All Reviews of Shichimiya Honpo

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.

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!