japanese-long

The file number of each store is 

the same as the one used 

in the Japanese page44-129. 

"Est." is the year the shop was 

established. 

If no holiday information is provided, 

please inquire directly to the shop. 

Translation 

Michiyo Domon, Yumi Karako, 

Machiko Watamori 

The Perfect Guide of 

100 Japanese 

Long-established 

Stores 

100

A 

Aiba 

Est. 1689 File 

81 

(page120) 

Yanaginobanbadori, Rokkaku sagaru, 

Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 

0752211460 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m.(Sat.~12p.m.) 

Closed:Sun. National holiday (except 

for Apr.-Jul.) 

http://www.kyo-aiba.jp/ 

A Specialty store of Kyo Uchiwa 

(round fan). Kyo Uchiwa’s origin is 

“Gosho Uchiwa” used in the 

Imperial Court in the Edo era. 

All are handmade from the 

processing of bamboo for the base 

material to completion with paper 

for finishing. Materials are 

carefully selected, such as the 

bamboo from Tanba and paper from 

Echizen. A new product with a 

design of seasonal beauties of 

nature is announced every year, 

and popularity is high, not only 

for practical use but also for 

decoration and gifts. 

Araya Totoan 


36 

(page79) 

Yunogawa, Yamashiro-onsen, 

Kaga-shi, Isikawa 0761770010 

Closed:none 

http://www.araya-totoan.com/ 

A long established hotel of 

Yamashiro Onsen, now in its 18th 

generation of proprietors. Araya 

Totoan received a command to 

provide a bath for each successive 

generation of the Daishoji feudal clan 

of Maeda in the Edo era. The hot 

spring is constantly flowing and the 

hotel has a good reputation for 

meals using local fresh ingredients, 

in particular winter snow crab, 

which is considered unrivaled. 

Kutani ware and Yamanaka Urushi 

ware will delight your eyes too. It is 

known that famous gourmet 

ceramist Kitaoji Rosanjin was a 

long-term guest. 

Aritsugu 


70 

(page117) 

Gokomachi Nishiiru, Nishikikoji, 


0752211091 

Hours:9a.m.~5:30p.m. Closed: none 

This is a kitchen knives 

specialty store in the brocade market 

in “Nishiki Ichiba”. Nishiki Ichiba 

is called the kitchen of Kyoto, 

hailing back to the end of the Heian 

era. The great variety of kitchen 

knives in the shop are originally 

crafted with traditional techniques, 

and used habitually not only by the 

cooks of Kyoto but also by chefs 

overseas. Saucepans, graters, 

cookie cutters, and other metallic 

hardware are all good quality and 

guarantee to make you spoiled for 

choice. 

D 

Daikoku 

Est. 1902 File (page89) 

46 

2-2-7 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, 

Osaka-shi, Osaka 0662111101 

Hours:11:30a.m.~3p.m. 

5p.m.~8p.m. Closed:Sun. Mon. 

National holiday 

Kayakugohan, a rice dish with 

chicken and vegetables, was 

popular with the merchants of 

Osaka because it was convenient 

and delicious. The renowned 

restaurant has passed down the 

recipe for generations and was 

discussed in an essay by Ikenami 

Shotaro. The restaurant has a taste 

of the past atmosphere, and resides 

in a neighborhood formerly used by 

courtesans and Geisha. The rice 

dish became a very popular lunch 

among Geisha and Maiko, 

traditional female performing 

artists, and this increased its 

popularity to today. 

Domyo 


94 

(page128) 

2-11-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 

0338313773 

Hours:10:30a.m.~6:30p.m.(Sun.& 

National Holiday until 5p.m.) 

Closed:none 

http://www.kdomyo.com/ 

This is a long-established store of 

cord braid that was founded in the 

early of Edo era and mainly made 

armor strings. They have studied 

the composition and colour 

matching of braids of the Asuka era, 

which was handed down in the 

Shosoin. Daimyos(territorial lords) 

were very fond of cord braid and 

they all had them made-to-order. 

“Domyo” cord braid for Obi is still 

one of the perfect gems for a person 

engaged in traditional 

entertainment. It is indispensable 

for stage acts, and gathered the 

admiration of Kimono enthusiasts. 

F 

Fujiki Denshiro Shoten 

Est. 1851 File 9 (page65) 

45 Shimoshinmachi, 

Kakunodate-machi, Senboku-gun, 

Akita 0187541151 

Hours:9a.m.~5:30p.m. 

Closed:irregular 

http://www.fujikidenshiro.co.jp/ 

Fujiki Denshiro Shoten has 

produced high quality Kabazaiku, a 

traditional craftwork in 

Kakunodate, such as tea canisters, 

trays, and boxes making use of 

cherry tree bark on its surfaces. 

The special features are their 

natural color tones and fine elegant 

gloss. The current products 

“Kakunodate Denshiro” are created 

to fit in the living spaces of today 

and have a diversity of designs. 

Fujitomanju 


12 

(page69) 

48, Fujito, Fujitocho, Kurashiki-shi, 

Okayama 0864281034 

Hours:8a.m.~5p.m. Closed:Tue.( If 

it’s a national holiday, then Thu.) 

http://www.fujito-manju.co.jp/ 

“Fujitomanju” is a steamed bun 

filled with bean jam made of azuki 

beans from Tokachi in Hokkaido. 

Manju’s history dates back to 1184 

in the days of the Genpei Buttle. 

The origin of Manju is considered to 

have come from the memorial 

service of a villager wounded during 

the battle. It came to be sold in the 

teahouse of the Fujito Temple 

precincts, then relocated to the 

present location in the late Edo era. 

Funabashiya 


49 

(page102) 

3-2-14 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 

0336812784 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m.(eat-in L.O. 

5p.m.) Closed:none 

http://www.funabashiya.co.jp/ 

A sweetshop located on the 

approach to the Kameido Tenjin 

shrine for over 200 years, 

Funabashiya keeps its popularity 

with its famous “Kuzu mochi”. it 

is made from an original recipe with 

specially fermented and purified 

high quality wheat starch. You’ll 

enjoy a combination of exquisite 

texture and taste of Kinako (soy 

flour) with Kuromitsuto (brown 

sugar syrup). Other women’s 

favorite sweets such as Anmitsu 

(boiled beans, bean jam with agar 

and fruits in syrup), Tokoroten 

(gelidium jelly) are also available. 

G 

Gorobeame Sohonpo 

Est. about 1180 File (page72) 

21 

7-11 Ekimaemachi, 

Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 

0242225759 

Hours:8a.m.~6:30p.m.(Nov.-Apr. 

9a.m.~6p.m.) Closed:none 

Benkei, a Japanese warrior monk, 

said in his self-written letter that 

Minamotono Yoshitsune (a general 

of Minamoto clan) stopped at 

Gorobeame sohonpo and asked for 

candies when he was ousted from 

Kyoto by his brother Minamotono 

Yoritomo. It is said that the candies 

Yoshitsune received are the origin 

for candies at the store. The store 

was a purveyor to Aizuhan, current 

western Fukushima prefecture, and 

the candies have persisted up until 

today. The candies are made of 

glycated glutinous rice (95%) and 

hop (5%). You can enjoy the 

jelly-like texture and delicate 

sweetness. 

Gyokusendo 


2-2-21 Chuodori, Tsubame-shi, 

Niigata 0256622015 

Hours:8:30a.m.~6p.m.Closed:Sun. 


http://www.gyokusendo.com 

Gyokusendo has inherited the 

time-honored technique of crafting 

hand-hammered copper-ware 

“Tsuiki-doki” from a single copper 

sheet since the late Edo era in 

Tsubame, a major ancient 

metal-processing center. Since the 

1873 Vienna Expo when Japan 

joined such expos for the first time, 

Gyokusendo has exhibited at nearly 

30 international and domestic 

expos. In addition to their pots, 

pans, and cans for daily use, their 

copper crafts with unique coloring 

techniques are internationally 

respected. 

H 

Hada Shikkiten 


15 

57-1Obamatamamae, Obama-shi, 

Fukui 0770520793 


Closed:none 

The current 14th owner is a 

traditional craftsman, successor to 

a technique of Wakasa coating. In 

Wakasa coating, there are more 

than 200 kinds of techniques using 

foil pressing, polishing, 

mother-of-pearl work, and 

combinations of gold lacquer work. 

Hada shikkiten is a wholesale shop 

producing Wakasa lacquered 

products such as chopsticks, 

chopstick cases, trays, and tea 

service sets, etc. Wakasa coating 

requires careful work repeatedly 

from manufacturing processes to 

finish, and takes six months to one 

year for completion. The shop also 

accepts lacquer ware repair work. 

Hakkodo 

Est. about 1870 File 

20 

(page71) 

2-1-28 

Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, 

Kanagawa 0467222429 

Hours:9:30a.m.~6p.m.(Winter 

season until 5:30p.m.) Closed:none 

http://www.kamakurabori.org/ 

In Kamakura, where master 

craftsmen played an active part in 

the Kamakura era, the work of the 

master craftsmen of Buddhist 

images was lost during the 

anti-Buddhist movement of the 

Meiji era, and the techniques 

Buddha statue sculpture were 

transformed into "Kamakura 

carving". The 29 th owner of this 

shop, which is called Hakkodo, is 

said to be able to trace back his 

family history to “keiha school”, an 

excellent master craftsman of 

Buddhist images. 

