I'm an American mom living in Japan, and grocery shopping here is a far superior experience than it is in the US

When my family and I moved to Japan in May, many everyday experiences became fun, new adventures, including my trips to the grocery store.

Though there are some similarities between food shopping in the two countries, I've still found a lot of unique, unexpected differences.

Ever since my daughter reached the toddler stage, she's become an exceptionally pickier eater. I find myself frequenting the grocery store in Japan more often, desperate to find something she'll actually eat.

Luckily, Japanese grocery stores make it easy to stop in for a few items at a time.

During my first trip to a Japanese grocery store, I learned that getting a big cart and stocking up on groceries for the next one-to-two weeks isn't the norm here. It's quite common to go to the grocery store three-to-four times per week.

In fact, many stores I've visited here don't even have large shopping carts. Instead, you'll find a cart closer to the size of a grocery basket.

The strollers are forward-facing, and if you're lucky enough to have a kid who naps as you stroll the aisles, you can recline the seat to make it more comfortable.

Sanitation is of utmost importance in Japan, so it's rare to find anything on the ground or out of place in grocery stores here. And it doesn't stop there.

You probably won't even see products with damaged packaging or any empty shelves, as they would be an eyesore and beneath the stores' standards.

Sometimes in the back corner of a grocery store, you can find some great items that are discounted because of their damaged packaging, which is a good option if you're shopping on a budget.

The produce section in Japanese grocery stores is different than what I'm used to in the US for a couple of different reasons.

I've been impressed by the variety of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes I even find ones that I've never seen at any grocery store in the US. But these items can come with a hefty price tag.

On a recent trip, I saw a single pear priced at 598 yen, or roughly $4, and a cantaloupe for 2,380 yen, or $16.

I've noticed an overall mentality of "quality over quantity" in Japan, and that definitely applies to the country's grocery stores.

In my experience, Japanese supermarkets seem to have high standards when it comes to the food they carry. It's rare for me to find misshapen or discolored pieces of produce on supermarket shelves here.

The stores sell produce when it's in season, so you likely won't find strawberries, pears, or melons year-round. However, it's a bonus that you get to eat fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

I try to buy my produce separately at a farmers' market when I can because it's typically more affordable.

Grocery shopping in a foreign country can definitely be very time-consuming and feel overwhelming at times.

Looking through all of the aisles and using my phone to translate each item I'm unsure about can be a tedious process.

Some items have surprised me.

The first time I saw kamaboko, I thought it was a cute, sweet treat. Upon further inspection, I realized it's actually a fish cake made out of pureed fish, egg, and seasoning.

Japanese grocery stores are loaded with fresh, ready-made meals — just like the country's convenience stores.

These prepared meals make it so easy to feed my child on days when I'm not feeling up for cooking.

Interestingly enough, these are typically stored at room temperature but are made fresh and restocked throughout the day.

As a busy mom, I rely on as much convenience as I can get. Luckily, Japanese grocery stores make that easy.

I can prep some Taco Rice, a specialty dish of Okinawa, and add some taco toppings, or I can heat up some curry and pair it with naan.

The afternoons and evenings are a great time to shop if you're on a budget and looking to save a little extra on groceries, the grocery store I visit applies large discounts to almost all of the remaining perishable items near the end of the day.

Another way to save money is by stopping at the store on a certain day of the week when meat is discounted.

I usually have to grab a package of diapers when I'm at the store. For just under $9, I can get a bundle of 36 diapers made out of premium organic cotton.

Next to the diapers, I can find an eight-pack of printed toilet paper for just under $2. My child definitely gets a kick out of the cute pattern on the toilet paper.

One of the things I appreciate the most about grocery stores in Japan is the fun, kid-friendly packaging.

You'll find products like cheese sticks and juice pouches in packages with cute characters on the front. Plus, the store I often go to has an exciting candy display that my daughter adores.

My daughter has outgrown the traditional baby food we used to buy in the US, but in Japan, you won't find those jars of pureed carrots, peas, or spinach.

Here, you'll find packaged baby food that includes spaghetti with meat sauce and chicken liver, or gratin with tuna and vegetables in a cream-cheese sauce.

These small details are especially helpful when you have a picky eater.

Eating curry from a fun package or snacking on noodles with little characters in them makes it a little more fun and exciting for my daughter.

I often pick up an item, look at its packaging, and think about how smart the design is.

For example, the grocery store I visit sells toppings for sandwiches and pancakes in a packet. If you fold the packet in half, it helps you evenly spread the condiment when you're eating lunch or breakfast on the move.

At grocery stores here, you likely won't find anything overly large or sold in bulk, which is partially due to the generally smaller size of Japanese appliances and storage spaces.

But I love that so many items are essentially kid-sized. The contents in the packages are often the same size and similar in likeness to the pictures advertised on the outside of the box, so you usually know what to expect.

Because I go to the grocery store so frequently, it's easier to keep fresh produce and bread in our home.

These sandwiches reminded me of Uncrustables, a staple in American grocery stores, and they're perfect for lunches and snacks on the go.

Much to my surprise, I've also found egg salad, chocolate, tuna, and ham-and-cheese sandwiches.

The cashier scans everything in your basket, and they always seem to put my items back in a way that is much more organized and saves more space.

Plus, this process allows me to keep my hands and eyes on my busy toddler during the checkout process.

The checkout process is quick. You drop your basket off, the cashier rings up your items, you pay, and then you carry on to a separate counter to bag your newly purchased goods.

The best part about shopping here is that I'm able to feed my family fresher food that's made with higher-quality ingredients, and I can do it for a more affordable price.