#Japan #Tokyo #Asakusa #Kawamuraya #Japanese Pickles

Kawamuraya's Asakusa Reopening: A Cultural Journey Through Pickling

Kawamuraya, a long-standing pickling establishment with roots dating back to the Edo period, is making waves once again with the scheduled reopening of its Asakusa store on April 25, 2025. Having a history that spans 230 years, this beloved brand invites customers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese food culture.

Situated just a five-minute stroll from the renowned Senso-ji Temple, the newly renovated Asakusa store promises an engaging experience for both tourists and locals alike. The store aims to offer a space where visitors can fully engage with Japan's culinary heritage through their senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. This concept is particularly focused on the fermentation culture so intrinsic to pickling.

An Enchanting Atmosphere

The architectural design of the store draws inspiration from the traditional streets of Edo merchants, featuring a classic entrance adorned with a noren (a traditional fabric divider). Inside, customers can enjoy a cozy eat-in corner reminiscent of Edo tea houses, complete with tatami seating for savoring pickled delicacies. The decor seamlessly blends historic elements with modern Japanese aesthetics, creating a delightful ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience.

Store Layout and Unique Offerings

Kawamuraya's redeveloped store is housed across six floors, with the first three floors dedicated to retail and dining. Each level will offer distinctive services to create a unique experience:

• - 1st Floor: Retail & Eat-in Space

- Retail: A variety of classic pickled products, seasonal specialties, house-made pickles, and local delicacies from around Japan will be available.
- Eat-in: Guests can enjoy bite-sized pickles and beverages like sake and beer at Edo-inspired seating.

• - 2nd Floor: Dining

- Featuring counter seats and tatami areas, this floor will serve an array of pickled dishes and drinks, set to open on May 9, 2025.

• - 3rd Floor: Workshops

- This space will host classes for making nukazuke (rice bran pickle) and kimchi, along with cultural exchange events, with an anticipated opening at the end of May.

Kawamuraya's Signature Product

Kawamuraya takes pride in upholding a tradition of handcrafted pickles made from seasonal vegetables sourced from its home base in Saitama. Their flagship product, Daifukujinzuke, exemplifies this legacy. Utilizing locally grown daikon radish from Fukaya, the daikon is brined for two-and-a-half years to enhance its flavor, before being mixed with other vegetables such as eggplant and lotus root in a flavorful sweet soy sauce. This long-favored product has even earned the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in 1971, showcasing its esteemed quality.

Visitors to the renovated Asakusa store can explore a special corner dedicated to Daifukujinzuke, where they can savor the exquisite texture and depth of flavor that has captivated generations.

Kawamuraya is excited to welcome everyone to experience the fusion of tradition and innovation at the new Asakusa store. Join us in celebrating the captivating world of Japanese pickling and culture!

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 1-22-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Contact: 03-5806-0266

We look forward to your visit!