Hankeido 


19 

(page71) 

90-6 Adogawacho Kamiogawa, 

Takashima-shi, Shiga 074032 

0236 Hours:8:30a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:Sun. http://umpei-fude.jp/ 

Hankeido is an ink brush (Fude) 

specialty store that opened in Kyoto 

in the Edo era. The store name was 

chosen by Konoe Iehiro, an imperial 

court noble, and moved to their 

current location in the Taisho era. 

Their traditional ink brushes are 

called “Unpeifude” named after the 

shop founder, Fujino Unpei, and 

continue to be made in a traditional 

way. Kamimakifude is a type of 

Unpeifude that is made in the same 

manner as Tenpyofude brushes 

found in Shosoin at Todaiji temple. 

The brushes have been loved by 

Arisugawano miyake, the head 

family of a calligraphy school, and 

many other calligraphy masters. 

Hararyokaku 


28 

(page76) 

267 Gionmachi kitagawa, 

Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 

0755612732 

Hours:10a.m.~6p.m. Closed:none 

http://www.hararyoukaku.co.jp/ 

Hararyokaku is well known as a 

specialty store of Gokosen (parched 

barley flour) and Kuroshichimi 

(Japanese spice mixture containing 

seven ingredients), and its history 

began when the child of Hara 

Soemon of the Ako lordless samurai 

had dealt with production of 

Gokosen. That is taken floating on 

hot water, and it was loved by the 

Imperial family, pupils and the 

master of tea ceremony as well as 

writers and calligraphy artists. The 

recipes for Gokosen and 

Kuroshichimi have been handed 

down from father to only son, and 

now both are representative 

souvenir gifts of Kyoto. 

Hashikatsu Honten 


95 

3-1-15 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, 

Tokyo 0332510840 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m. (Sat. until 3p.m.) 

Closed:2 nd 

&4 th Sat. Sun. National holiday 

http://www.hashikatsu.com/ 

A purveyor who handles disposable 

chopsticks. The first generation 

dates back to the Period of 

Northern and Southern Courts. The 

owner emigrated to Yoshino in Nara, 

according to the record of the 

removal of the capital to Yoshino 

under Emperor Godaigo of the 

Southern Court. They were the 

wholesale dealer for the local 

specialty Yoshino Cedar and Hinoki 

from generation to generation, but 

established a foothold in Tokyo 

when the demand for disposable 

chopsticks increased in the Meiji 

era. 

Hirado Tsutaya 


30 

(page77) 

Anjin no yakata, 431 Kihikidacho, 

Hirado-shi, Nagasaki 095023 

8000 Hours:9a.m.~7p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.hirado-tsutaya.jp/ 

Tsutaya is traditional Japanese 

confectionary shop who was a 

purveyor to the Matsura family, the 

head in Hiradohan in the Edo era, 

in what is now Nagasaki pref. The 

store and attached café located at 

the stone monument signifying 

where William Adams (Japanese 

name: Miura Anjin) once lived. The 

confectionary record 

(“Hyakkanozu”) of the Matsura 

family from the Edo era tells of 

“Casdose”, inspired by a European 

confectionary, and other famous 

items at Tsutaya such as 

“Gobomochi”. The store is 

committed to restoring the record 

and providing sweets true to the 

Chinshinryu style tea ceremony 

inherited in Hiradohan. 

Hon Sekiguchi 


40 

(page83) 

2-2-7 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, 


Hours:4p.m.~10p.m.(L.O. 9p.m.) 

Closed:Sun. 

Near the SennichimaeKuromon 

markets, where dainty foods of 

Osaka jostle for position is "Hon 

Sekiguchi", a long established 

sukiyaki restaurant, which greets 

you with a traditional pure 

Japanese-style appearance. Since 

the establishment of the business, 

the restaurant has maintained the 

taste of the traditional Kansai style 

sukiyaki. It is cooked with the 

highest quality Japanese black beef, 

and seasoned with only crystalized 

sugar and light soy sauce from 

Kyoto. Grated yam is also served as 

well as a raw egg to dip the meat 

and vegetables. 

Honke Tamajuken 


67 

(page112) 

262 Motoisacho, Imadegawadori 

Omiyahigashiiru, Kamigyo-ku, 

Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 0754440319 


Closed:Sun. Wed. 

When it was founded, this shop 

dealt with confections while making 

Nishijin-brocade under the 

workshop name, “Izutsuya Kahei”. 

After entering Meiji era, it started 

to deal with confections as its main 

products and changed its name to 

“Tamajuken”. “Murasakino” is the 

household name confection, which 

uses Daitokuji Natto beans from 

“Ikkyu”, the purveyer to Daitokuji, 

wrapped with Rakugan (dry 

confection of starch). Many 

customers find the harmony of its 

sweetness and saltiness such a 

treasure for serving at a tea 

ceremony. In wintertime, the shop 

offers “Takasago manju” a Sake 

manju, as a limited-time product, 

and it has earned popularity. 

Hosoo 


69 

(page116) 

752 Bishamoncho, Kuromondori 

Seiganjisagaru, Kamigyo-ku, 


Hours:10a.m.~5p.m. Closed:Sat. 

Sun. National holiday 

http://www.hosoo.co.jp/ 

Nishijin-ori, Japanese traditional 

textile, produced in Nishijin Kyoto, 

was lionized and praised by Kizoku 

(nobles), Bushi (warriors), higher 

classes of Chonin (merchants, 

craftsmen) since the Heian era. The 

store, Hosoo opened as a purveyor 

to major temples, and started a 

wholesale business in the Taisho 

era. Obi (sash for Kimono) and 

Kimono created by the shop tailor, 

are superior and 

masterpieces. They opened up their 

concept store “HOUSE of HOSOO” 

and also developing new fabrics 

using Nishijin-ori techniques. 

I 

Ichihara Heibei Shoten 


73 

Sakaimachi Shijosagaru, 

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 

0753413831 

Hours:10a.m.~6:30p.m.(Sun. & 

National holiday 11a.m.~6p.m.) 


A store specializing in chopsticks 

(“Hashi”) founded in the Edo era. 

Currently run by the eighth 

generation of proprietors. There are 

more than 400 kinds of chopsticks 

in the shop including those used for 

eating meals, cooking, and serving. 

The reputed product "Miyako 

bashi" using rare bamboo called 

Susudake (smoke-stained bamboo 

smoked in hearth and furnace) has 

an atmospheric natural color, and is 

strong but easily handled. "Heian 

bashi" for meals, which have 

extra-fine chopstick tips, are also 

very popular. 

Indenya Uehara Yushichi 


10 

(page66) 

3-11-15 Chuo, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi 

0552331100 


http://www.inden-ya.co.jp/ 

Based on Indian ancestral leather 

decoration “Inden - shammy”, 

Uehara Yushichi has added lacquer 

to deerskin based on his original 

idea and techniques from the Edo 

era. This was the beginning of 

Koshu Inden, and the wealthy 

people of Edo adored beautiful fine 

patterns drawn with lacquer. 

Currently the thirteenth generation 

has inherited this one and only 

Inden workshop in Japan. You can 

find a wide range of products from 

traditional drawstring purses to 

bags in various colours. 

Ippodo Chaho 


Teramachidori, Nijo agaru, 

Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 

0752113421 

Hours:9a.m.~7p.m.(Sun. & 

national holidays until 6p.m.) 

“Kissashitsu Kaboku” 

11a.m.~5:30p.m. Closed:none 

http://www.ippodo-tea.co.jp/ 

Ippodochaho was originally Omiya 

that Watanabe Ihei from Omi 

(current Shiga pref.) opened in 

Teramachi Nijo, in the center of 

Kyoto to sell tea and tea related 

items. The store received a famous 

reputation due to the high quality 

teas they made available. In the 

late Edo era, the store was honored 

with the house name “Ippodo” from 

Prince Yamashinano Miya, literally 

meaning “dealing in good tea leaves 

only”. They sell “Kyomeicha”, tea 

processed in the traditions of Uji 

Kyoto region, and also operate 

“Kissashitsu Kaboku”, a cafe attached 

to the store. 

Isetatsu 


50 

(page102) 

2-18-9 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 

0338231453 Hours:10a.m.~ 

6p.m. Closed:none 

http://www.isetatsu.com/ 

Established as a wholesale dealer of 

Nishikie (Color woodblock print) 

and also a production of Uchiwa; 

the present shop is an “Edo 

Chiyogami” (Edo Japanese paper 

with colored figures) specialty store. 

The Edo Chiyogami is a handrail 

with a xylograph on a Japanese 

paper like an Ukiyoe print. It 

features gorgeous colored patterns, 

and also reproduces woodcuts of the 

Edo era abundantly. The store is 

overflowing in Edo atmosphere 

with various products such as cards, 

notebook covers, and the Japanese 

towels using the pattern of the 

woodcut form of the Edo Chiyogami. 

Ishiguro Koho 


75 

(page118) 

72 Masuyacho, Sanjodori 

Yanaginobanba nishiiru, 


0752211781 Hours:10a.m.~ 

7p.m. Closed:Wed.( if a Wed. is a 

national holiday, then open) 

http://www.ishiguro-kouho.com/ 

The only Nioibukuro specialty store 

in Japan. Nioibukuro have wrapped 

up in them ten kinds of mixed 

natural scented wood. Other than 

the small drawstring purse type, 

they have approximately 300 kinds, 

including the type with the flowers 

and animals of the four seasons, 

Eto (Chinese astrological calendar). 

