Great for those interested in Japanese Cuisine!

Kappabashi is visited by many international travelers looking to buy Japanese knives. I myself often visit to pick up the tool that is essential for any kitchen.

However, this time I’d like to introduce some of my favorite Japanese seasonings. These seasonings come from family businesses with 100+ years of history and traditional recipes. The shops are also based in the prefecture where I am living, Chiba Prefecture.  

The essential seasonings of Japanese cuisine are TAMARI Soy Sauce, MIRIN, and SESAMI OIL. Each one of these is made with care and methods that have been passed down through the generations.

During the era when Samurai wielded Katana, these flavors were distributed to the city by boat. During that time, Chiba not only benefited from its location on the coast, but also its many riverways.

Even with the modernization of distribution and an increase in business competition, these family run businesses continue to prosper.

You won’t find these products at the supermarket or the convenience store. While some accommodations might be able to accept a delivery, for the most part the only way to get them is by traveling on foot to the shop. That is part of their unique value.

The reason I continue to use them is for their power to add a twist to any of my favorite meals. Next time you’re in Japan, be sure to pick up some of these quintessential Japanese flavors to try with your own cooking and take your food to the next level!