Uwajimaya

Uwajimaya is the Pacific Northwest's flagship Asian grocery and gift market in the Chinatown-International District — vast produce, seafood, pantry aisles, a food hall, and a bookstore. A friend sends you here to eat cheaply and shop for anything Asian-cuisine. It's a genuine community anchor, not a tourist setup.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available?

Yes, there's a surface lot at 714 6th Ave S with a couple hours of free parking when validated. That said, the Chinatown-International District Link station is a three-minute walk, so transit is easy. Take the train if you can.

Is there food to eat there?

Yes — the food hall has more than ten stalls spanning several Asian cuisines, so you can graze your way through in one stop. It's a great cheap, casual lunch. Grab a tray and find a seat.

What should I buy at Uwajimaya?

Fresh and specialty seafood, hard-to-find pantry staples, Japanese snacks and candy, quality kitchenware, and unique gifts. It's the best spot in town to stock up on Asian cooking ingredients. Don't miss the snack aisles for souvenirs.

How do I get there on transit?

Take Link light rail to Chinatown-International District Station; it's about a three-minute walk. Numerous bus lines also serve the area. It's one of the most transit-accessible stops on this whole list.

What are the hours?

Open daily from 8am to 9pm, which makes it easy to fit in around other CID plans. It's reliably open every day of the week. Evenings are fine, though lunch is the food-hall sweet spot.

Is there a bookstore?

There's long been a Kinokuniya bookstore associated with the complex, carrying Japanese books, manga, stationery, and gifts. It's a fun browse after groceries. Check current hours as they can differ from the grocery.

What is Uwajimaya?

It's the Pacific Northwest's premier Asian grocery and gift market, family-run and a longtime anchor of Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Think enormous produce and seafood sections, deep pantry aisles, giftware, and a food hall. It's part grocery, part destination.

Is Uwajimaya good for visitors, not just locals?

Absolutely — it's a genuine local institution that also happens to be a fascinating stop for visitors. You get a real slice of the CID plus easy, affordable food. It doesn't feel touristy because locals actually shop here.

Nearby in Ask Seattle

• ManekiRestaurant0.14 km · 2 min walk
• Chinatown-International DistrictNeighborhood0.33 km · 4 min walk
• Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American ExperienceMuseum0.35 km · 4 min walk
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical ParkMuseum0.46 km · 6 min walk
• Salumi Artisan Cured MeatsRestaurant0.64 km · 8 min walk