You’re driving down Reading Road in Cincinnati, and if you blink, you might miss it. It sits in a strip mall in Evendale, tucked away like a secret only the locals are supposed to know about. For a long time, this spot was Tokyo Foods, a staple for the community. But then it changed. Now, the sign says Coco Sakula Japanese Grocery Store, and honestly, it’s managed to do something most "revitalized" shops fail at—it kept the soul while making everything better.
People usually assume these tiny international markets are just for hard-to-find soy sauces or maybe some Pocky for the kids. They’re wrong. This place is a portal.
Why the spelling of Coco Sakula Japanese Grocery Store actually matters
Most people see the name and think it’s a typo. In Japanese, the word for cherry blossom is sakura, with an "r." So why the "l"?
It turns out it wasn't a mistake at all. Albert Kudo, who runs the store with his wife Masumi, chose the spelling based on Japanese name divination. In that tradition, even the number of strokes in a character or the specific letters used can shift the fortune of a business. By changing the "r" to an "L," they were essentially coding the store for better luck and prosperity. It’s a tiny detail, but it tells you everything you need to know about the intentionality behind the counter.
They aren't just selling boxes of curry; they’re trying to build a space where the fortune of the community and the owners are tied together.
The stuff you can’t find at a big-box store
Walking into Coco Sakula is a bit like stepping into a neighborhood market in a Tokyo suburb. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s even a little cramped if three people are trying to look at the miso at the same time. But that’s the charm.
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The Onigiri and the "Secret" Deli
If you show up at noon and expect the shelves to be overflowing with bento, you might be disappointed. They make their prepared foods in small batches. It’s not a factory.
- The Onigiri: These are usually around a dollar. A dollar! They’re wrapped in that crisp plastic that keeps the seaweed (nori) from getting soggy until you’re ready to snap it together.
- Egg Salad Sandwiches: Don't laugh. Japanese egg salad (tamago sando) is a cult favorite for a reason. It’s creamy, it’s on pillowy white milk bread, and it’s usually the first thing to sell out.
- Karaage and Curry: On certain days, they’ll have daily specials like pork cutlets (tonkatsu) or Japanese curry. It’s the kind of food that tastes like a Japanese grandmother made it.
Gashapon and Gadgets
Most grocery stores just want you to buy your milk and leave. Coco Sakula has a dedicated section for Gashapon machines (those capsule toys you see everywhere in Akihabara). It’s a small touch, but it makes the store a destination for kids—and adults who are kids at heart—rather than just a chore stop. They also stock actual Japanese dishware, dolls, and those specific kitchen gadgets that make you wonder how you ever sliced a radish without them.
Real talk about the shopping experience
Look, if you want a massive aisle of fifteen different types of generic soy sauce, go to a massive supermarket. But if you want to ask someone which specific brand of dashi is better for a light soup versus a heavy stew, you talk to Albert or Masumi.
The community response has been pretty intense. It’s become a hub for the local Japanese community who want a taste of home, but also for "enthusiasts" (a polite way of saying people who watched too much anime and now want to learn how to cook authentic ramen).
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The store is located at 10738 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241.
They are closed on Mondays.
Tuesday through Saturday, they’re open 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Sunday, they close a bit earlier at 5:30 PM.
One thing to keep in mind: because it’s a family-run shop, they don’t have an infinite supply chain. If a specific snack becomes a trend on TikTok, they might run out of it. It’s just how it goes. But that’s also why the quality stays high. They aren't sitting on old stock for months.
How to shop Coco Sakula like a pro
If you’re new to Japanese cooking, don’t just grab the first thing with a cool label. Start with the basics. Get some high-quality miso (the stuff in the refrigerated section, not the shelf-stable powder), a bag of short-grain rice, and some furikake (rice seasoning).
Honestly, the best way to experience the store is to go in with no plan. Buy one drink you’ve never seen before—usually something with a marble in the bottle or a tiny cartoon mascot—and grab a bento box if you’re lucky enough to get there before the lunch rush clears them out.
Supporting a place like this isn't just about the food. It’s about keeping the diversity of the Cincinnati food scene alive. When shops like Tokyo Foods close, there’s always a fear that something generic will replace it. Coco Sakula didn't let that happen.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the day: Don't show up on a Monday; you'll be staring at a locked door.
- Aim for 11:00 AM: This is the "sweet spot" where the daily specials and bento boxes are usually hit the shelves but haven't been picked over yet.
- Bring a cooler: If you're coming from across town, you'll want it for the frozen sliced meats (perfect for hot pot) and the fresh natto.
- Ask for recommendations: If you aren't sure which sake to buy, just ask. The owners are notoriously friendly and actually know their inventory.