GOHAN Market Brings Authentic Japanese Goods to Peachtree Corners

There’s a new specialty market in town. Trading exclusively in Japanese goods and prepared foods, GOHAN Market is the first of its kind in Peachtree Corners. Whether you’re an accomplished home chef looking for authentic ingredients, someone who calls Japan home and misses the cuisine, or simply curious about Japanese dishes and culture, GOHAN Market has an incredible selection of grocery items.

The shop officially opened on December 22 of 2021, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. While there are other similar Asian markets and shops, GOHAN is the only market specializing in Japanese items in Peachtree Corners. “Many people visit the store and inform us how they’ve been waiting for a market like this,” explained owner Takahiko Sugita.

What really sets GOHAN apart is their commitment to selling Japanese foods and goods. As opposed to many Asian markets that might feature some Japanese items alongside Korean, Chinese and Thai options, GOHAN has chosen to stock only authentic Japanese goods for sale. “We wanted the customers to enjoy a Japanese market in Peachtree Corners,” said Sugita. “There are many Asian grocery stores in Georgia, but I noticed that there’s only a few stores that are dedicated to selling only Japanese items.”

This 3,200 square foot storefront occupied by GOHAN Market in Spalding Woods Village has been transformed into a market akin to those you might find in Japan. Featuring row upon row stacked floor to ceiling with dry goods, snack foods and quality ingredients, the space is flanked by coolers and fridges that are similarly full of delectable, prepared foods, desserts and drinks.

At the back of the store is Ozaku Cafe, a counter-service eatery where customers can enjoy rich and creamy authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen. “Our most popular products are the Onigiri rice balls that we make in our kitchen. Many customers compliment on how it reminds them of the convenience stores in Japan and how hard it is to find something like this here in Georgia.”

A welcoming store in a welcoming city

With 9.3% of the Peachtree Corners population falling under the category of Asian per the 2020 census, and Forsyth County, which sits just north of Peachtree Corners, labeled the “fastest growing Asian population in the U.S.” by WABE in 2019, the area is ripe for development of businesses that serve those communities. Additionally, the opening of the state-chartered Japanese-English dual-language International Charter Academy of Georgia in the area in June 2018 has cemented Peachtree Corners as a diverse community that is welcoming to people of all walks of life.

As I meandered through the market on the day I visited, I saw plenty of items that I did recognize, but there were far more I did not. With labels that are often exclusively written in Japanese, I found myself taking my time as I looked closely at pictures, reading the ingredients lists and trying to infer using context clues what exactly I was looking at.

If you, like me, have never been to Japan and don’t read or speak Japanese, never fear. The staff of GOHAN Market were incredibly friendly and helpful from the moment I walked through the door. Greeting me cheerily, they offered me help and actually fetched me a basket when they saw my arms overloaded with goodies as I shopped.

Shoppers here can select from dozens of ramens, curries, soy sauces, marinades, snacks, sweets and much, much more. In one aisle, I recognized a snack food called Popin’ Cookin’, a gummy treat that you mix yourself and mold into different shapes like burgers, donuts and Kawaii characters. Knowing my niece loves these types of treats, I got one for her as well as some Hello Kitty green tea marshmallows and Pocky chocolates.

For myself, I picked up a bag of Jagarico Sukiyaki. I had never tried this before, but I was immensely pleased with the flavor. I am not ashamed to admit that I ate every last bite before I even got home from the store. It was that good.

A taste of Japan in Peachtree Corners

When asked what Sugita hopes that customers feel when they step into GOHAN Market, he said he hopes it feels relaxing and familiar for lovers of Japanese culture and foods. “I think many people who’ve been to Japan will say that they feel like they’re back in Japan. Whether it’s just the atmosphere or how the store is set up, it would be great if they are able to think they are back in Japan,” he said.

Sugita has worked in a number of Japanese markets in various states in America, and when it was time to strike out and open a store of his own, Peachtree Corners was the perfect place to settle down and open up shop. “Even though Atlanta is a big city, I was surprised to hear that they don’t have a Japanese Market.”

Reminiscent of convenience stores that you might encounter on the streets of Japan, GOHAN Market is a unique store that fills a need in Peachtree Corners. Located in a popular shopping center on Holcomb Bridge Road, it is a welcome addition to the community.        

Whether you’re a ramen aficionado, a lover of all things anime, fond of authentic sushi, wanting to try a Bento box prepared meal or seeking hard-to-find staples like Kewpie Mayonnaise and fermented soybeans, you’ll find that and much more at this unique and popular local shop.

Address: 4015 Holcomb Bridge Rd #620, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Phone: (770) 674-1263