Neighborhood gem! Lovely small business downtown. Parking can be tricky but it's worth it. The premade bento boxes, sushi, and onigiri are worth coming before lunchtime to ensure you get the tastiest most popular picks but if you cannot manage it, afternoon options are still worth it. The little store also has your favorite Japanese beverages, snacks, ice creams, and mochi. The shelves have a variety of ramen which my husband of course has to pick his favorites and some new to him options. He picked a wafer filled green tea ice cream that I wanted to taste but accidentally ate the entire thing so we I'll be back. Oh completely random - they have kimchi. I buy the white one here (we already have the red one and cucumber and radish plant ones at home) I love this store for their bentos, onigiri, mochi, and getting Asian grocery items I use for everyday meals. Check it out! read more

Kuma Market - Mixed Bento with rice veggies fish and chicken katsu $12 - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

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So happy I found this spot in downtown San Rafael! Their onigiri and hand rolls are only $4-5, and they've also got bento boxes and sandwiches for $6-12--great prices for all the options. I got the tuna hand roll and salmon onigiri, and the rice-to-fish ratio was perfect. The shop is clean & easy to find. Definitely coming back for more snacks and hand rolls! read more

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Super disappointed. They don't abide by their hours posted on the door. Drove here and they claim they're open until 7:30. Door was locked by 7. Please update your hours so people traveling a distance to visit your store don't waste their time. Your website and Google state the store is open until 7:30pm. read more

Kuma Market improperly charges 9 percent sales tax on food items--both fresh produce and packaged. I have asked the woman cashier/attendant three or four times to seek to have this improper practice corrected, and she said she has asked "her" [the owner (?)] and that "she" told her that only fresh produce is exempt from sales tax in California. This is incorrect information. Kuma Market's computer/cash register is programmed to charge sales tax on everything else, so the cashier is helpless to do anything. Only take-out food prepared for immediate consumption is subject to sales tax. Kuma Market's persistent disregard of proper charging of sales tax is reprehensible. read more

I can't believe I haven't been here before. Small little shop, but very much welcomed in the neighborhood! A lots of items that can't be found at the big grocery chains. If you like snacks they have a whole aisle devoted to them! On top of that the fresh food refrigerated section always stocked with something yummy. I can never walk by without grabbing something in my cart! Convenient To Go for a quick and ready meal or perhaps dessert. So glad I have found this market! read more

They upgraded their grab and go fridge to look a little nicer and that definitely goes a long way and makes everything even more appealing. Love stopping here on the way to the beach or after a workout. Consistently delicious and quick. read more

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One of my favorite places to stop by in San Rafael on my way to work. It's one of the few "grab and go" places around here. I highly recommend checking out the premade food section, especially the onigiri, rolls, and musubi! It's perfect for when you are in a hurry but want something tasty, filling, and easy on the stomach. Super clean and organized with a decent collection of asian products. In the past, I could only go up to Berkely to stock up on ingredients but this place makes things more convenient. Sometimes a dog named Tomo is there, he's incredibly polite and doesn't bark at all. I'm already happy when I visit Kuma Market but Tomo makes me the experience even better! read more

One can lament that Marin, unlike Berkeley, doesn't have an outpost of Tokyo Fish Market or one can simply embrace what we do have. Kuma Market is the most recent Asian market to open in Marin and it's a very good and welcome addition to the neighborhood. San Rafael already has one Asian market which I tend to go to for everything I need when preparing food that calls for Asian ingredients. That place has everything I've ever gone there seeking but Kuma Market has something they don't: a cold case near the front that features ready-to-eat, freshly prepared, and well-priced katsu, maki, gyoza, and onigiri. The selection isn't huge (this isn't a particularly high-traffic area) but I got a really nicely made, large maki featuring tuna and crab for $10. Supermarket sushi is a no-go for me but here at Kuma, the maki (and presumably the other freshly prepared food) is made by Shiro Kuma Sushi, nearby on 4th Street and I could taste the quality. This is not typical supermarket sushi of questionable origins. Even though the outside signage refers to Kuma as a "Japanese" grocery that's definitely not their entire focus. The shelves are stocked with all sorts of products, with a good many representing other parts of Asia. If you're looking for Thai or Korean ingredients I'm betting you can find them here. Kuma is the sort of place I know I'll return to for a quick lunch item and, I'm certain, some sort of mochi snack and other irresistible product to accompany my purchase. Truth is, I consume maki more regularly than I go hunting down Asian cooking ingredients so I am certain I'll be returning here and probably on a fairly regular basis. read more

Kuma Market - Well, technically 1/2 tuna, 1/2 crab but good value and good quality. Made by Shiro Kuma Sushi. - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Everything is so good! The onigiri is my favorite as well as their sushi! It's very fresh but they don't always have the onigiri. I come here pretty often read more

Kuma Market - Melon ramune, onigiri,sushi - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Good: Katsu sandwich, sake Bad: The handrolls are really not great. Rice should be seasoned. Fish is a bit smelly. read more

