Costco Wholesale opened its first store in Yamanashi Prefecture on April 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the popular membership-based retail chain in Japan. The grand opening of the Minami Alps Kofu store, located near the Minami Alps Interchange (IC) of the Chubu Odan Expressway, drew an overwhelming crowd, leading to an early opening at 4:30 AM, two and a half hours ahead of the scheduled time.
Reports indicate that more than 1,000 eager shoppers lined up before dawn, with estimates suggesting that the total number of visitors on the opening day could reach as high as 25,000. This figure is notable, as it exceeds the population of the city itself, which has prompted concerns about potential traffic congestion in the area. However, with approximately 1,000 parking spaces available, the anticipated traffic issues were largely mitigated, and there were minimal delays reported until 9:00 AM.
The store boasts a sales floor area of about 15,000 square meters and offers around 3,500 different products, including food, daily necessities, home appliances, and clothing. Ken Theriault, the Japan branch manager of Costco Wholesale, highlighted the store's importance for the local economy, stating, "We have employed nearly 400 people here, and typically, areas around Costco stores see population growth and economic development."
The opening day was festive, with many customers enjoying the atmosphere as they pushed large carts filled with products. Popular items included Japanese whiskey, particularly the limited-edition 'Suntory Hakushu 18 years,' which sold out within just ten minutes of the store's opening. Shoppers were also keen on the store's famous hot dogs and pizzas, which are staples at Costco locations.
As the day progressed, the parking lot filled up rapidly. By around 3:00 PM, it was almost at capacity, showcasing the store's appeal not only to local residents but also to visitors from neighboring prefectures, including Shizuoka and Nagano. Many customers expressed excitement about the convenience of having a Costco nearby, with one shopper from Shizuoka saying, "I used to go to Costco in Yokohama, but now I can come here in just over an hour, so I expect to shop here more often."
In addition to the vast array of products, the store offered a limited-edition insulated bag with a finish mark to the first customers, further enhancing the excitement of the grand opening. This bag, designed to keep items cool, was a popular giveaway, and there is a possibility that it may be available again on April 12, depending on remaining stock.
The strategic location of the Costco Minami Alps store is also noteworthy. It is situated at a key junction where the New Yamanashi Ring Road is under construction, which will eventually connect to major routes leading to Kofu and other parts of Yamanashi Prefecture. This development is expected to improve access to the store, making it a significant commercial hub in the region.
While the opening day was successful, there are plans to continue enhancing the shopping experience. Theriault mentioned that they might consider adjusting store hours for weekends, potentially opening two to three hours earlier than the usual 10:00 AM to accommodate the expected influx of shoppers.
As the day came to a close, the atmosphere remained vibrant, with families and individuals enjoying the unique shopping experience that Costco offers. The Minami Alps location is not just a new store; it represents a growing trend of Costco expanding its footprint in Japan, where the demand for bulk shopping and quality products continues to rise.
With the Minami Alps store now operational, the local community can look forward to the economic benefits and the convenience of having a Costco nearby. As more shoppers discover this new location, it is likely to become a beloved destination for families and individuals alike, reinforcing Costco's reputation as a leader in the wholesale retail market.