There is an insecticide effect in the 

elegant fragrance, hence scented 

bags are used for chests of drawers 

and also for Tokonoma (alcove) 

decoration. The shop has the 

demonstration sales, where you can 

select a material for a purse bag 

and drawstring from such as 

Nishijin brocade or Yuzen Silk and 

make your original one. 

Ito Kumihimoten 


84 

(page120) 

Teramachi Rokkaku hokuseikado, 


0752211320 



http://itokumihimoten.com/ 

This is a made-to-order store of 

Kumihimo (braid), which have right 

angle intersecting threads, and 

“Sanadahimo” which have threads 

intersecting diagonally. Kumihimo 

is an elastic used in Obi cord and 

for bags, and Sanadahimo, which 

doesn’t expand, is used for wooden 

boxes for tea service sets. Straps for 

mobile phones that are made of 

Kumihimo and glass balls sold at 

the store are very popular. 

Iwai Tsuzuraten 

Est. early Meiji File 

52 

(page102) 

2-10-1 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuoku, 

Tokyo 0336686058 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m. Closed:Sun. 

National holiday, Sat.(irregular) 

A specialty store of Tsuzura 

(bamboo basket covered with 

Japanese paper). Tsuzura is light 

and have very good breathability. 

They were the tools always kept in 

every home for the safekeeping of 

kimonos and accessories. The use of 

Tsuzura has changed now; they are 

appreciated as souvenirs for foreign 

tourists or as an accent for interior 

decoration. 

J 

Jiyuken 


44 

3-1-34 Nanba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 

Osaka 0666315564 

Hours:11:20a.m.~9:20p.m. 

Closed:Mon. 

http://www.jiyuken.co.jp/ 

The first restaurant in Osaka to 

serve western style dishes. It 

became enormously popular 

because of its “Bifukatsu” (a deep 

fried beef cutlet dish) at a very 

economical price. Their 

“Meibutsu-curry” (rice mixed with 

curry) became widely known in the 

early Showa era because due to its 

reference in the novel 

“Meotozenzai” by Oda Sakunosuke. 

Despite being damaged during 

World War II, and since repaired, 

the restaurants recipes and 

atmosphere have remained 

unchanged since its inception 

adding to the stores popularity. 

K 

Kagafu Fumuroya 


22 

2-3-1 Owaricho, Kanazawa-shi, 

Isikawa 0762211377 

Hours:9:30a.m.~6:30p.m. 

Closed:Tue. 

http://www.fumuroya.co.jp/ 

—— 

Kagafu, a food made of wheat 

gluten, has been loved 

in Kanazawa. Fumuroya is a 

traditional shop that has followed 

the traditions passed down to today. 

“Sudarefu” has been the most 

famous product since the shops 

founding, “Takaranofu” to make 

soup by mixing with boiled water in 

a bowl, Saikufu which are 

beautifully shaped and enjoyable to 

the eyes, and many other products 

make you feel the tradition of 

Kagafu that is alive and well at the 

store. You can have full enjoyment 

of Kagafu at the café “Saryo 

Fumuroya” attached to the store. 

Kagizen Yoshifusa 

Est. early 1700s File 

62 

(page111) 

264 Gionmachikitagawa, 


0755611818 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m.(tea room L.O. 

5:45p.m.) Closed:Mon.(if Mon. is a 

national holiday, close the following 

day) http://www.kagizen.co.jp/ 

At the time when the shop was first 

opened, its house name was 

“Kagiya.” And all the owners have a 

character “Zen” in their names. 

These two words make up the name 

of the shop, “Kagizen.” It has been 

offering a chrysanthemum shaped 

“Kikujuto”, the specialty Rakugan 

which maintains its tradition. 

Currently, “Kuzukiri” has earned 

the popularity. It was born out of 

requests from patrons in Gion at 

the beginning of Showa era. It is 

made from Honkuzuko (authentic 

arrowroot starch) and water. Its 

smooth texture attracted so many 

customers, so the shop opened a 

café after the war.

Kamesuehiro 


65 

(page112) 

251 Kurumayacho, Aneyakoji 

Kurumayacho higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, 


Hours:8:30a.m.~6p.m. Closed:Sun. 


This Japanese confection shop has 

the presence of authenticity and 

maintains the traditional recipe. 

They haven’t opened any branch 

shop and do not sell their 

confections at department stores or 

on the Internet. There are many 

shops which acquired goodwill from 

this shop. Its famous confection is 

“Kyono yosuga”, which uses a 

Japanese cedar wooden box to 

resemble a tea ceremony room, 

arranging dry confections, half-dry 

confections, Rakugan, and Aruheito 

(candies) in it. The elaborate 

confections with beautiful colors 

have a style heavily tinged with the 

seasonal beauty of Kyoto. 

Kameya Iori 

Est. early 1600s File 

59 

(page107) 

Nijodori Shinmachi higashiiru, 


0752316473 

Hours:9a.m.~5p.m. 

Closed:Sun, National holiday 

Since the day of establishment, this 

shop has specialized in dry 

confections, and the current 18th 

owner is the only person who has 

been making the confections by 

using the technique inherited from 

ancestors. Dry confections such as 

Oshimono known as Rakugan, 

Aruheito, and Suhama are simple, 

but full of seasonal tastes, uniquely 

expressing its highest aesthetic 

value. The shop takes orders for 

confections served at tea 

ceremonies, so it is impossible to 

buy them without a reservation. 

Kamigoten 


35 

(page79) 

42 Ryujinmura Ryujin, Tanabe-shi, 

Wakayama 0739790005 


http://www.kamigoten.jp/ 

Kamigoten Inn was built in 1657 

for the feudal lord of Kishu 

Tokugawas as a site for bathing and 

relaxing, and is the most venerable 

long-established inn in the Ryujin 

Onsen area. When you enter the 

traditional building, you feel the 

atmosphere of ancient eras, making 

you feel like sailing back in time. 

Ryujin Onsen is one of the three 

famous “Bijinno Yu” Beautifying 

Hot Springs of Japan, where you 

actually feel your skin becoming so 

smooth just by soaking in the hot 

springs. A natural-foods meal using 

ingredients from the mountains is 

their special treat. 

Karacho 


77 

(page119) 

36-9 Shugakuin Mizugawaracho, 

Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 075 

7214422 Hours:10:30a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:Tue. National holiday 

http://www.karacho.co.jp/ 

This is the only “Kyo Karakami” 

craft shop in Japan. Kyo Karakami 

requires a technique to use wood 

blocks in a way they are used for 

block prints and then draw patterns 

in Kira (mica) on Japanese papers. 

It has been mainly used for Fusuma, 

sliding doors. “Karacho” has 

inherited 600 patterns of wood 

blocks since Edo era and brings the 

ancient beauty not only in 

traditional Fusuma and stationary, 

but in modern items such as post 

cards, envelopes and papers, and 

name cards to this day. 

Kashiwaya Mitsusada 


66 

33-2 Bishamoncho, Higashioji 

Matsubara agaru 4chome, 


0755612263 



Twice a year, this shop with its 

long-standing history from Edo era 

attracts so many customers: One is 

on the eve of the Gion Matsuri (Jul. 

16 th ) when “Gyoja mochi” goes on 

sale and the other is on the last day 

of winter called Setsubun (around 

February 3) when “Horagai mochi” 

is sold. Gyoja mochi has had a close 

association with the Gion Festival. 

It is made of Gyuhi rice cake and 

white miso paste with Japanese 

pepper flavor, wrapped with a 

crepe-like skin. Horagai mochi has 

been long loved by customers for its 

unique shape just like conch. Both of 

them are sold 

only on the dates above, so there is 

always a long queue on those two 

days. 

Kawabata Doki 


64 

(page112) 

2-12 Shimogamo 

Minaminonogamicho, Sakyo-ku, 


Hours:9:30a.m.~5:30p.m. 

Closed:Wed.& August 

This shop has been a royal purveyor 

since the post Onin war, and among 

many shops in Kyoto, its name was 

mentioned in the most ancient texts. 

The shop has inherited the name of 

its founder, Kawabatadoki, who 

learned tea ceremony from Takeno 

Joo along with Senno Rikyu. Its 

famous confection is Chimaki, 

which is served for Boy’s festival, 

and “Hanabira mochi,” a high-grade 

Japanese fresh confection for New 

Year’s Day, is believed to have its 

origin in Chimaki. 

Kazurasei Roho 


88 

(page121) 

285 Gionmachikitagawa, Shijodori, 


0755610672 


Closed:Wed. 

http://www.kazurasei.co.jp/shop/ 

Specializing in hair accessories 

such as wigs “Kazura (origin of the 

store’s name)”, partial wigs 

“Kamoji”, combs, and ornamental 

hairpins. The store was very 

popular among the Geisha and 

Maiko. Currently they develop and 

produce hair care products made 

from 100% pure camellia oil that is 

extracted from carefully selected 

seeds from the Goto Islands. 

Keiunkan 

Est. 705 File 

34 

(page78) 

Nishiyama onsen, Hayakawacho, 

Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi 

0556482111 Closed:none 

http://www.keiunkan.co.jp/ 

Keiunkan is recognized by the 

Guinness Book of World Records 

as the oldest hot spring inn. It is 

located in a valley, surrounded by 

beautiful nature near an elevation 

of 800 meters at the foot of 

Akaishisanmyaku, a mountain 

range in Honshu. The hot spring 

has never ceased operation since its 

founding, and people believe its 

healing water cures injuries and 

diseases. It is said that Takeda 

Shingen, Tokugawa Ieyasu and 

many other great territorial lords 

visited here in the Sengoku period. 

