Latest Summary of Costco Opening Hours and Store-by-Store Opening Times [Including Membership Types, Weekdays, and Holidays]

“Want to go to Costco, but not sure what time it opens today?” “Are weekends and holidays different?” If you’ve ever had these questions, you’re not alone.

Costco has 37 locations nationwide and over 3.4 million members who use the stores daily. But even if you head out thinking, “They open at 10 a.m.,” on holidays or long weekends, some stores may actually open at 9 a.m. or have special hours. Especially since April 2025, some locations have had changes to their operating hours or newly opened stores, so it’s not uncommon to hear, “I didn’t check the latest info and ended up waiting longer than expected…”

By accurately checking opening times and store-specific differences, as well as the latest schedules for Costco nationwide, you can avoid unnecessary waits and crowds for a smoother shopping experience.

This page clearly summarizes answers to questions like, “What are today’s and tomorrow’s opening times?” “What are the hours on weekends, holidays, or special days?” and “What are the opening and closing times at the store near me?”—all based on official data as of April 2025.

For those who want to make the most of their busy days and shop at Costco at the best time, start by checking the latest opening hours and enjoy a comfortable shopping experience.

Complete Guide to Costco Opening Hours and the Latest Schedules

How to Accurately Check “What time does Costco open today?” and “What time does Costco open tomorrow?”

Costco’s opening hours can vary by store, day of the week, and membership type. For most warehouse locations nationwide, the typical opening time is 10:00 a.m., but some stores or memberships may have special schedules. We recommend checking the official website or the latest updates from each store before visiting.

Key Points to Answer Common Questions

• Regular opening hours: 10:00–20:00
• Weekends, holidays, and busy periods: Some stores may open at 9:00
• Today’s and tomorrow’s hours can be confirmed via each store’s page or the official app

Benefits for Executive and Business Members

• Some locations offer early morning entry for Executive members
• Certain stores have special time slots ideal for Business members’ wholesale shopping

Summary of Opening and Closing Hours & Latest Store Information for Costco Locations Nationwide

Here are the opening and closing hours for major Costco warehouses across the country:

Region	Store Name	Opening Time	Closing Time	Special Notes
Tokyo	Tama-Sakai, Makuhari, Kawasaki	10:00	20:00	May open at 9:00 on busy days or holidays
Kanto	Shin-Misato, Maebashi, Chiba New Town	10:00	20:00	Executive members may enter at 9:30 on some days
Tohoku	Sendai, Tomiya	10:00	20:00	Early morning hours available on certain dates
Kansai	Izumi, Kyoto Yawata, Amagasaki	10:00	20:00	Opening times may change during busy periods
Hokkaido/Kyushu	Sapporo, Kitakyushu	10:00	20:00	Special hours may be set on holidays

• Some locations’ gas stations open from 7:00 to 20:30
• Urban stores may have temporary opening/closing times due to crowding or traffic conditions

The latest business hours are updated on each store’s official page and social media.

Changes to Opening Hours, Holidays, and Special Operations as of April 2025

As of April 2025, Costco’s business hours may change due to seasonal factors, holidays, or special events.

Recent Major Changes

• There is a growing trend of stores opening earlier than usual (such as 9:00 or even 8:30) during Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year’s holiday season.
• Early morning entry services for Executive and Business members have been expanded.
• Newly opened or renovated stores may offer special opening hours (starting from 7:00 or 8:00) on their opening day.

Important Notes

• Special holiday and busy season operating hours vary by store, so it is essential to check in advance.
• Parking lot opening times also differ by store. Especially at Makuhari and Kanazawa Seaside, heavy crowds are expected, so arriving early is recommended.
• Operating hours may change due to weather, social conditions, or store development plans (e.g., new stores or renovations in 2025).

To make the most of your Costco experience, be sure to check the official website for the latest information before visiting, and aim for a comfortable shopping trip by avoiding peak crowds.

Store-by-Store: Costco Opening Hours List (Regional Differences & Key Points)

what time does costco open near me・Comprehensive Guide to Costco Stores Nationwide & in Tokyo

Most Costco warehouses across Japan operate with business hours of 10:00–20:00. However, opening hours can vary depending on the region, day of the week, or membership type, so checking ahead is important.

Below are general opening times by major area.

