Is dairy (milk, cheese) readily available in Japan?

Question

I'm going there this fall and am wondering because I heard Asians can't tolerate dairy that well and that cheese is hard to find - is that true? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer 1

Cottage cheese is actually a very, very light version of what Americans refer to as cream cheese.  They sell processed cheese like Laughing Cow.  You can find milk in vending machines, convenience stores and grocery stores.  If you are looking for Brie, cheddar, blue cheese, etc...you will have to go to a department store on one of the basement level where they sell a variety of Japanese and international gourmet items.

As for yogurt, it is much milder than American yogurt and it is delicious.

Answer 2

Dairy is not a specialty thing. Japanese people use dairy products just like almost everyone else around the world. You should have no problem finding milk, cheese, yogurt, margerine/butter and other dairy products at your local supermarket.

You may not find exactly what your used to eating back in your home country but you should be able to find something you like. If you're into fancy cheeses and stuff then there are quite a few places to buy imported foodstuffs.

Answer 3

Although dairy products are not as popular in Japan as in the west they are readily available. Japanese milk is especially good. Most supermarkets have nearly 10 varieties of local and national brands with really pleasing flavors. Milk is not commonly available in containers larger than the equivalent of a quart.

Japanese yogurt is also also very good and comes in an amazing variety of flavors. Most are low in sugar and fat and come in very small packages (a couple of mouthfuls).

Cottage cheese is pretty rare. Butter has recently become somewhat less available.

Cheese is not very popular but is available sliced.

Prices are approximately 30-50% higher than those in the US. This is understandable because of their smaller farms, the necessity of importing grains for feed, and lower demand.

Answer 4

They are available except for butter. Butter is short in Japan now because it's a part of global food crisis.

Addition:

They are not expensive at all. They are sold at every supermarket.

Answer 5

i saw milk everywhere, in convenience stores and supermarkets, when i went there

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Answer 6

If you are cheese freak, I think you might somehow irritate in Japan because not so many place provide variety of high quality fresh natural cheese but low grade processed cheese only with quite expensive price.

Milk is inexpensive if you watch for late afternoon bargain sales at supermarket.

Butter is quite problem at this moment so far but it may be good opportunity to diet.

These opinion is based on living in cities, if very countryside the story especially about cheese turns to be misery without question. You'll  miss your favorite cheese soon I bet.