Kikuchi Hojudo 


14 

(page70) 

2-23-6 Domachi, Yamagata-shi, 

Yamagata 0236222082 

Hours:10a.m.~5P.m. 


http://www.wazuqu.jp/ 

Kikuchi Hojudo was the appointed 

metal caster to Mogami Yoshiaki, 

the lord of Yamagata Castle, when 

it started in the early Edo era and 

is now in its 15th generation of 

operation. Yamagata metal casting 

from Kikuchi Hojudo garnered itself 

an early position as a traditional 

art and won the grand prize at the 

1926 Sesquicentennial 

International Exposition in 

Philadelphia. Their works are 

highly praised as tributes to the 

Japanese Imperial Family. They are 

also to be found in the collections of 

The National Museum of Modern 

Art, Tokyo and The Museum of 

Modern Art in New York. 

Kikuichimonji 

Est. mid kamakura File 

87 

(page120) 

14 Ishibashicho, Sanjo Teramachi 

higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 

Kyoto 0752210077 

Hours:11a.m.~6:30p.m.(Sun. from 

12p.m.) Closed:Thu. 

http://www.kikuichimonji.co.jp/ 

The origin of the shop name came 

from the chrysanthemum emblem, 

which Norimune, the wordsmith for 

the retired emperor Gotoba, was 

given permission for its use as he 

was acknowledged for his superior 

sword making ability. Ichimonji (a 

horizontal line) was added under 

the emblem when it’s engraved to 

swords, and altogether it is called 

“Kikuichimonji.” After Meiji era, 

the shop has manufactured and 

offered mainly knives for general 

use. Cutlery from “Kikuichimonji” 

is made with the superb technique 

and considered as the masterpiece. 

Kobaien 


7 Tsubaicho, Nara-shi, Nara 

0742232965 

Hours:9a.m.~5p.m.(vary according 

to a season) Closed:Sat. Sun. 

National holiday http://kobaien.jp/ 

The ink at the time was 

made of the soot produced by 

burning pine trees (called 

“Shoenboku”). Then “Yuenboku" ink 

made of soot produced by anoxic 

burning of oils, was developed at 

Kofukuji temple, a Buddhist temple 

in Nara prefecture. Kobaien opened 

when Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi 

Hideyoshi encouraged use of the 

new ink. Kobaien has inherited, and 

stayed loyal to the techniques of 

both traditional Shoenboku and 

Yuenboku inks, while maintaining 

the highest quality. 

Kojimaya 


33 

(page77) 

1-1-23 Shukuinchohigashi, 

Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 072 

2320313 Hours:8:30a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://keshimochi.com/ 

During the Azuchi-Momoyama era, 

the tea ceremony had spread 

throughout society in Japan by 

Senno Rikyu and many Japanese 

confectionaries were made in Sakai, 

Osaka. In the early Edo era “Keshi 

mochi”, a rice cake coated with 

poppy seeds with a fine bean paste 

inside, were made because of 

plentiful poppy seeds in the area. It 

was enormously well received and 

was considered better than any 

before. Kojimaya is the traditional 

store, which has kept this recipe for 

generations. 

Kokonoe Mirin 


27 

(page76) 

2-11 Hamaderamachi, Hekinan-shi, 

Aichi 0566410708 Hours:Visit 

tour ”kokonoe mirin Jidaikan” 

10a.m.~4p.m.(reservation 

required) Closed:Sat. Sun. 


http://www.kokonoe.co.jp/ 

The earliest specialty 

brewery in the country for Mirin, 

sweetened sake. “Kokonoe sakura" 

is considered the greatest brand in 

the history of Hon Mirin (literally 

authentic Mirin) made of carefully 

selected rice, Kome koji (malted 

rice), Hon Shochu (authentic 

Shochu). Chefs at traditional 

restaurants prefer this prestigious 

Mirin to any other. The flavor is 

born in their Okura (a building to 

keep and mature Mirin) built more 

than 300 years ago. The microbes 

used in the fermentation process in 

this Okura help to mature and add 

special flavor to Mirin. It is a flavor 

only traditional brewers can 

produce. 

Korenya Shingetsuan 


32 

(page77) 

82 Matsushima, Matsushimamachi, 

Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 022354 

2605 Hours:8:30a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.matsushimakouren.com 

This shop is famous for 

“Matsushima Koren”, sweet rice 

crackers of whose origin came from 

a tragic love story from 

Matsushima. Sister Koren, the 

heroine of the story, made rice 

crackers using the rice offered to a 

temple and she gave it to people in 

the village. The recipe has been 

inherited from father to child down 

through generations. Currently the 

23rd of the descendant operates the 

store with the recipe. The rice 

crackers are delicate and sweet and 

made of Sasanishiki, Japanese rice 

from Miyagi, using no additives. 

The sister’s recipe is now a famous 

regional food associated with 

Matsushima, one of Japan’s three 

most celebrated scenic sights. 

Kosetsuken 

Est. about 1800s File 

80 

(page119) 

Nijodori Kawaramachi higashiiru, 


0752311695 Hours:9a.m.~ 

7p.m. Closed:irregular 

http://www.kousetsuken.com/ 

Kosetsuken is a specialty store of 

Fude started by a craftsman 

seeking to create the perfect brush. 

The exact mixture of animal hairs 

from raccoon dogs, horses, and 

sheep can change the feeling as well 

as thickness and firmness of the 

brush. The store can recommend a 

brush best for your needs from more 

than 200 choices. It is known for 

famous customers Mushanokoji 

Saneatsu, Tomioka Tessai, and 

Tanizaki Junichiro, all literary 

masters who visited the store often. 

Kudanshita Gyokusendo 


57 

(page103) 

3-3 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, 

Tokyo 0332643741 

Hours:9a.m.~7p.m.(Sat. until 

5p.m.) Closed:Sun. National 

holiday http://gyokusen-do.jp/ 

Originally Gyokusendo was opened 

as a specialty store of Fude. 

This well-known 

store, which came to handle 

necessary tools of “Sho” 

(calligraphy) such as Sumi and 

paper, had eminent writers as 

customers. On the first floor you 

will find special Fude ordered by 

the eminent writers including 

Yosano Akiko, Nagai Kafu and 

Kitahara Hakushu. A collection of 

valuable calligraphy tools is also 

exhibited on the 2nd floor. 

Kuroeya 


91 

(page128) 

2F Kuroeyakokubu bld., 1-2-6 

Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 03 

32720948 Hours:9a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:Sat. Sun. National holiday 

http://www.kuroeya.com 

Kuroeya originated in an old 

Japanese lacquer-ware store in 

Nihonbashi Tokyo, which a person 

from Kuroe in Kii province 

(Kainan-shi Wakayama pref.), 

famous for Japanese lacquer-ware, 

opened when he came to Tokyo in 

the late Genroku era. The shop has 

an established reputation for high 

quality and became purveyor to the 

territorial lords in the Edo era and 

to The Imperial Household Agency 

in and after the Meiji era. In 

addition to bowls, they produce as 

well as other modern contemporary 

items. 

M 

Maehara Koei Shoten 


96 

2-14-5 Misuji, Taito-ku, Tokyo 

0338634617 Hours:Show 

room 10a.m.~5p.m. Closed:Sun. 


http://maehara.co.jp 

This store specializing in umbrellas 

was founded by Maehara Koei who 

became independent from the 

umbrella makers of Tokyo. In 

pursuit of original umbrellas made 

by craftsmen, they have continued 

to release the originals such as 

umbrellas made of silk batik print, 

umbrellas using natural wood for 

handles, and umbrellas with 16 ribs. 

These umbrellas, crafted carefully 

down to the last detail, are loved by 

the Imperial family and celebrities. 

Maruya Hacchomiso 


23 

52 Okandori, Hacchocho, 

Okazaki-shi, Aichi 0564220222 

Hours:factory tour 

9:30a.m.~11:30a.m. 1p.m.~4:20p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.8miso.co.jp/ 

Hacchomiso, otherwise known as 

soybean is a traditional 

seasoning produced in this location. 

At Maruya hacchomiso they keep to 

the traditional methods of using only 

soybean malt, salt and water, and 

allowing a two-year natural 

fermentation process condense the 

flavor of the soybeans. Hacchomiso, 

which they say was eaten by 

Tokugawa Ieyasu, is attracting 

attention as an excellent 

nutritional food and even being 

exported abroad. 

Misubu 


17 

(page71) 

222 Kamimyokakujicho, 

Koromonotanadori Nijo sagaru, 


0752313822 

Hours:9a.m.~5:30p.m. Closed:Sun. 


http://www.misu.co.jp/ 

In Heian era, Misu was used as a 

partition or a shade, and it 

represents a sacred boundary at 

shrined and temples. “Misubu” is 

the well-known shop for its highest 

quality Kyo-misu (bamboo blind). 

Their products are dedicated to Ise 

Jingu shrine and the Imperial 

Court as well as Nishihonganji 

temple and Chionin temple. At 

“Misubu,” all process from selecting 

bamboo to finishing is done 

manually, and the shop recently 

takes orders for irregular size 

products as well. 