Region	Regular Member Opening	Executive Member Opening	Notes
Tokyo/Kanto	10:00	From 9:00 at some stores	9:00 opening on holidays
Kansai	10:00	From 9:00 at some stores	Early opening on certain days
Hokkaido/Tohoku	10:00	From 9:00 at some stores	Pay attention to winter weather
Kyushu	10:00	From 9:00 at some stores	Special hours for new stores

Key Points

• Stores may open early on holidays or during sales events.
• Always check for the latest information by searching for terms like “what time does costco open today”.

By Major Area: Kanto, Kansai, Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu, etc.

In the Kanto area, stores in Tokyo and nearby locations are extremely popular, with large numbers of visitors to places like Kawasaki, Makuhari, and Chiba New Town. In Kansai, Kyoto Yawata and Amagasaki are representative stores. Sapporo Warehouse in Hokkaido, Tomiya and Sendai Warehouses in Tohoku also see many customers, while in Kyushu, Kitakyushu and Hisayama Warehouses are well-known.

• Kanto: To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or after the evening.
• Kansai: Weekends are especially busy, so visiting right after opening is recommended.
• Hokkaido/Tohoku: Be aware of possible changes to hours during the winter due to weather.
• Kyushu: Special hours may apply when new stores open.

Details on Noteworthy Stores: Makuhari, Tomiya, Kanazawa Seaside, Kaminoyama, Hitachinaka, Sendai

Focusing on key stores in the Kanto and Tohoku regions, here is a summary of opening times and features.

Store Name	Opening Time	Features
Makuhari	10:00	Parking available before store opens
Tomiya	10:00	Largest in Tohoku, crowded on weekends
Kanazawa Seaside	10:00	Includes a gas station
Kaminoyama	10:00	Only one in Yamagata, wide seasonal range
Hitachinaka	10:00	Spacious parking lot
Sendai	10:00	About 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station

Points to Note

• During events or long holidays, opening times may be moved up earlier.
• Be sure to also check the parking lot congestion status.

Opening Times for the Newest Locations: Minami Alps Warehouse, Chiba New Town, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Kyoto Yawata, and More

Newly opened or popular stores often have unique opening hours and rules. Below is information on notable locations.

Store Name	Opening Time	Special Notes
Minami Alps Warehouse	10:00	Opens at 7:00 on grand opening day
Chiba New Town	10:00	May open at 9:00 on holidays
Kawasaki	10:00	Easy access from city center, weekday mornings are less crowded
Yokohama	10:00	Newly built gas station available
Kyoto Yawata	10:00	Has a record of opening earlier on weekends or special sale days

Key Points

• The latest opening hours and congestion information are regularly updated on each store’s official website and social media.
• Some stores allow Executive and Business members to enter earlier than regular members, so be sure to check the entry times for each membership type.

Costco Opening Times Vary by Day and Membership Type

what time does costco open on sunday・what time does costco open on saturday・for executive/business members

Costco’s opening hours vary depending on the day of the week and your membership type. At most warehouses, regular business hours are from 10:00 to 20:00, but some stores offer early morning hours on weekends, holidays, or for specific members (Executive or Business). Since weekends in particular can be crowded, there may even be lines forming before opening time. The table below summarizes the differences in opening times by major day and membership type.

Day	Regular Member Opening	Executive Member Opening	Business Member Opening
Weekdays	10:00	9:00~ (some locations)	9:00~ (some locations)
Saturday	10:00	9:00~ (some locations)	9:00~ (some locations)
Sunday/Holidays	10:00	9:00~ (some locations)	9:00~ (some locations)

As shown above, Executive and Business members may be able to enter one hour earlier than usual, so it’s recommended to check your nearest store’s information before visiting.

Differences in Opening Hours by Weekday, Weekend, and Holidays

At Costco warehouses, standard operating hours are 10:00–20:00, but opening times may change on weekends and holidays to alleviate congestion or for special circumstances. Some stores may open at 9:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, so it’s important to check the latest schedule on the official website or store information.

Additionally, during the year-end/New Year period and major holidays (such as Golden Week or Obon), special hours different from the usual schedule may apply. If you want to avoid crowds, choosing to shop right after opening or just before closing can increase your chances of a comfortable shopping experience.

Details on Early Morning/Special Opening Hours for Executive and Business Members

Executive and Business members enjoy the benefit of entering earlier than regular members. Many stores offer early morning hours starting at 9:00, making it a good option for those who want to browse products at a more relaxed pace and avoid crowds. Especially at new locations or during major holidays, there are cases where opening times are moved even earlier.

