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 | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Okayama Station
JR Okayama Station is a major terminal in the Chugoku and Shikoku area, served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and several JR lines. The Sanyo Line, Hakubi Line, Tsuyama Line, Ako Line, and Uno Minato Line all run through the station, making it a convenient transportation hub for destinations in and beyond Okayama Prefecture, including Kurashiki, Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, Uno Port, and Naoshima.
Finally arrived in Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine”! Okayama is located along the Seto Inland Sea, with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, and is also one of Japan’s well-known fruit-producing regions. As soon as you step out of Okayama Station, the first thing you see is the statue of Momotaro with the dog, monkey, and pheasant, which really reflects the local character. It turns out that the story of Momotaro is closely connected to Okayama. Before even starting to explore the city, you can already get a strong sense of Okayama’s local charm.
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SATUDORA Tanukikoji Daio Building Store
SATUDORA Tanukikoji Daio Building Store is a spacious two-story store located on a corner in Tanukikoji 5-chome, part of Sapporo’s famous covered shopping arcade. It's within walking distance of Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station. As the arcade is covered, it’s also easy to visit on rainy or snowy days. Its convenient location also makes it an ideal stop before or after sightseeing or a meal.
When shopping on Tanukikoji in Sapporo, Hokkaido, you definitely shouldn’t miss this SATUDORA store. The store is very spacious and bright, with neatly arranged displays that don’t feel crowded, so you can comfortably browse all kinds of cosmetics, skincare products, and popular medicines. There’s a wide selection of products, and it’s very comfortable and relaxing to shop here. You can also use coupons for additional discounts.
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Osaka Castle Spring Festival
The Osaka Castle Spring Festival is a beloved annual event held at Osaka Castle Park, one of the Kansai region’s most famous cherry blossom spots. It takes place each year from mid-March to mid-May, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak.
When spring comes to Osaka, the cherry blossom season is what I look forward to most. The park is filled with a lively atmosphere during the Osaka Castle Spring Festival, and from beneath the cherry trees to the edge of the moat, you can see people enjoying the blossoms in different ways everywhere. Groups of friends sit on the ground, eating snacks and having a little drink while admiring the cherry blossoms in front of them. Some people take advantage of the blossoms being at their best to capture as many photos as they can and create their own spring memories. Others simply sit and let their minds wander, watching the petals drift in the wind and quietly enjoying the moment. The blossoms last only a few short days, making this limited spring beauty feel even more precious.
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