Mitaniseito Hanesanukihonpo 


156-8 Umayado, 

Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa 

0879332224 Hours:9a.m.~ 


http://www.wasanbon.com/ 

The production of Wasanbon (fine 

grained sugar), indispensable for 

making Wagashi (Japanese sweets), 

began in the Edo era in the Tosan 

region of Kagawa pref. around the 

time of the 5th generation clan 

leader of the Takamatsu fiefdom 

where sugar cane cultivation had 

become widespread. The oldest 

tradition of Wasanbon production is 

“Mitani seito”, which has been 

followed faithfully since then. The 

production of Wasanbon is a 

handmade process using wooden 

tools, which has been designated a 

national treasure. The tradition 

and flavor of yore have been 

resurrected in the modern era. 

Mitsukoshi 


1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuoku, 

Tokyo 0332413311 

Hours:10a.m.~7p.m.(Honkan & 

Shinkan B1-3F until 7:30p.m. 

Shinkan 9-10F 11a.m.~10p.m.) 


http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp/ 

Mitsukoshi was the first enterprise 

to start the price tag sales method 

of retailing in the world. It started 

out in the early Edo era as a 

clothing store named Echigoya, 

which pioneered the revolutionary 

retailing method of selling bolts of 

cloth for use in making kimonos. Its 

name was later changed to 

Mitsukoshi combining the “Mitsu” 

of Mitsui & Co., with the “Koshi” 

(alternate pronunciation of Echi). 

In the year Meiji 37 (1904) 

Mitsukoshi proclaimed itself a 

department store and installed the 

first escalator in Japan. The retail 

establishment has always been in 

the vanguard of luxury goods 

department stores. 

Miyamoto Shoko 


97 

(page129) 

Yoei Ginza 2 nd bld. 1F, 1-9-7 Ginza, 

Chuo-ku, Tokyo 0335383513 

Hours:10:30a.m.~6:30p.m. 

Closed:Sun. National holiday 

http://www.miyamoto-shoko.com/ 

Miyamoto Shoko became well 

known as a famous shop for silver 

utensils after first gaining a 

reputation for cigarette cases and 

inlay work for foreigners and then 

becoming a purveyor to the 

Imperial Household. The shop also 

became involved in the production 

of crafts, polishing its techniques. It 

moved the main store to 

Namikidori in Ginza in 2012, and 

had kept up its dignified history 

and tradition. 

Miyawaki Baisenan 


82 

(page120) 

80-3 Daikokucho, Rokkakudori 

Tominokoji higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, 


Hours:9a.m.~6p.m.(Summer 

season until 7p.m.) Closed:none 

http://www.baisenan.co.jp/ 

This store is a purveyor of Kyoto 

folding fans, and has continued in 

this business since 1823. Production 

of Kyoto folding fans involves 88 

processes conducted by 70~80 

craftsmen and painters. The second 

floor houses an exhibition on the 

history of the fans, conveying a 

glimmer of the good old days. 

Among the exhibits, you can take a 

peek into history of this 

time-honored store by viewing the 

ceiling which was painted with 

Kyoto fans by 48 giants of the 

artistic world of Kyoto in the Meiji 

era. 

Morino Yoshinokuzu Honpo 


24 

(page74) 

3 Ouda Nishiyama, Uda-shi, 

Nara 0745873011 

Hours:”Kuzu no 

yakata”9a.m.~6p.m.(Winter season 

until 5p.m.) Closed:none 

http://www.morino-kuzu.com/ 

Arrowroot flour, harvested from the 

roots of “Kuzu” (arrowroot), is an 

indispensable ingredient in 

Wagashi and Japanese cooking. The 

arrowroot flour using the 

“Yoshinozarashi” production 

method, which uses only 

underground water in deep winter 

and refining and drying, is called 

Yoshino Kuzu. Morino 

Yoshinokuzu Honpo, which was 

making arrowroot flower in Yoshino 

where the Nan-cho Dynasty was 

during the era of the Nanboku-cho, 

since moved its location to Ouda in 

Edo era where it continues to 

protect this traditional 

manufacturing method. 

Murata Gankyoho 


98 

(page129) 

CM bld. 3-3 Nihonbashi Muromachi, 


Hours:10a.m.~7p.m.(Sat. & Sun. 

until 6p.m.) Closed:National 

holiday 

http://www.murata-gankyoho.co.jp/ 

Murata Gankyoho, which was 

originally a business set up by a 

“Kagamishi” (mirror artisan) 

serving the old imperial palace in 

Kyoto, was moved to Edo on the 

request of the Tokugawa Bakufu 

(Shogunate). The shop served the 

shoguns until the eleventh 

generation went out of the business 

of mirror making at the end of the 

Edo period, and after acquiring the 

technology of eyeglass 

manufacturing, set up the first 

specialist glasses shop in Japan. 

The long-standing shop is a 

purveyor to the Imperial Household, 

and counts among its customers Ito 

Hirobumi, the first prime minister 

of Japan, Natsume Soseki, 

Shimazaki Toson and other literary 

luminaries. 

Muro Kanamono 


76 

(page119) 

94 Kannoncho, Nijodori 



0752119798 


3p.m.) Closed:1 st 2 nd 4 th Sat., Sun. 


http://www.murokanamono.co.jp/ 

The founder Muro Mansuke moved 

from Tanba (present-day Hyogo 

pref.) to Omiya-shimodachiuri and 

started the business as a 

blacksmith, making metal fittings 

such as handles and circle locks for 

a chest and an oblong chest called 

Nagamochi. Later, he opened a shop 

for manufacturing and sales and 

enjoyed the blooming business. 

Then, the business survived the 

difficult period when the demand 

for Fusuma sliding doors and 

cabinetworks declined. The shop 

currently deals with a wide range of 

metal fittings from traditional 

designs to things used for 

modern architecture rooms. 

Myochin Honpo 

Est. 1100s File 

18 

(page71) 

112 Idei Kaminocho, Himeji-shi, 

Hyogo 0792225751 

Hours:8a.m.~11:45a.m. 

1:15p.m.~5p.m. Closed:Sun. 


The Myochin family has its history 

since Heian era, and all owners 

from the 1 st to the 48 th were 

armorers serving the Sakai family 

of the Himeji feudal lord. 

The Emperor Konoe 

was fond of their 

Abumi (stirrups) and gave 

the family name, and the shop 

became famous for the Myochin 

Hibashi (metal chopsticks). 

Since then, the 

shop has specialized in forging as 

its main business. The 52 nd owner 

invented the Hibashi Furin (a wind 

bell), and its clear sound has been 

attracting many customers. 

175

N 

Naito Shoten 


79 

(page119) 

Sanjo-ohashi nishizume, 


0752213018 

Hours:9:30a.m.~7:30P.m. 


A specialty store for hemp-palm 

brooms established beside 

Sanjo-ohashi from the Edo era. 

Hemp palm’s fiber resists water, 

and it increases in firmness while 

softening with use. It is said Yanagi 

Sori of the people art 

campaign often visited the shop. 

Traditional hemp palm products 

such as brooms and scrubbing 

brushes are still handmade by a 

specialized craftsman one by one. 

Nanso Miso 


29 

(page76) 

151 Imakicho, Kishiwada-shi, 

Osaka 0724446066 


http://nansoumiso.com/ 

The miso is made of carefully 

selected domestic rice, soy beans, 

and salt, and matured with 

homemade Koji (Malted Rice). 

Customers love its unchanged 

flavor since the establishment of 

business. The homemade “morning 

collected vegetable” pickles are also 

popular, especially the lightly 

pickled Senshu district specialty 

Water Eggplant, is well known as 

summer feature throughout the 

nation. 

Nihonbashi Benmatsu Sohonten 


45 

(page88) 

1-10-7 Nihonbashi Muromachi, 


Hours:9:30a.m.~3p.m.(Sat. Sun.& 

National holiday until 12:30p.m.) 

Closed:none 

http://www.benmatsu.com/ 

The first generation owner who 

opened the restaurant, wrapped 

leftovers in a bamboo sheath for 

customers to take home. This 

grew a reputation, and customers 

asking for wrapping started to 

increase. Then the 3 rd generation 

Matsujiro then opened a store 

specializing in “Packed Dish”, 

which called Benmatsu was 

named after Matsujiro. The 

current 8 th owner has inherited 

salty-sweet thick seasoning flavor 

since the establishment of the 

business and conveys the taste of 

Edo. 

O 

Oigen Chuzo 


31 

45 Mizusawaku Horinouchi, 

Oshu-shi, Iwate 0197242411 

Hours:9a.m.~5p.m.(Sat. Sun. & 

National holiday 10a.m.~4p.m.) 

Closed:none http://oigen.jp/ 

The history of “Nanbu-tekki” dates 

back to the 11 th century when Oshu 

Fujiwara prospered in Hiraizumi, 

and the tale goes that its roots go 

back to an ironmonger who came 

from Omi (Shiga pref.). The making 

of ironware became popular and 

Oigen was founded in Edo era when 

the Date feudal clan encouraged the 

local industry. Nanbu-tekki has 

always had a good reputation for 

superior technique, but in recent 

years the products have drawn 

global attention for their successive 

design combinations. 

Oimatsu Shuzo 


12 Yamasakicho Yamasaki, 

Shiso-shi, Hyogo 0790622345 

Hours:8a.m.~5p.m. Closed:irregular 

http://s-oimatsu.com/ 

The Sake Brewery Oimatsu Shuzo 

opened at its current location, an 

area formerly known as 

Nishiharima, in the mid-Edo era. 

The brewery originally started as a 

supplier to the Yamazaki han 

(feudal territory). The chief brewers, 

named Tanba-toji, stay loyal to the 

sake brewing process handed down 

to them. Sakagura, the place to 

brew and store sake, is full of the 

breweries past prosperity and is 

dark and pleasantly cool all day. 