• Executive Member Benefits:
• Entry available one hour before regular opening (select locations only)
• Early access to special sales and exclusive events
• Early morning hours may also apply to Business Members

Please note that the availability and applicable times for these benefits vary by location, so be sure to check each store’s information in advance.

what time does costco open for executive members on saturday/today/tomorrow

Executive Member opening times differ depending on the store and the day. At many warehouse locations, early morning hours begin at 9:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For the most up-to-date opening times for today, tomorrow, or specific dates, please refer to each location’s official website or contact their information desk.

Also, keep in mind that hours may change temporarily due to weather, events, or special sales, so it’s best to check frequently. Taking advantage of these benefits increases your chances of getting popular or limited-edition items.

Comparison of Opening Times: General vs. Executive Members

Membership Type	Opening Time (Regular Days)	Opening Time (Weekends/Holidays/Special Days)
General Member	10:00	10:00
Executive/Business Member	9:00~ (select locations)	9:00~ (select locations)

Main Differences

• Executive and Business Members enjoy the benefit of entering earlier than General Members
• On special operating days or during sales, opening may be even earlier
• Operations vary by store, so gathering information in advance is the safest approach

Use the above comparison table to choose the best time for your visit based on your membership type and planned shopping day. For avoiding crowds and shopping efficiently, early morning entry is especially recommended.

Latest Costco Store Openings, New Locations & Expansion Plans

Costco Expansion Plans 2025, 2026, 2030: New Stores & Planned Locations in Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, Shizuoka, Saitama

Costco continues to expand across Japan, with many new store openings announced for 2025 and beyond. In the Kanto region, new stores are planned for Saitama and the Tokyo area; in Kansai, Osaka and Hyogo; and in Kyushu, Fukuoka and Kumamoto are among the locations set for new openings. Shizuoka Prefecture also has a new warehouse in the works, heightening local anticipation.

In Kanto, Tokyo, Chiba, and Saitama are candidate locations, with Saitama drawing particular attention due to supply-demand balance. In Kansai, southern Osaka and the Kyoto area are being considered, while in Kyushu, there are rumors of new stores in Fukuoka City and near Kumamoto City. Looking ahead to 2030, further expansion into major cities nationwide is expected.

Below is a summary table of key areas and planned opening years.

Region	Planned Year	Store Name/Plan
Kanto	2025	New Saitama Warehouse, Tokyo Area Plan
Kansai	2026	New South Osaka Store, Kyoto Area Plan
Kyushu	2025	Fukuoka Area, New Kumamoto Store
Shizuoka	2026	New Shizuoka City Warehouse
Nationwide	2030	New Expansion into Major Cities

Upcoming Store Openings and Hot New Locations

Upcoming Costco store openings are generating excitement among local residents. In 2025, a new warehouse is scheduled to open in Saitama Prefecture, attractive for its proximity to Tokyo and excellent accessibility. Construction is also underway for a new store in Shizuoka Prefecture, with improvements to transportation infrastructure enhancing convenience.

In Kyushu, new store plans are progressing in both Fukuoka City and Kumamoto City. The new Fukuoka store, in particular, is expected to feature a large parking lot and enhanced services for business members, with positive impacts anticipated for the local economy. In Kansai, new stores in Kyoto and southern Osaka are also drawing attention, and further details are eagerly awaited.

As features of the new stores, modern design, the introduction of the latest logistics systems, and the expansion of gas stations and food courts can be noted. At the time of opening, limited-edition products will be on sale and events are also planned.

Planned Store Locations Nationwide and Future Developments

Costco is planning to further expand its store network nationwide. In particular, locations adjacent to densely populated areas and large commercial facilities are being considered, with store openings progressing in highly convenient areas. Not only in Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu, but also in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, new store openings are under review.

Future developments include the renovation and expansion of existing stores, and enhancements to member services and product lineups are also expected. The latest warehouse stores feature exclusive services for business members and facilities designed with families in mind.

You can check the list of warehouse stores nationwide and the latest store opening plans in the table below.

Region	Main Planned or Ongoing Store Openings
Kanto	New stores in Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba
Kansai	New stores in southern Osaka and Kyoto
Kyushu	New stores in Fukuoka and Kumamoto
Tohoku/Hokkaido	New plans for Sendai and Sapporo areas

Minami-Alps Warehouse Store (Yamanashi Prefecture) Opening Date and Hours

The Minami-Alps Warehouse Store, which opened in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is attracting attention as Costco’s first entry into the area. The opening date is March 2025, with regular business hours from 10:00 to 20:00. On the grand opening day, special early hours from 7:00 were offered, drawing many visitors.