It's exciting to have a Japanese/Asian market open in Marin. We have been going across the Bay to get our Asian groceries for many years and having another option in town is great. They are located on the West end of 4th street in San Rafael. I have shopped here a couple times now and they have a pretty decent inventory considering how small the store is. They have a big variety of snacks, noodle packets, frozen items like gyozas, tempura, udon, ice cream, and items to put in soups just to name a few. There is also a big selection of common sauces used in Asian dishes. It seems like there is always something fresh for sale including bento boxes, spam musubi, and tempura towards the front of the store next to the open refrigerator. At the front of the store, there are a variety of kitchen supplies and household items. Prices are comparable to other Asian markets. There is a lot to check out. The lady who works there is very friendly with a cute Frenchie. They are open until 7:30pm every day. Be sure to check them out and support a local business! read more

Kuma Market - Breaded shrimp - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was so happy to hear there is a Japanese Market in Downtown San Rafael! Parking is limited bc you gotta park on the street and it's sort of hidden to find when driving past. It has just the right amount of stuff you would need and great options when shopping! They have pre packaged food too! I got a sushi roll and the sakura mochi and they were both really good! Sort of pricey for a college student but I wanted to support the new small business lol. read more

Kuma Market - a grocery store with a variety of products - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

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We just got boba from their boba shop and were exploring the area, and saw they had a little market! They have little bento boxes, bowls, and spam musubis! Loved browsing the aisles and finding unique snacks and goodies. read more

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A lot of nice Japanese groceries, saving us the drive to Nijiya in San Francisco. Their bento items are especially nice, fresh and tasty, with a fairly large variety of different items. My only gripe is that sometimes they take too long to restock items on the shelves (as opposed to the bento items, which are usually replenished and always fresh). read more

Happy Halloween! We were trick-or-treating downtown when I discovered that a new Japanese market had moved downtown. Ducked in while my husband, kids, and dog continued up 4th (thank you kind Bordenave's worker who ran out to the street from a side door with candy when he saw my kids walk by, even though Bordenave's wasn't part of the trick-or-treating route). The shop is small, but I probably could have stayed for hours. Interesting and varied selection. I did notice that a lot of prices aren't marked, which tends to make consumers like me hold back. But you shouldn't let that dissuade you. When the woman price checked a pint of black sesame ice cream for me, it turned out to be only $3.75. I hope enough people find out Kuma is here. It's in a spot that doesn't get too much food traffic and parking around there can be tricky, but it is a great addition to San Rafael! read more

Drinks were very unique and very good W store will go again gave me plus 1990 aura. Go visit here read more

Kuma Market - Loofy - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Stumbled upon this new Japanese store with surprisingly a decent options of South East Asian food, ingredients, snacks and drinks! The store is super clean and very easy to navigate. I've discovered a lot of cool stuff and so many items I wanted to try. There are also some packaged take-out Japanese food available, but you have to be there early because the 2nd time I got there almost the end of the day, there wasn't much left -- maybe a couple or 3 containers of prepared food. What I have purchased: frozen Kurobuta sausages ($25), green tea, hojicha tea, and vanilla ice cream. Can't wait to go back to buy something else and hopefully they continue to have new items stocked up as it is currently only the soft opening. read more

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So excited to have an Asian market close by, especially since Japan Town isn't a viable option during covid. I was able to pick up some sweets and treats and goodies. I'll definitely be back for onigiri, bentos and the like. The only thing that could make this store better is if they get milky candy... please?! read more

Kuma Market - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I came in hoping to get my Onigiri. Tell me why the door is locked and no one is inside. It clearly says it's open and all the lights are on. Guess how long I had to wait until I realized no one was coming.....20 mins. I usually love this place but na all I wanted my Onigiri. read more

Kuma Market - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Was delighted to discovered this is in the neighborhood. Super well-stocked and tasty to-go food, too.

Not worth the visit. Limited options. Fresh food was not "fresh" and you'll find better options at a Whole Foods. I tried the eel roll and a mushroom onigiri and couldn't finish either bc they were so bland and stale. Bought some candy and ramen as a last resort, but honestly, just go to any H-Mart or 99 Ranch. Both deliver via Instacart. Or order on Weee. The selection was pretty sad here. Also just noticed this candy I bought has a "best before" date of 3 months ago... read more

Kuma Market - Gummy candy that is best eaten 3 months ago. - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great little shop that serves some japanese bento boxes and also has a lot of imported goodies from Japan.