The yeast used in the brewing 

process helps in reviving the great 

taste of the sake. Tours of the 

brewery, and Sake tasting are 

available on request. 

Ohnoya Sohonten 


48 

(page102) 

2-2-1 Shintomi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0335510896 Hours:9a.m.~5p.m. 


http://www.oonoyasohonten.jp/ 

Onoya sohonten produces very 

popular Tabi (Japanese socks) 

called Shintomi style which are 

favored by many Kabuki and Noh 

actors and dancers. The Shintomi 

style Tabi are loved for narrowed 

soles and plumply circled toe-tips, 

which make feet look slender and 

neatly small. The shop has Tabi in 

various sizes and shapes as well as 

custom tailoring. 

Ota Nawanoren 


39 

(page82) 

1-15 Sueyoshicho, Naka-ku, 

Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 045 

2610636 Hours:5p.m.~10p.m.(Sat. 

Sun. & National holiday 

12p.m.~3p.m. 5p.m.~9p.m.) 

Closed:Mon., 3 rd Sun.(except Jan. 

& Dec.) 

http://www.ohtanawanoren.jp/ 

This shop dominated with its 

“Gyu-nabe (Beef pot)”, a cross 

between Japanese and foreign 

cooking by taking in a then-foreign 

idea of eating meat in Yokohama 

city which among the first to 

embrace the western culture during 

the Japanese cultural 

enlightenment period. The 

Gyu-nabe is the original dish, but its 

cooking method came from 

Botan-nabe (Boar meat stew). Beef 

is not pre-heated, but is put in a pot 

as raw with miso based sauce to 

cook, and then green onions are 

added. Up to this day, the shop 

offers a variety of course meal. The 

shop was named after a rope 

curtain called Nawanoren which 

used to be hung under eaves. 

Ozu Washi 


53 

(page103) 

3-6-2 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, 

Tokyo 0336621184 


Sun, National holiday 

http://www.ozuwashi.net/ 

A Japanese paper “Washi” specialty 

store that boasts one of the largest 

selections in Japan. Established as 

a paper wholesaler by Ozu Kiyoshi 

from Ise. The “museum shop” on the 

ground floor is where they exhibit 

accessories and miscellaneous 

goods using Washi other than for 

arts and crafts, including Japanese 

calligraphy paper. On the second 

floor, they have a museum and a 

gallery where you can experience 

the history and the charm of Ozuwashi. 

The shop is currently under 

remodeling construction and is 

open only on the 2 nd floor. 

R 

Rengatei 


43 

3-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0335613882 

Hours:11:15a.m.~L.O.2:15p.m. 

6:40p.m.~L.O.8:30p.m. 

(Sat.National holiday L.O.8:00p.m.) 

Closed:Sun. 

http://www.ginza-rengatei.com/ 

A pioneer of Japanese Western food. 

The fried pork cutlet devised by 

“Rengatei” is led to a Japanese style 

“Tonkatsu”. There are lots of menu 

items such as “Omu Rice” (omelet 

with rice) and “Hayashi Rice” 

(hashed beef with rice), which are 

said to have been invented from the 

meals for kitchen workers. The 

menu and customs of Western 

food such as serving rice on the 

plate is assumed originate from 

"Rengatei". The store, built in 1964, 

conveys the atmosphere of the 

times when Western food was rare. 

S 

Sakata Bunsuke Shoten 


78 

379 Shiogamacho, Gojodori 


Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 

0753517689 

Hours:11a.m.~7p.m. Closed:Wed. 

A specialty shop for “Ogi”, 

Japanese hand-held fans. They 

exhibited at The International 

Exposition of Modern Industrial 

and Decorative Arts in 1925 in 

Paris. Unlike paper fans in daily 

use, their fans are for ceremonies 

and entertainment. They are 

refined, using the traditional skills 

of craftsmen and sandalwood and 

ebony. On top of the international 

and domestic product collections, 

they introduce new designs every 

year. They have a reputation for a 

surprising combination of material 

and modern sensibility. 

Sanjohonke Misuyabari 


86 

(page120) 

Sanjodori Kawaramachi Nishiiru, 


0752212825 Hours:10a.m.~ 

6p.m. Closed:Thu. 

http://www.misuyabari.jp/ 

A needle specialty store, opened at 

the current location in the early 

Edo era and now is in its 

17 th generation of operation. It is 

said that “Misuya” was the house 

name given by Emperor Gosaiin to 

the late head of the family, when 

working as a purveyor to the 

imperial household. The late head 

was purifying the soul and learning 

secret techniques in private behind 

a bamboo blind at the imperial 

household. But the emperor paid 

attention to that and the name was 

given then. The needles spread 

throughout the country as a good 

gift because they are not 

space-taking and are considered as 

the best for needlework. 

Sarashina Horii 


41 

(page84) 

3-11-4 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, 

Tokyo 0334033401 

Hours:11:30a.m.~8:30p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.sarashina-horii.com/ 

A soba noodle shop opened in the 

mid Edo era by Nunoya Tahee who 

was originally a textile merchant in 

Shinshu (Nagano pref.). The former 

shop name was Shinshu Sarashina 

Sobadokoro when he opened it after 

being commended by his lord for his 

soba noodle recipe. Sarashina-soba 

is a flavorful white noodle made of 

only the core of buckwheat seeds. 

Tokyoite (called “Edokko”) noodle 

connoisseurs enjoyed his noodle 

recipe. Also, He was allowed to 

access to Edo Castle (residency for 

the Shogun) and the residencies of 

the Daimyo. He changed the house 

name to “Horii” and now the nineth 

of his generation keeps up the 

tradition at the shop. 

Saruya 


56 

(page103) 





http://www.nihonbashi-saruya.co.jp 

Toothpicks have come in handy as a 

tool for good manners since the Edo 

era. Saruya is the only toothpick 

specialty store in the country. The 

product most representative to the 

store is “Jo-kakuyoji.” They are 

made of Kuromoji, a tree in the 

laurel family that gives off an 

aromatic scent. The toothpicks are 

sharpened by craftsmen one by one 

and they have elasticity and won’t 

break easily. The Toothpick box is 

made with “Kumadori” (the image 

of stage make up for Kabuki actors), 

with Japanese silk crepe, and with 

other nice designs. They are 

popular for gifts. 

Seijuken 


55 

(page103) 

1-6-1 Nihonbashi Horidomecho, 


Hours:9a.m.~5p.m.(close on a 

sellout) Closed:Sat. Sun. National 

holiday 

Seijuken, a Japanese sweets shop 

which was established in the 

Edo-era samurai and merchant 

district of Horiecho, has had 

Daimyo and Ryotei (traditional 

high-class restaurants) as its 

customers and is a favorite for 

visiting gifts in the world of 

courtesans and geisha. Its specialty 

“Large size Dorayaki”, which has a 

fine balance of aromatic batter and 

sweet bean paste, is highly popular 

and tends to be sold out quickly at 

midday. The shop has a solid 

following for its seasonal festival 

and celebration sweets, such as its 

chestnut manju. 

Seikado 


85 

(page120) 

462 Myomanjimaecho, 

Teramachidori Nijo sagaru, 


0752313661 Hours:10a.m.~ 


http://www.seikado.jp/ 

Seikado started business at its 

current location and now in its 7th 

generation of operation to make tin 

wares such as bowls and tea jars 

with using tin and lead. Originally 

their business was to produce 

ceremonial art for shrines and 

temples and items to the Japanese 

Imperial Court. In the latest 

generation, they have opened a 

store to sell and display a wide 

variety of metal crafts as well as 

taking orders. Their galleries in 

Tatami room, tea ceremony room 

and traditional Japanese 

warehouse are well worth seeing. 

Shiose Sohonke 


92 

(page128) 

7-14 Akashicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0335410776 Hours:9a.m.~ 

6p.m. Closed:Sun. National holiday 

http://www.shiose.co.jp/ 

Rin Join the First, a Zen monk from 

The Yuan dynasty in China, lived in 

Nara prefecture in Japan. He made 

and offered Manju, a bun with bean 

filling, to the Imperial Court, it is 

said that this was the origin of 

Japanese Manju. And Ashikaga 

Yoshimasa, the 8th Shogun in the 

Muromachi era, presented him a 

self-written wooden sign which 

states “Nihondaiichiban 

Honmanjudokoro” meaning “the 

first Manju shop in Japan”. They 

were identified as Nara in Kyoto, 

then moved to Edo from Kyoto. 

They are handing down the 

traditional taste and skill of his 

Manju and confectionaries. 

Shioyoshiken 


61 

(page110) 

180 Hidadonocho, Kuromondori 

Nakadachiuriagaru, Kamigyo-ku, 


Hours:9a.m.~5:30p.m. Closed:Sun. 

3rd Wed. National holiday, 

http://www.kyogashi.com/ 

Shioyoshiken was founded when it 

separated from Shiojiken, whose 

history traces back to Rin Join, the 

origin of Japanese confectionaries. 

The store first moved to Nishijin, 

Kyoto and then to its current 

location in 1914. The store is best 

known for its “Juraku”, baked 

Manju and it’s “Chiyo tansu”, a 

sweets box made of colorfully 

patterned handmade papers 

consisting 3 drawers, each of which 

contains a different type of dried 

confectionary. They carefully select 

the best red beans, refined 

Wasanbon and other ingredients 

used for Yokan (a dessert made of 

sweetened jellied red beans), 

Monaka (a bean filled wafer) and 

dried confectionaries. 