The Minami-Alps Warehouse Store is characterized by its vast sales floor, abundant product selection, and enhanced services for business members. A gas station is also available, with convenient hours from 7:00 to 20:30. Local agricultural products and region-exclusive items are available, which are popular with local residents.

A membership card must be presented upon entry, and crowds are expected on weekends and holidays. The parking lot accommodates large vehicles and access is convenient. The latest information will continue to be updated on the official website, so it’s recommended to check before visiting.

Costco Store Entry Rules and Precautions to Know Before You Go

To use Costco comfortably, it’s important to thoroughly understand the store entry rules and precautions in advance. Costco operates on a membership system, and you must present your membership card upon entry. There are several key points to be aware of, including the number of companions allowed, restrictions for non-members, and policies for international customers. Entry hours may also differ depending on the day of the week and membership type, so details are explained below.

Costco Membership Card, Companion Rules, Non-Member Use, Entry Restrictions, and International Customer Q&A

At Costco, the membership card holder may bring up to two companions. Children under 18 are not counted toward this limit. Non-members are generally not permitted to enter, but can enter as a companion of a member. International customers can also register as members at Japanese Costco stores with a passport or similar ID, and can use Costco warehouses worldwide. The main points regarding entry restrictions and membership card use are as follows:

Item	Details
Membership Card	Must be presented upon entry
Number of Companions	Up to 2 per member (children under 18 not counted)
Non-Member Use	Permitted as a companion, solo entry not allowed
International Use	Registration possible with passport, usable at Costcos in Japan and abroad
Entry Restrictions	Entry tickets and capacity limits during certain periods or busy times

How to Join, Renew, and What to Do If You Forget Your Card

Costco membership registration and renewal can be handled at the in-store service counter. Even if you forget your membership card, as long as you can verify your identity, you can use the store that day. The specific procedures are as follows:

• New membership: Bring identification and apply at the in-store counter
• Renewal: Can be renewed at the counter during the membership period
• Forgot card: After identity verification at reception, a temporary card can be issued
• Lost/reissue: Reissue available for a prescribed fee

Required documents and procedures may differ by store, so it is recommended to check with your store in advance.

Types of Membership Cards and Available Services

Costco membership cards mainly come in three types: “Gold Star (Individual Membership),” “Executive Membership,” and “Business Membership (Corporate Membership).” Each type offers different services and benefits.

Membership Type	Annual Fee (tax incl.)	Usage Scope	Benefits
Gold Star	Approx. ¥4,840	All warehouses (personal)	Product purchases, gasoline, various services
Executive	Approx. ¥9,900	All warehouses (personal)	2% reward, exclusive benefits
Business Member	Approx. ¥4,235	All warehouses (business)	Additional cards, purchase of business-use products

Executive Members receive a 2% annual reward, making it recommended for those who shop frequently.

Differences Between Individual and Business Memberships

The Individual Membership (Gold Star) is for personal use, while the Business Membership is for corporations and sole proprietors. The differences lie in membership eligibility, ability to issue additional cards, and available services.

• Individual Member: Can issue up to 1 family card, ideal for personal use
• Business Member: Can issue multiple additional cards, convenient for purchasing large quantities of business-use products
• The annual fee is slightly lower, and proof of business is required

Business Membership is ideal for those running a company or store, and can help with expense management, such as having the company name printed on receipts. Choose the membership type that best suits your intended use.

Parking Information and Congestion Tips for Costco Makuhari, Kanazawa Seaside, and Tomiya Locations

Costco Makuhari Parking: Hours, Fees, Congestion, Real-Time Info, Height Limits, Aeon Collaboration

Parking Hours, Fee Structure, and Free Services

The parking lot at Costco Makuhari is usually available from around 8 a.m. In some cases, the parking area opens before store hours, and on weekends or during sales periods, many vehicles gather from early morning. Parking is basically free, so you can shop for long periods with peace of mind. The parking lot is linked with Aeon Makuhari Shintoshin, and you can use the Aeon parking lot as well. While the Aeon parking lot is paid, free parking may be available if you meet certain purchase amounts or other conditions. Arriving early, especially on weekends, holidays, or major breaks, will help ensure a smoother shopping experience.

