberry or chipotle mayo, for a festive centerpiece.
It is definitely a premium-priced option, but perfect for those looking for a failproof Thanksgiving feast in Japan.
2. Meat Express
Great for: Thanksgiving feast with a Mexican twist
This Osaka-based store specializes in Mexican and Latin cuisine, so it’s no surprise that their holiday Thanksgiving turkey comes with a spiced-up twist. Enjoy a ready-to-heat roasted turkey with rich Mexican stuffing and vibrant salsas, paired with handmade, flavorful sides. The Thanksgiving set includes 400 g of Mexican stuffing, 300 g of chile con carne, and classic gravy.
If you don’t want a whole turkey, they also offer roasted turkey burritos. All pre-cooked proteins come with clear reheating instructions, including recommended tools, timing, and step-by-step guidance. Quantities are limited, so pre-ordering in advance is highly recommended.
3. Hungry Moose
The bar and restaurant in Nagoya offers a special US-style Thanksgiving dinner as a set menu, where you can dig into roast turkey (or ham), mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls at a pretty affordable price.
But if your idea of Thanksgiving is sitting at home with friends and family, mingling around the table instead of a restaurant, Hungry Moose also offers takeout whole turkeys at a hefty 7 kilograms. You can get them with or without sides. The “without sides” option already includes homemade stuffing, turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce at a reasonable price, while the full set adds mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, baked onions, and Yorkshire pudding. Delivery is available too.
Conclusion
Whether you’re sourcing a raw turkey to roast at home or opting for a ready-to-serve holiday feast, Japan offers a surprising variety of options for Thanksgiving.
And if you want to make the experience even smoother, learning a bit of Japanese — whether for placing orders, asking questions in-store, or coordinating delivery — can make the holiday preparation much easier and more enjoyable.
If you want to make the experience even easier, Coto Academy in Tokyo and Yokohama is the perfect resource. As a conversation-focused language school, Coto helps you build practical Japanese skills for real-life situations!
Why join Coto Academy?
- Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
- Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
- Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
- School locations in Shibuya, Minato, Iidabashi, and Yokohama, plus a fully online Japanese language school, so that you can learn anywhere, anytime!
FAQ
Where are the easiest places to get a turkey in Japan for Thanksgiving?
You can go to Costco, National Azabu, and Nissin World Delicatessen for frozen turkeys in Japan. Online stores like The Meat Guy and The Flying Pig also sell frozen turkeys with affordable shipping.
Can I find turkeys in regular supermarkets in Japan?
Some large supermarkets, like Aeon and Meidi-Ya, carry frozen, standard-size turkeys around November and December.
What is the average price of turkeys in Japan?
As a ballpark, most people in Japan paying for a whole turkey will spend somewhere between ¥8,000 and ¥13,000, depending on size and quality.
Can you find turkeys in Japan?
Yes, though they’re not as common as in North America. You can find turkeys at large supermarkets like Aeon or Meidi‑Ya, specialty stores like National Azabu and Nissin, or via online retailers such as The Flying Pig. Availability is highest around November–December.
What is Thanksgiving called in Japan?
Japan celebrates a national holiday called Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinro Kansha no Hi) on November 23, but it’s different from the American Thanksgiving and is more focused on honoring workers and giving thanks for labor and production.
The post Where to Buy Thanksgiving Turkey in Japan: 2026 Guide appeared first on Coto Japanese Academy.
Article source: https://cotoacademy.com/where-buy-thanksgiving-turkey-japan/
