A popular souvenir from Tomioka! Shichimi, a seasoning from a long-established shop loved for over 100 years

A fragrant, healthy seasoning with a century of history

*The image shows medium spicy.

Located about a three-minute walk from the Tomioka Silk Mill through the retro townscape is Yoshida Shichimi-ten, a shichimi specialty store that has been loved by locals since it opened in 1896. Because it is light and easy to carry, it is well-known and popular as a souvenir for tourists and touring travelers.

Shichimi is a beloved Japanese condiment that adds aroma and spice to all kinds of dishes, including soba, udon, yakitori, soups, hot pots, and pickles.

Its roots date back to the Edo period (1625). Shichimi, a combination of seven spices, was originally created as a condiment to improve physical condition and spread throughout Japan.

At Yoshida Shichimiten, the previous owner, Yoshida Sadakichi, is said to have helped establish the shichimi culture, which originated in Asakusa and Yagenbori, in the area because it goes well with Gunma 's flour-based food culture (such as okkirikomi and udon).

The fragrant shichimi not only makes food delicious, but is also a part of Japanese wisdom that has been passed down since ancient times as a seasoning that supports health.

Yoshida's versatile and fragrant shichimi pepper goes perfectly with rice!

Yoshida's shichimi is made using the traditional method of slowly roasting seven ingredients - chili peppers, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, dried tangerine peel, shiso leaves, and green laver - over a wood fire.

The fragrant aroma of sesame that spreads the moment you open the bag or bottle has captivated many people.

There are three flavors: mild, medium, and very spicy, with the only difference being the amount of chili pepper used. Yoshida's shichimi is mild, so the very spicy version is the most popular. For those who like even spicier food, there is also an even more stimulating "extra spicy" version.

The chef's recommended way to eat it

The recommended way to eat it is to sprinkle it on warm rice like furikake, and then add soy sauce or ponzu sauce to add flavor!

It is said that adding a little salt will enhance the aroma of the shichimi, making it even more delicious.

By the way, in addition to rice, sprinkling it on steak or salad will add a fragrant aroma, making it an amazing combination.

We encourage you to try and find your own way of eating it.

Find your favorite shichimi!

In addition to the standard shichimi, they also sell special seasonal shichimi, so you'll want to visit again and again to try the limited edition items as the seasons change.

Shimonita Green Onion Shichimi

Sales period: All year round

This popular shichimi pepper is made using Shimonita green onions, a Gunma specialty, and features the distinct flavor of fragrant sesame and green onions.

It goes great with both meat and fish dishes.

Sansho shichimi

Sales period: April to end of June

Shichimi pepper made with grape sansho pepper from Wakayama Prefecture.

The sansho pepper is harvested before it ripens and turns red, giving it a refreshing aroma.

It goes perfectly with eel dishes!

Habanero Shichimi

Sales period: August to end of October

In the summer, you want to eat spicy food!

A must-see for spicy food lovers!

Yuzu Shichimi

Sales period: November to end of February

The fragrant aroma of sesame is complemented by the refreshing scent of yuzu.

We recommend pouring it over hot pot dishes during the cold season!

Of the limited edition shichimi, yuzu shichimi is said to be the most popular, perfect to accompany warm meals in the winter.

Each shichimi comes in two sizes: 25g and 50g.

Store information

The store is open every day, so you can buy it anytime! The only place in Tomioka where you can buy it is at the store!

Address: 1071 Tomioka , Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture

Phone number: 0274-63-4088

Yoshida Shichimi Store Google Maps

Yoshida Shichimiten Official Instagram

summary

* Otomichan's House's Okkiri sales area.

Yoshida 's shichimi pepper is easy to use and adds a wonderful aroma and spiciness to your dishes.

It pairs perfectly with Okkirikomi, a specialty of Joshu, and Mizusawa udon from Gunma , one of Japan's three great udon noodles, both of which can be purchased at Otomichan's House , which is within walking distance.

Please enjoy this traditional taste that has been passed down through four generations of parents and children at home.

Tomioka Thread Mill

1-1 Tomioka, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture 370-2316

Founded in 1872 (Meiji 5), Tomioka Silk Mill is a model government-run factory that supported Japan's modernization. Buildings from the time of the mill's founding, such as the red brick East and West Cocoon Warehouses and the Silk Reeling Plant, still remain, allowing visitors to experience the history of manufacturing firsthand. In 2014, the mill was registered as a World Heritage Site, and it has become a popular tourist spot where visitors can learn about the progress of Japan's Industrial Revolution while strolling through the town.