Shirokiya Denbee Shoten 


54 

(page103) 

Shiroden bld. 1F, 3-9-8 Kyobashi, 




http://www.edohouki.com/ 

This store produces a broom called 

“Edo Hoki”, which was considered 

as a must for life in a Japanese row 

house and proved very useful for 

sweeping Tatami mats. They have 

kept faithful to the traditional way 

of production. They use ears of 

broomcorn, a rare annual grass 

plant in Japan for producing Edo 

Hoki, the store places special orders 

for these from a farm at the foot of 

Mt. Tsukuba. With that, craftsmen 

weaved Edo Hoki. They are once 

again gaining popularity as they are 

light and convenient to use. 

Shoeido 


71 

(page118) 

Karasumadori Nijo agaru higashigawa, 

Nakagyo-ku, 



6p.m., Sun. & National holiday 

until 5p.m.) Closed:none 

http://www.shoyeido.co.jp 

A traditional incense shop that 

started using the name Shoeido 

since its 3 rd generation of operation. 

Kunko (incense often used for 

religious rites), Koboku and Neriko 

(fragrances used in tea ceremonies), 

Senko (incense stick) for Japanese 

tatami rooms, enjoyable everyday 

incense, Nioibukuro, and a variety 

of other items are available at the 

store. You can experience a world of 

elegant scents at the founding 

Sukiya-zukuri style main store, 

located near the Kyoto Imperial 

Palace. 

Somenotsukasa Yoshioka 

Est. Late Edo Period File (page121) 

89 

206-1 Nishinocho, Shinmonzendori 

Yamatooji Higashiiru, 


0755252580 


http://www.textiles-yoshioka.com/ 

Yoshioka Sachio, the 5 th generation 

artisan, is a cloth dyer whom has 

inherited long held traditional 

techniques of dyeing. With well 

water from 100 meters 

underground in Fushimi, he dyes 

by hand natural fabrics, silk, hemp 

and cotton with natural pigment 

dyes such as the roots of 

Leptospermum erythrorhizon, 

flower petal of safflower and the 

roots of Rubia Argyi. He also uses 

his skill in efforts to restore 

historical items at Shosoin and 

treasures of many temples. 

Suetomi 


60 

(page109) 

Matsubaradori Muromachi 

Higashiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 

Kyoto 0753510808 



Suetomi was founded when it 

separated from Kamesuehiro where 

the founder worked for training. 

Originally Suetomi produced 

steamed or dry confectionaries for 

tea masters, temples and shrines. 

Right after the World War 2 the 

store became widely known for its 

“Yasai Senbei” (rice cracker with 

egg and vegetables from Kyoto) as a 

daily confectionary for the general 

public. “Usubeni”, thin baked wheat 

gluten crackers with shredded 

sweet plum sauce in between, was 

produced by the 2 nd and 

Yabunouchike tea school 12 th Iisai. 

It is one of famous confectionaries 

at the store. 

T 

Tamaya Kobayashi Shoten 


93 

1-14-10 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0335612127 

Hours:9a.m.~5p.m. “Nicos coffee 

shop”8a.m.~5:30p.m. Closed:Sat. 


http://www.nicos-coffee.co.jp/ 

The only shop where you may 

purchase the same coffee supplied 

to the Imperial Household. Starting 

with hand roasting green coffee 

beans from Brazil and Colombia, 

their blended coffee gets complexity 

in taste and is full of flavor. Their 

original blend coffee under the 

name of “Nicos Coffee” is available 

to purchase. The best coffee is 

brewed and available to enjoy at the 

stores cafe. 

Tarugen 

Est. 1800s File 

83 

(page120) 

Yamatoojidori Sanjo sagaru, 


0755414512 

Hours:9a.m.~6p.m Closed:irregular 

Tarugen opened in the late Edo era 

to produce wooden bathing buckets 

and Sake Barrels, and is named 

after its founder, Tanaka Genshichi. 

They started to produce high 

quality buckets for cooking, flowers, 

and Sake ware after the World War 

2. Their items became popular 

throughout the country because of 

their everlasting design and 

exquisite practicality. Their main 

business is made-to-order and the 

5th storeowner is the only craftsman 

creating the items, from sourcing 

raw materials to completion, it 

takes about half a year per order. 

Taruya Takeju 


1-2-13 Oishiminamimachi, Nada-ku, 

Kobe-shi, Hyogo 0788618717 



http://www.taruya.com/ 

Opened in the late Edo era in Nada, 

Kobe, where Sake brewing had 

become very popular. Starting with 

production of large wooden buckets, 

they began to make sake barrels in 

the final years of the Edo era. 

Currently they produce a variety of 

large barrels to store pickles, Miso 

and others products. The process of 

production has not changed since 

its inception and use only aged 

Yoshinosugi wood, a cypress tree 

from Kawakamimura, Yoshino in 

Nara, 100 years of age or more. 

They use bamboo nails to connect 

staves to the cover and bottom and 

do not use any chemical adhesives. 

Tenyasu 


58 

(page103) 

1-3-14 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0335313457 Hours:9a.m.~ 


http://www.tenyasu.jp/ 

The history of Tsukudajima, a 

birthplace of Tsukudani 

(preservable food boiled down in soy 

sauce), began when Tokugawa 

Ieyasu called fishermen together 

from Tsukuda village of Settsu after 

the Edo Bakufu (Shogunate) was 

established. Well-known Tenyasu is 

a well-known shop that continues 

to this day producing and selling 

traditional Tsukudani in 

Tsukudajima. The secret of the 

taste is in “the sauce” which is the 

broth from various ingredients. 

Tenyasu inherited the sauce, which 

is used as basic seasoning. It is 

literally a taste steeped in history. 

Tobitsuka Seikyojo 


16 

1-10-7 Hinokicho, Yamagata-shi, 

Yamagata 0236845211 



http://www.tobisho.jp/ 

A long-established 

blacksmith with 200 years or more 

of history and currently deals 

mainly in pruning shears for 

garden trees and fruit trees. The 

scissors of Tobitsuka seikyojo is a 

traditional industrial art object 

made meticulously by a process of 

100 steps that finishes in the 

combination of blades one-by-one by 

hand. The sharpness lasts long and 

it will fit to your palm nicely. 

Toraya 

Est. Late Muromachi Period File 2 (page46) 

4-9-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 

0334084121 

Hours:8:30a.m.~7p.m.(Sat. Sum. & 

National holiday until 6p.m.) 


http://www.toraya-group.co.jp/ 

Toraya was founded in Muromachi 

era and it became a purveyor of 

Japanese sweets to the Imperial 

Palace after being presented to the 

Emperor Goyozei. It is written 

down on an early order sheet in Edo 

era that Toraya made various 

sweets such as Yokan, Candy, and 

Rakugan. Toraya established a 

foothold in Tokyo in 1869, after the 

national capital was transferred 

there on the heels of the Meiji 

Restoration. At present, Toraya has 

its flagship store in Akasaka, and a 

chain of shops throughout Japan, in 

addition to a boutique in Paris. 

Tsuen 


26 

(page76) 

1 Uji Higashiuchi, Uji-shi, Kyoto 

0774212243 

Hours:9:30a.m.~5:30p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.tsuentea.com/ 

The traditional teahouse opened in 

the late Heian era at the East end 

of Ujibashi Bridge. Records at the 

teahouse show that Ashikaga 

Yoshimasa, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, 

and Tokugawa Ieyasu visited there. 

The current building constructed in 

the Kanbun era (1672) is in the 

architectural style of that era, 

which has a deeper eave and less 

pillars for its frontage width. It is 

full of atmosphere of the past, 

displaying the tea jars that have 

witnessed the historical moments of 

the store. 

Tsuruya Yoshinobu 


68 

(page112) 

Kyoto-honten, Imadegawadori 

Horikawa nishiiru, Kamigyo-ku, 


Hours:9a.m.~6p.m.(tea room L.O. 

5:30p.m.) Closed:none(tea room 

closed Wed.) 

http://www.turuya.co.jp/ 

Traditional confectionary store 

Tsuruya Yoshinobu in the 

neighborhood of Nishijin, Kyoto has 

been a purveyor to the Kyoto 

Imperial Palace and head families 

for Tea ceremony schools. They 

produce not only “Namagashi,” 

sweets used in the tea ceremony, 

they also have a variety of popular 

sweets such as “Fukuwauchi 

(meaning “inviting good luck”)” that 

the 4 th storeowner designed for 

Setsubun, and “Kyokanze”, a spiral 

patterned confectionary named 

after the famous “Kanzemizu”. On 

the 2 nd floor you can enjoy tea and 

confectionaries being made before 

you at “Kayujaya” . 

172

U 

Ubukeya 


47 

(page102) 

3-9-2 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, 



5p.m.) Closed:Sun. National 

holiday http://www.ubukeya.com/ 

This was the first workshop store 

selling western-style kitchen knives, 

scissors, and tweezers in the early 

Westernization period of the Meiji 

era, and it made a great stir at the 

time. The unique name came from 

when the knives from the first 

production run took on a reputation 

as being able to “shave, cut, and 

pull the downy hair of the baby 

(Ubuke)”. There are various types of 

knives and scissors lined up in the 

shop from which you can take your 

preference. 

Uemura Yoshitsugu 


63 

193 Joshinyokocho, Marutamachi 

Karasuma nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, 




The current owner of 

“Onsuhamatsukasa” is the 14 th in 

its long-standing history. Suhama is 

a traditional Japanese confection. 

