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Shichimiya Honpo

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Shichimiya Honpo

A longstanding shop specializing in Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) dating back to the Edo period, it is regarded as one of Japan's "Top Three Shichimi."

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Supervised by :  Shichimiya Honpo

Renowned as one of Japan's "Top Three Shichimi," this specialized Shichimi Togarashi shop was established in 1655 as a tea house at the intersection of the approach to Kiyomizu Temple, namely Kiyomizu-zaka and Sannei-zaka. Back then, they provided visitors to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and ascetics training at the Otawa Waterfall with a complimentary "Karashi-yu" - hot water sprinkled with chili pepper powder. Their inspiration to blend chili pepper with other ingredients such as Japanese pepper, sesame seeds, and hemp seeds marked the beginning of their venture as a Shichimi Togarashi specialty store.

While there's no strict definition for Shichimi Togarashi's ingredients and each shop boasts its unique blend, Shichimiya Honpo distinguishes its blend with aromatic components such as Japanese pepper, hemp seeds, white sesame, black sesame, green seaweed, and perilla. Just a sprinkle of their Shichimi can enhance the taste of any dish. The official website introduces a plethora of recipes, making it a fantastic reference for cooking enthusiasts.

In addition to their Shichimi products, they also sell Japanese pepper, Ichimi (single chili pepper), and Yuzu Ichimi. It's the perfect place to buy Japan's unique spices as souvenirs.

Highlights

  • Recognized as one of the "Top Three Shichimi" in Japan.
  • Their Shichimi Togarashi emphasizes aroma using fragrant ingredients.
  • Located on the approach to the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
  • The official website offers a variety of recipes for reference.

Photos

  • The hallmark of Shichimiya Honpo's Shichimi Togarashi is its rich aroma.

    The hallmark of Shichimiya Honpo's Shichimi Togarashi is its rich aroma.

  • It blends seven ingredients, some of which are also used in traditional medicine.

    It blends seven ingredients, some of which are also used in traditional medicine.

  • Preserve the "heritage taste" of Shichimi Togarashi. Available in pouches or with a spice container.

    Preserve the "heritage taste" of Shichimi Togarashi. Available in pouches or with a spice container.

  • A diverse range of spice containers, including Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki pottery, are available.

    A diverse range of spice containers, including Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki pottery, are available.

  • Situated on the approach to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

    Situated on the approach to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is assistance available in foreign languages? (If yes, please specify which languages.)
A

Assistance is possible only when staff proficient in that language are present. (English)

Q

Are tax refunds available?
A

Tax refund service not available.

Q

Is gift wrapping available?
A

Gift wrapping is available.

Q

Do you have an overseas-shipping service?
A

International shipping is not available.

Q

When we earn points, can we use them immediately?
A

Sorry, you can not.

Q

Can we sample the spices?
A

You can sample our traditional Japanese broth, Furikake seasoning, and various condiments.

Q

Can I request a custom blend of spices?
A

We do not accommodate custom blending. Please purchase Shichimiya Honpo's original blend.

Q

What color is the Shichimi?
A

Kyoto's Shichimi has a "reddish-brown" appearance due to its composition.

Q

How spicy is the Shichimi Togarashi?
A

In Kyoto, Shichimi's "aroma" is emphasized, so it's not overly spicy but rather aromatic.

Q

What's the shelf life?
A

Given the importance of aroma in our spices, we recommend consumption within approximately 3 months.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    When visiting the Kiyomizu-zaka and Sannenzaka area around Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, it’s easy to notice the long-established Shichimiya Honpo while shopping. With a long history, it’s known for its Kyoto-style shichimi togarashi, which skillfully blends chili pepper, sansho pepper, sesame, and other spices to create layers of aroma and heat. It makes a great Kyoto souvenir to take home. I like to sprinkle a little on meat dishes I make at home, as it adds more depth to the original flavors. It’s also great in ramen and soups, adding aroma and a mildly spicy flavor. Most importantly, the shichimi togarashi comes in lightweight packaging and doesn’t take up much room in your luggage, making it easy to pick up during a trip. In my experience, the Japanese people I’ve met don’t tend to like very spicy food, so there’s usually no need to worry too much about the heat level of this kind of shichimi powder.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Shichimiya Honpo's shichimi togarashi has a very appealing aroma. I was worried it might be too spicy, but the heat is actually quite mild and doesn't overpower the flavor of the food itself.

    What I like most is its subtle spice aroma. Sprinkle a little on udon, ramen, or a rice bowl, and it immediately adds more depth to the overall flavor. It's really suitable for people who enjoy aromatic spices but don't want anything too spicy!

Details

Name in Japanese
七味家本舗
Postal Code
605-0862
Address
Kiyomizu-dera Temple approach, 2-221, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
0120-540-738
Closed
Open every day
Business hours
9:30am-5:30pm
* may change seasonally
Directions
(1) From JR Kyoto Station, take the city bus to "Gojo-zaka", then a 7-minute walk.
(2) From Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, take the city bus to "Kiyomizu-michi", then a 7-minute walk.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa