This Kyoto shinise (historic store or restaurant) is located in Gion, just down the street from the gate of Yasaka Shrine and it is the place to buy high quality traditional Japanese spices such as shichimi, sansho and ichimi.
SHARE! Kyoto Support Topic: Where to Purchase Condiments, Sauces and Spices in Kyoto
Gion Hararyokaku is where I buy my kuro shichimi (black seven spice powder) which I really cannot do without. On a bowl of noodles, rice dishes, oden, nabe and even tempura, it just cannot be topped!
Hararyokaku’s spices are all made completely by hand. The kuro shichimi powder is actually oily from the amount and quality of the sesame seeds they use.
Hararyokaku is a real shinise, in business since 1704 and is well loved by people in Kyoto and tourists from other parts of Japan. Interestingly, the founder, Hara Ryokaku is a descendant of one of the Forty-seven Ronin (samurai). Yamawaki Toyo a doctor of Chinese medicine helped the founder Hara Ryokaku, develop the recipe for their first product.
Thirteen generations later, Hararyokaku still practices isshi soden (一子相伝), the owner passes on the tradition to only one descendant. So there are only one or two people in the entire world that are involved in the production of Hararyokaku’s products!
Hararyokaku’s spices can be purchased in beautiful wooden containers. Gift sets and reasonably priced refill packs are available as well. If you like Japanese food or you have friends that do, this is a great place to get some foodie gifts that are lights, durable and can cross borders easily.
location: Hararyokaku is located in Gion just south of Yasaka Shrine, on the north side of Shijo Street, it is on the corner of Shijo Street and Hanami Koji Street.
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