It’s made by grinding roasted 

soybeans and kneading it with 

other ingredients such as candies. 

The shop offers the authentic 

rectangular Suhama. Oshimono, 

which is the current owner’s 

creation, is offered with different 

patterns every month. After 

seasonal patterns are drawn on the 

thinly stretched Rakugan, the 

Suhama is inlaid in Rakugan. It 

carries the beauty as if it is an 

artwork. 

Usamitei Matsubaya 


42 

3-8-1 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, 


Hours:11a.m.~7p.m.(Fri. Sat. until 

7:30p.m.) Closed:Sun. National 

holiday 

The founder who served as an 

apprentice to a sushi restaurant 

opened this udon noodle shop in 

Senba, Osaka, when the sushi 

restaurant was closed. At this udon 

noodle shop, the founder offered 

deep-fried bean curd called Age, 

which is used to make Inarizushi, 

for free. Then customers started 

eating Age on top of udon noodles, 

and people spread the word about 

its deliciousness. This is the origin 

of “Kitsune Udon,” and now it is a 

well-known dish. The shop is 

famous for maintaining the 

traditional taste, using the same 

ingredients coming from various 

regions since the opening of the 

shop. 

W 

Watanabe Somemonoten 


13 

737 Hachimancho Shimadani, 

Gujo-shi, Gifu 0575653959 



http://www.gujozome.jp 

An indigo dyeing 

establishment of long-standing, in 

the Gujo Hachiman, an area 

blessed with access to pure flowing 

water. It is known for the deep 

indigo color it achieves by repeating 

the indigo dyeing process on 

average 10 times. In addition to 

Noren (ornamental curtains on 

store fronts, etc.) and Furoshiki 

(wrapping cloth used to carry 

things),made-to-order Koinobori 

(carp shaped streamers flown 

around Children’s Day on May 5 th ). 

Every year on “Daikan” (the coldest 

day of the year, between Jan. 20 th 

and Feb. 3 rd ), the dye fixing of the 

Koinobori in the cold waters of the 

Yoshida river is a seasonal spectacle 

in Gujo Hachiman. 

Y 

Yagicho Honten 


51 


Chuo-ku Tokyo 0332411211 


http://www.yagicho-honten.jp/ 

The first generation proprietor “Ise 

Shonin” opened this business in the 

Edo era at the time of the eighth 

shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune. In 

the beginning the shop handled 

products from Hokkaido, then 

under the sixth generation 

specialized in Katsuobushi (dried 

bonito flakes). After the war, the 

shop started selling carefully 

selected items indispensable for 

Japanese cuisine such as Konbu 

(kelp), dried sardines, beans and 

dried noodles. The shop provides 

goods welcomed both for home 

cooking and professional use. 

Yamadamatsu Kobokuten 


72 

164 Kageyukojicho, Kamigyo-ku, 



Closed:none 

http://www.yamadamatsu.co.jp/ 

Started its business selling drugs or 

drug related items, the shop 

specialized in incense, especially 

incense woods (“Koboku”), in Edo 

era. The incense-smelling ceremony 

in which the incense woods are 

burnt has been one of the 

long-lasting traditional arts since 

Muromachi era. This store has 

passionately worked on inheriting 

Japanese incense culture, and 

customers can try incense smelling, 

trying to tell which incense wood is 

burnt, and incense making at the 

shop. 

Yamagataya Kamiten 


99 

2-17 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, 

Tokyo 0332217829 Hours:10a. 

m.~6p.m. Closed:Sat. 


http://yamagataya-kamiten.co.jp/ 

Yamagataya Kamiten, after going 

independent more than 130 years 

ago has continued in the Washi 

business in the same place in 

Kanda Jimbocho to this day. Behind 

the shop there is a brick storehouse 

that has withstood the great fire of 

Taisho 2 (1913), the Great Kanto 

Earthquake (1923), and the 

firebombing of Tokyo in World War 

2. In it are carefully stored a great 

number of precious types of Washi, 

which are supplied to the Imperial 

Household Agency and other 

customers. 

Yamaji Shuzo 


25 

(page75) 

990 Kinomotocho Kinomoto, 

Nagahama-shi, Shiga 074982 

3037 Hours:8a.m.~6p.m. 

Closed:none 

http://www.hokkokukaidou.com/ 

Yamaji Shuzo is a Sake cellar 

established along the old route 

Hokkoku Kaido linking the 

Hokuriku region and Kyoto, which 

was a thriving commercial 

transport artery. “Hokkoku Kaido” 

brand and other choice sakes are 

produced here, carefully selecting 

the best of sake rice grown under 

natural conditions, the purest of 

water and using the traditional 

methods taught in this extremely 

cold area. Another deeply popular 

label is “Kuwazake”, which 

Shimazaki Toson is said to have 

favored for its sweetness and 

fragrance. 

Yamamoto Noriten 


100 

(page129) 




Closed:none 

http://www.yamamoto-noriten.co.jp 

Nori (dried pressed seaweed) 

specialist Yamamoto Noriten 

became known nationwide for its 

development of Ajitsuke Nori 

(flavored Nori) under 2 nd generation 

Yamamoto Tokujiro, which was 

initially presented as a gift to the 

Meiji Emperor on the occasion of an 

imperial visit to Kyoto. Nori that is 

handpicked has developed a 

reputation for use in gift 

exchanging due to its softness and 

aroma. The store has adhered to the 

enterprising spirit of the 2 nd 

generation owner with active new 

product development and overseas 

expansion. 

Yasuda Nenjuten 


74 

(page118) 

Teramachi Rokkaku kado, 


0752213735 

Hours:9:30a.m.~7:30p.m.(Sun. 

National holiday from 10:30a.m.) 

Closed:none 

http://www.yasuda-nenju.jp/ 

Kyoto is said to supply about 90% of 

all “Nenju” or “Juzu” (bracelet style 

rosaries) used in Buddhist 

ceremonies in Japan. Yasuda Nenju 

Shoten of Kyoto is a shop of long 

standing that has notched up three 

hundred years of history since 

beginning to make Nenju, and 

supplies all the head temples of all 

Buddhist sects in Japan. For that 

purpose the store has a line-up of 

Nenju for formal and informal 

occasions, men and women, and for 

each sect’s differing requirements. 

These Nenju, hand-crafted by 

full-time artisans, are literally 

things to be kept for a lifetime. 

Yawataya Isogoro 


11 

(page68) 

83 Daimoncho, Nagano-shi, Nagano 

0120156170 


Closed:none 

http://www.yawataya.co.jp/ 

The founder started out as a vendor 

of “Shichimi Togarashi” (Japanese 

spice mixture containing seven 

ingredients) in the grounds of 

Zenkoji temple. The 3 rd generation 

was permitted to set up shop in a 

premier location in the grounds. 

The Shichimi Togarashi has 

gathered popularity around Zenkoji 

because of its lightness and easy 

portability. Today Yawataya Isogaro 

Shichimi Togarashi is well known 

nationwide for the harmony of its 

fragrance and spiciness. 

Yoshinosushi 


38 

(page81) 

3-4-14 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, 


Hours:10a.m.~6p.m. 2 nd 

floor11a.m.~1:30p.m.(L.O.) The dinner 

only as for the reservation 


http://www.yoshino-sushi.co.jp/ 

Since first generation owner 

Kasuke Yoshinoya, originally an 

innkeeper, started the sushi 

restaurant in 1841, Yoshinosushi 

has continued the tradition of 

Osaka-style sushi in Senba, Osaka 

ever since. The specialty Box Sushi 

is hand pressed into a box filled 

with roasted Nori and shiitake 

mushrooms after having been 

prepared fully for one day by 

placing carefully selected 

ingredients on a bed of sushi rice. 

There is a full menu of other 

delicacies including “Bozushi” (stick 

shaped line of sushi), “Mushizushi” 

(steamed sushi), etc. 

Yoshinosushi Honten 


37 

3-8-11 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 

0332743001 


4:30p.m.~9:30p.m.(Sat. 

11a.m.~2p.m.) Closed:Sun. 


Yoshinosushi Honten started out 

as a food cart vendor of sushi by the 

riverbank fish market of 

Nihonbashi, then set up a sushi 

restaurant. Nowadays sugar is 

commonly used in sushi rice 

preparation, but traditionl sushi 

shops used 

only red vinegar (made from sake 

lees) and salt. 

“Neta” (sushi toppings) is particular 

about the freshness, too. Part of the 

secret of its success is the 

emphasis on 

maintaining a cheerful atmosphere 

even though it is an old 

establishment. 

Z 

Zohiko 


90 

719-1 Yohojimaecho, Teramachidori 

Nijo agaru Nishigawa, Nakagyo-ku, 




http://www.zohiko.co.jp/ 

During its 3 rd generation of operation 

of Zogeya, Hikobee was 

given the title “Makienotsukasa” by 

the Imperial Court for his 

exceptional skill in the art of Makie, 

lacquer-ware sprinkled with gold or 

silver powder. In his later years, he 

made a Makie piece entitled 

“Hakuzo to Fugenbosatsu” and 

dedicated it to his family temple. 

This increased his reputation and 

he started to be called “Zohiko”,the 

combination sounds of the first 

Chinese characters of the store and 

his name. Now in its ninth 

generation of operation, it has 

inherited the traditional techniques 

as well as creation of new lacquer 

arts.

japanese-long

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