I was curious to know if the Costco near Iwakuni is anything like Costco in the U.S. ? Do they carry American brands of food, like Dannon Activia or Poland Springs bottled water? Thanks so much!

Well, all I can do is relate what was told to me, as the trip from Sasebo to the 'nearby' Costco is on a heavily tolled path.

Here's what I heard:
A) Costco is similar in concept, but the items in the store are quite naturally focused towards the Japanese consumer.
B) You American Costco membership will be honored, reluctantly. There will likely be a sales pitch to get you to rebuy your membership locally.
C) They do not take credit cards. Cash only.

Thanks so much for the info.

Just to make a small correction....
They WILL take credit cards, but only the one with the COSTCO logo. It used to be AMEX, but I don't think it is anymore.

There are some American brands, and if I remember correctly, membership fees are less than those in the states.

Happy shopping!

I have a membership for the Costco in Yokohama, and I find it to be worthwhile. You can use your Costco membership at any location ~ US or overseas (it even says on the card  ) There are many american brands, I can't be sure on the water/yogurt brand you mentioned but they have both items in bulk. They do take credit cards ~any American Express, that is the only type though, aside from that only Yen. Hope to have helped!!

Wow, thanks so much. I absolutely love Costco and was so suprised that  it is in Japan. I am so excited. Thanks everybody!

I love the big ready made meals in the back of the store. There around 1500 yen, but they are great.
www.japanbases.com

The one here in yokohoma seemed to have only frozen japanese food...no american food...
A lot of american stuff for health and beauty and housewares items...
I didn't get to look at the snack isle but it seemed worth it and I will go back...
Happy Shopping~

I don't think you'll find Dannon Activia or Poland Springs at any of the Costcos in Japan. A lot of canned goods and long shelf life products can be found here (like canned corn, American condiments, soda pop, some American brand chips, etc). I would say that the Costco here has no more than 10 - 20% American made products.

I personally don't see it being any more cost effective to shop there than at the commissary or off base grocery stores. My husband still insists on getting a yearly membership because there are some things that we can get there that we can't get anywhere else......plus, it's just a couple minutes down the road from us, so it would be silly not to get a membership!

Membership fee is 4200Y for one year. I think it's $50 in the states. Don't forget to bring your own bag when you shop there because they don't provide one. Freezer bags are great if you live a bit far from the store. I like the ones they sell at the store. They are quite large and I use them when I shop at the commissary as well. We got one of their freezer bags for free recently for renewing our membership. They do have cardboard boxes that you can use though.

Jenn, is the one in Yokohama the same one that's closest to Sea Paradise? If so, they do have some american frozen foods...they have Amy's Burritos (just one off the top of my head...LOL!).
Oh, and I LOVE the ready made meals! =) Their wraps are perfect for picnics!
Keppy, I wasn't sure. Thanks for the info!

Was it only $50 in the states? That's not so bad. A friend of mine was telling me it was $65 where she was, but it had been awhile.
I don't think it's cheaper for most things either, but I do love the selection....

You can get a membership online at Costco.com:

http://shop.costco.com/membership/join-costco

Not sure if they will send your card to an FPO / APO address though.  It also says, "Gold Star Membership fees are for U.S. residents only," but I'm not sure if that applies to military families living overseas. 

Thanks so much for all of the wonderful information.