Great little asian market with sushi and prepackaged meals and frozen foods and lots of snacks to choose from

Rare finding in Marin... an Asian market within a 30-min radius of home! Although it has a small selection of ramyun and ready-to-go foods, I will be back. I was surprised to find that they had my favorite matcha apple ginger green tea and Samanco ice cream. read more

Kuma Market - Shop front - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I think Kuma market is the first Japanese market in San Rafael and probably in Marin County. Their prepared Japanese takeaway food is yummy with reasonable price. They also have unique snacks, desserts, ice cand drinks. They carry Thai, Chinese and Korean stuff as well. It's very fun to go there! read more

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So great to have an Asian market in Marin that carries our favorite staples instead of having to drive to the East Bay or SF. The pictures up already represent it nicely! read more

Kuma Market - Adding this photo to supplement their others! :) - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Was excited to see this Asian grocery store open, but the few times I've been here, the service has been indifferent. Woman was stocking shelves when I walked in. I scanned the shelf for what I wanted and went to stand at the front of the store. Never acknowledged me. She heard someone enter the store and looked towards the front and saw me waiting. She moved towards the front with a box and continued to place things on the shelf. I finally asked if I could pay. She tried to charge me sales tax on a bottled condiment. I said I didn't think they should be charging tax. She told me to google it. Another reviewer on this site encountered the same problem. It's not right that they charge sales tax when other stores don't. Will not return to this store!! read more

Cute little Japanese market with lots of snacks and delicious pre-cooked items. I've tried the rolls, chicken karaage and onigiri, and all were delicious read more

So many yummy things. Everything you need to make sushi. So much ramen, rice, Japanese snacks. A hidden gem in Marin.

So excited that we have a this here in Marin! They have just about everything you need to make your favorite home-style Japanese dishes here, and a good refrigerated section for little cakes and drinks. There is also a small but delicious selection of ready to eat bento boxes. It's good to know that I no longer need to go to Japantown in SF if I'm out of something while making a meal! read more

I went to the store to buy a package of bean paste cake. The price tag was shown as $3.75. when she scanned the price, it was $5.75. I pointed it out the price discrepancy and asked to honor the price on the package. The woman employee grabbed the package and wanted to change the price. Also said you don't have to buy it and asked to get out. I was shocked about her behavior and service. The owner of the store should know about this and discipline her to have all better customer service. read more

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This review is about the fact that this market charges Sales Tax on food. Why nobody seems to realize this and complain about it except me, is truly a mystery. California does not charge tax on food products -- check your receipts from ANY grocery or convenience store, and you will see that any taxes charged are for non-food items. The only time you would be taxed on food from a store is if it's Prepared food -- so anything that's cooked fresh to order or cooked & packaged up, gets taxed. But packaged & canned food that comes shipped in boxes does NOT get taxed, people! The 1st time I shopped here and saw that I was taxed, I said to the teenaged cashier that I only bought food, so why is there a 1.50 tax charge -- there's no tax on food. His answer was, "Well, this place charges tax." I said it's a State Law -- not arbitrary. He just shrugged his shoulders. So I asked to speak to the manager, and the kid said he's not there, that he only comes in once in a while. I left, shaking my head. The other patrons were un-phased. That was right around when the market 1st opened, so I went back recently -- summer of 2023 -- to see if they hopefully rectified the problem. Nope! I didn't bother saying anything about it to the cashier -- I just asked if the manager was in, and he replied, "No, he only comes in on some mornings." I returned my purchase (a pack of candy) and left. I can't be going up to San Rafael from Mill Valley on some random morning to see if the manager of this store might be present, especially since he would likely say something like, "I dunno, it's the owners who set up the cash register, so you'd have to speak to them." So, I guess my only recourse would be to call the CA Sales Tax Authority -- wonder if they'd do anything...? read more

What a great addition to the neighborhood! Kuma has a great selection of Japanese treats, prepared meals, and pantry items (some Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian items as well). It looks like they're still filling out their inventory a bit, but I was already surprised by how much is in there. I celebrated their opening with this snack. read more

Kuma Market - Iced tea and onigiri (rice ball) - International Grocery Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great new Asian Market. Soothing Jazz playing in the background. Super clean. Found exactly what I needed, Kombu and what I had forgotten I was running low on, Ceremonial Matcha. Contactless payment system. I will be back. read more

Across the street from Cafe Del Soul, I saw this store in a space I thought wasn't being used for a long while. What an amazing surprise to find a great, local Japanese market. From candy to freshly made grab and go food, the store is stocked full with all the things you'd want. I bought up some of my favorite ingredients and cooked a few meals I'd not had in so long. Great store and I plan to go there each week to stock up! read more

Nice to expand culinary options here in San Rafael. Kuma market stocks wonderful varieties of staples (rice, soy sauce, vinegars, nori) as well a treats my grandchildren love. Excellent fresh sushi. Very kind owners and staff. read more

I decided to go and check out the new Japanese/Asian market. It is very clean and well organized. They feature the usual products that you can find at any Asian market. The prices are reasonable. They feature freshly made sushi and bento boxes from Shiro Kuma Sushi restaurant. It's located nextdoor. read more

Seems like a very new store but had many items you'll need for everyday cooking. Very authentic Japanese store I would go back if I'm back in the area again. I was traveling through and chance luck found this store. Very pleased!! read more

I am soooo excited that there is now a Japanese market on 4th street in San Rafael! The market is very clean (of course) and beautiful. I'll be sure to be a regular customer. Thank you for opening your market! read more

Great little Japanese market in downtown San Rafael. My boyfriend loves all things Japan so this was a great find for him and I! Tons of Japanese snacks as well as fresh food and drinks, this market has a great selection. read more