Gourmet products local specialties and wines Japan

In this 400-meter-long alleyway, which runs parallel to the Shijō-dōri, is the city's liveliest historic food market. It is popular with locals and tourists alike. You can find all kinds of foods here, from the more familiar ones like tofu or ice cream to the less common ones, like some spices and condiments and some kinds of exotic fish. You can taste samples in some stores. Not to be missed!

A small bakery/coffee shop that serves probably the most "kawai" donuts in all of Japan. In the shape of a cat, a chick or a baby seal, one hesitates to bite into these pastries as they are made with tenderness and application. An original snack break as comforting for the taste buds as it is for the heart - there are also delicious cakes and biscotti! If it's not the right time, the shop also offers some savoury donuts.

In this shop, lovers of Japanese sake and whisky are encouraged. Amateurs and specialists should find their happiness between imported bottles and local production. 

In this well-stocked little shop you will find traditional and strong Japanese spirits. Note, the late hours and the very friendly staff who will advise you if your choice is not safe. 

In the city of Ashikaga, known for its parks of century-old wisteria, there is this estate created by a former special teacher for young people with disabilities. The workers in the vineyard are his former students or other people with mental disabilities: the idea is to develop their skills by cultivating the vineyard. The estate's restaurant offers local dishes and desserts such as Nagashi fruit paste. This is a perfect match for their Echi di Asino wine with caramel and chocolate flavors.

The Kawashima Shuzo Brewery was founded over 150 years ago. It is possible to visit the facilities free of charge. The tour begins with a video introduction and ends with a tasting. To enjoy the brewing of seasonal sake, visit the brewery between November 11 and February 20. The demonstration is interesting. The shop is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and bottles of this local sake brewed with the pure water of the town of Harie. Count about ¥1500 for a bottle.

For lovers of sake and other alcoholic beverages, here is a golden address. Indeed, at Yamaya Hanazono, you will have a wide range of choices, from low-priced bottles to the best selections of all possible and imaginable alcohols, from beer to fruit spirits, from whiskies to sake. Between Japanese and imported brands, you're bound to be in for a surprise. The brand also offers special selections, ideal for quality purchases and gifts. Several stores are located in Kyoto.

In this old and well renovated house, you can taste - on the spot (but be careful, there are only fifteen seats) or take away - delicious traditional Japanese pastries, some of them typical of Nara. The little sweets are very simple, very fine and the flavors change according to the seasons. To be tasted in particular, joyo-manju cakes made of red bean paste, and takenagashi, bean jellies in the form of bamboo shoots. Melting in the mouth, they are reminiscent of childhood sweets

Homeishu is an alcohol and for the other a medicinal mixture with special virtues, produced only in Tomo-no-ura. Sweet, this liqueur has been served for more than 350 years during important events to the distinguished guests. In any case, it is very much appreciated by the Japanese who do not hesitate to queue in order to get this famous potion.

In the district of Kawaramachi, this discreet institution is a reference for the Kyotoïtes in terms of tsukemono. These pickled or pickled vegetables are particularly appreciated in the region and you will often find them at the beginning of your meal. If you want to treat yourself to a selection of these Kyoto style vegetables, discover typical plants, or simply taste them, dare to push the door of Murakamijiyu Honten, whose unique know-how and surprising recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for 180 years.

Sake tasting, a small museum telling the exciting story of sake manufacturing and store. This house was founded in 1743 and is now a leading brand. 

This family brewery opened its doors in June 2017. The young entrepreneur behind this project is very passionate and it's a pleasure to talk with him about his job. The brewery, with its four fermentation vats, adjoins the small bar. Behind the stoves are the young man's parents, who take pleasure in cooking for the customers (from ¥350 the appetizer). Several draught beers are served there, depending on the season. The tasting set of five beers allows you to taste the extent of the brewer's talent. A favourite.

Minoh beers have won many awards over the years and it is not uncommon to find some of these bottles in the shops of the country's major cities, and even on some restaurant tables, a sign of the great notoriety in the Archipelago. From the most classic to the most elaborate, as well as seasonal beers, you can sip them here, in a warm and friendly setting, while enjoying small snacks. It is possible to leave with bottles bought on the spot, for yourself or as a gift.

This brewery of sake andumeshu, the plum-based alcohol, was founded in 1949 in the town of Kainan, near Wakayama. Since 1998, the company has been using only products from local agriculture to produce its beverages. It is possible to visit the facilities free of charge and enjoy the 10,000 m² Japanese garden adjacent to the factory. A well-stocked shop sells the company's products. It is possible to taste them. There are different types ofumeshu mixes, some of which are unsuspected.

Orion beer is the most famous beer in Okinawa. It can be found in all the restaurants of the prefecture. The beer is brewed in a brewery in the city of Nago. A part of the brewery, called Orion Happy Park, is open to the public and is the meeting point for free tours of the place. There is also a large shop, a restaurant and a small gallery about the history of this beer. Tours of the brewery last about an hour, are conducted in Japanese and must be booked in advance.

Created in 1659, this sake is produced using the Kimoto method, an ancestral method that guarantees an inimitable taste. We can visit a small museum and taste some of these sake in the shop.

Sakura Masamune's sake brewery has its own small museum that tells the story of the family. You can watch a little video, but above all test different sake. It is the custom to propose the creation of labels according to your wishes.

Founded on May^1, 1887, the Zuisen distillery also serves as a shop where visitors can watch the various stages of the development and production of this very special sake. The visitor has the opportunity to taste several of these sakes and to buy some, of course. Be careful though, Okinawa sake is much stronger than the usual Japanese sake. Okinawa rice alcohol has an alcohol content of about 30%.

While Ippodo represents the purest tradition of Kyoto teas, Lupicia is the flagship of Japanese tea houses offering new and innovative products. Green or black teas, scented with spices and flowers, calming, theine-free, this is a treasure chest of the finest teas from Japan and around the world. Pushing open the store's door takes you on a journey of a thousand flavors, from which you're sure to come away with some beautifully wrapped tins. We recommend the Hojicha-cinnamon tea, limited edition in Kyoto.

Ippodo needs no introduction. The parent company of the famous Kyoto tea brand exhibits here its best green teas. Sencha, matcha or gyokuro, a large variety of this traditional drink is sold in bags or in powder. In the back room, a tea room allows you to taste all kinds of teas and to learn how to differentiate them. As Ippodo is always on the cutting edge of trends, you can also buy your own cup to go in a paper cup. There are also classes to learn how to prepare tea properly. For tea lovers.