Choubunya

Slide open the door, and the rich, welcoming aromas of Japanese spices like sansho pepper and sesame drift toward you. Located in Kitano Shimohakubaicho, not far from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Choubunya is a specialty seasoning shop that mixes custom blends to order right on the counter. Starting with classic shichimi ingredients—chili pepper, Japanese sansho, hemp seed, poppy seed, sesame, green seaweed, and shiso—you can select your desired heat level, from mild and medium to hot and extra hot, as the shopkeeper deftly blends your blend with a small measuring spoon right before your eyes.

A frequent request among visitors is extra sansho, which highlights refined citrus-tinged aromas and a pleasant, gentle numbing sensation that brings lovely balance to bowls of udon, hot pots, and broths. For those sensitive to spicy heat or simply wishing to appreciate the fragrant aromatics alone, there is also the option of "roku-mi"—a six-spice blend omitting chili pepper entirely—prized for its everyday versatility at the table. Alongside shichimi and roku-mi, the shelves feature single-ingredient red chili powder, finely ground sansho suited for meat dishes, as well as pepper and curry spice blends packaged in modest bags, making it tempting to pick up small varieties for different culinary needs.

Blended shichimi is sold by the measure according to the number of scoops. Because fresh blends are intensely aromatic, transferring a portion into your daily shaker and freezing the remainder in small airtight batches helps preserve its peak fragrance over time. The shop is open from 9:30 in the morning until 17:00, and is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Payment is cash only, so keep some currency ready as you decide on amounts for your own kitchen or gifts to take home.