Store Name	Parking Hours	Fee	Free Service	Aeon Collaboration
Makuhari Warehouse	8:00–22:00	Free	None	Yes (conditional free)
Kanazawa Seaside	8:30–21:30	Free	None	None
Tomiya	8:30–21:30	Free	None	None

Peak Congestion, Availability, and Recommended Visit Times

All three locations—Makuhari, Kanazawa Seaside, and Tomiya—are especially crowded on weekends, holidays, and around store opening. You can check real-time parking information using the official app or the “busyness” feature on Google Maps. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit on weekday mornings or 1–2 hours before closing. Especially right after opening and early afternoon are peak times, so the following time slots are your best bet.

• Weekdays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, or after 6:00 PM
• Weekends and holidays: Right after opening (ideally, arrive at opening time), or after 5:00 PM

If you want to check real-time availability, it’s a good idea to check Google Maps or each store’s official social media accounts before visiting.

Parking Height Restrictions and Large Vehicle Accommodation at Makuhari Warehouse

The parking lot at Costco Makuhari Warehouse mainly consists of outdoor flat spaces, so there are no height restrictions. Large vehicles, minivans, and high-roof cars can park without any issues. If you use the Aeon multi-story parking garage, be aware that the height limit is about 2.1m to 2.3m. When visiting with a camper van or large van, it’s smoother to choose Costco’s flat parking lot. Also, the parking spaces are designed to be spacious, making it easy and comfortable to load and unload items or move carts.

Store Services, Food Court, and Gas Station Hours Summary

Costco Makuhari Hours, Food Court, Kanazawa Seaside Gas Station, Makuhari Hours on Holidays/Weekends/Weekdays

Each Costco location has different operating hours and service availability. Especially at Makuhari Warehouse, opening and closing times change between regular weekdays and weekends/holidays, so it’s important to check in advance. The table below summarizes the operating hours for the main services.

Store/Service Name	Weekday Hours	Weekend/Holiday Hours	Notes
Makuhari Warehouse (Store)	10:00–20:00	9:00–20:00	May open earlier on holidays
Food Court (Makuhari)	10:00–20:00	9:00–20:00	Same as store hours
Kanazawa Seaside Gasoline	7:00–20:30	7:00–20:30	Open year-round, same hours

As you can see, Costco’s opening times vary by day of the week and by store. Visiting early on weekends and holidays can help you avoid crowds.

Hours and Usage of In-store Services

Costco’s in-store services differ in offerings and available times depending on the location. Show your membership card at the store entrance to access the food court or gas station. At Makuhari, the food court is spacious and popular with families. The Kanazawa Seaside gas station is self-service and requires a membership card.

• Food Court: Offers a wide variety of menu items, and takeout is also available. If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting right after opening or after 2:00 PM.
• Gas Station: Open from 7:00 AM, making it convenient for use before commuting. Note that a Costco membership card is required for refueling.

To use each service smoothly, be sure to bring your membership card and plan your visit to avoid peak hours.

Food Court & Gas Station Features and Tips for Avoiding Crowds

Costco’s food court offers large portions at low prices, and there are usually open seats on weekday mornings or evenings. On weekends and holidays, it tends to get crowded right after opening, so it’s best to allow extra time when visiting.

• Tips for Avoiding Crowds

1. Aim for right after opening or just before closing
2. Choose weekdays or rainy days
3. Make use of advance orders and takeout

The gas station is open from 7:00 AM, making it convenient for use before or after work. On weekends, there may be lines for refueling, so using it on weekdays or avoiding peak times is effective.

Gas Station Hours (7:00–20:30)

Costco’s gas station is open every day of the year from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Refueling is self-service, and a Costco membership card is required for use. Prices are lower compared to the local average, which is a great benefit for members.

Main features of the gas station:

• Opens early at 7:00 AM
• Self-service refueling
• Available exclusively to Costco members
• Longer hours than the regular store

Compared to nearby gas prices, Costco’s gas is a great deal, and many members visit just to refuel. By avoiding peak hours and aiming for a smooth experience, you can use the gas station comfortably.

How to Get the Latest Updates and Make Use of Official Information When Using Costco

Costco Official Website, App, Flyers, Coupons, Latest News, and This Week’s Sale Information

To use Costco efficiently, it’s important to regularly check the latest information via the official website, app, flyers, and coupons. The official website provides up-to-date information on each warehouse’s operating hours, special business days, the latest sales, and member-exclusive campaigns. By using the app, you can receive timely deals via push notifications and effortlessly check both paper flyers and digital coupons.

The table below summarizes the main ways to get information and their key features.

Source	Features	Recommended Points
Official Website	Lists operating hours, latest news, and sales	Fastest for store-wide news and urgent updates
Official App	Push notifications, digital coupons, inventory search	Instantly check info on your device
Flyers/Coupons	Lists this week’s deals and limited-time discounts	Stay on top of special and seasonal campaigns

To avoid missing out on deals or important campaigns, the key is to combine multiple information sources.

How to Check Official Announcements & Use Real-Time Updates

Costco’s operating hours and sales information can often change, so getting real-time updates is essential. The “News” and “Store Information” pages on the official website are regularly updated with notices about temporary closures or special hours. The official app also has robust notification features to help you quickly respond to sudden changes.

• Check the “News” section on the official website each time
• Turn on notifications in the app
• Follow the latest posts on social media (X and Instagram)

By using these tools, you won’t miss sudden changes to store hours or special events, and you can confidently plan your visit.

How to Get Deals and Campaign Information

To receive Costco’s best deals, the flyer and app coupon features are very convenient. Member-exclusive discounts and this week’s sale items are mainly sent through the official email newsletter or the app. Information on new and popular items on sale is also updated frequently and changes weekly, so it’s important to check regularly.

• Check the “Coupons” tab in the official app
• Register for the email newsletter to get the latest updates
• Make use of paper flyers distributed at the store entrance

With these methods, you won’t miss out on Costco’s unique low-priced items and limited-time campaigns.

How to Use the Warehouse Locator Tool

Each Costco warehouse has different operating hours, available products, and services. By using the “Warehouse Locator” tool on the official website, you can easily look up detailed information on nearby stores. The search tool lists stores by prefecture or area, letting you quickly check operating hours, addresses, phone numbers, and whether they have gas stations.

• Access the “Warehouse Locator” page on the official website
• Narrow down by region or postal code
• Check detailed information on each store’s page

With this, you can smoothly confirm local store hours—such as “what time does Costco open near me”—and get a sense of crowd levels and access routes ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Opening Times

Covering Search and Related Questions Like “How early can you go to Costco?” and “What is the slowest time to shop at Costco?”

Costco’s opening time is a common concern for many visitors. The usual opening time is 10:00 AM, but some stores open a bit earlier on weekends, holidays, or during special sales. Many people line up before opening, and especially on weekends or major holidays, lines can start forming as early as 9 a.m.
For those wanting to know the least crowded times, after 3 p.m. on weekdays or within the last hour before closing tends to be less busy. Also, Sunday mornings are often crowded, so aiming for late hours on weekdays or Saturdays allows for a more relaxed shopping experience.

The table below summarizes typical visit patterns.

Day/Condition	Crowds Before Opening	Least Crowded Time
Weekdays	Few	After 3:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays	Many	After 4:00 PM
Special Sale Period	Very many	Any time except right after opening

Should You Line Up Before Opening? When Is It Least Crowded? Can Non-Members Enter?

If you want to avoid crowds, visiting in the afternoon or evening on weekdays is recommended. Mornings on weekends and holidays tend to be especially busy, so lining up early will help you get in smoothly. Many people start lining up an hour before opening, so if you’re aiming for popular or sale items, arriving early is your best bet.

Since Costco operates on a membership basis, you generally need a membership card to enter. Non-members can enter as guests—up to two adults per membership card. During special events, entry restrictions may be in place.

Early Morning Hours: Who Qualifies and What Are the Times?

Some Costco locations offer early morning hours during sales, holidays, or long holiday periods. For example, during Obon or New Year’s, stores may open 30 minutes to 1 hour earlier than usual.

Details about which warehouses and periods are affected are posted on each store’s official website or social media, so be sure to check in advance. Although early morning hours can also be crowded, this is an ideal time if you want to be sure to snag popular products.

Period	Example Early Opening
Obon/New Year	Opens 9:00–9:30 AM
Golden Week	Opens 9:00 AM

Opening Times for Regular vs. Executive Members

Costco has two membership types: Regular and Executive. In the U.S. and some other countries, Executive Members may be able to enter earlier than regular opening hours. However, in Japan, all members generally have the same opening time.

That said, during certain events or campaigns, priority entry may be offered, so always check the latest information for your store.

Membership Type	Entry Time
Regular Member	Standard opening time
Executive Member	Standard opening time (except special cases)

Costco’s opening times and crowd levels vary by location and season, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information in advance and plan your visit accordingly.