Kayanoya, the dashi brand operated by Kubara Honke Co. with an established retail presence across Japan, has expanded its physical footprint with the opening of two flagship stores: Tokyo Ginza Kayanoya, and Kyoto Gion Kayanoya. Together, the two locations elevate Kayanoya’s presence as a cultural retail destination in Japan, uniting food, craftsmanship, architecture, and immersive dashi experiences in two of the country’s most iconic districts.
President Satoshi Kawabe stated, “Japanese culture is not limited to food, but extends to delicate crafts and architecture. Through these stores, we hope people rediscover the essential beauty of Japan.”
Tokyo Ginza Kayanoya (Opened November 21, 2025)
Tokyo Ginza Kayanoya is a flagship store located in Ginza, Tokyo, designed as a cultural hub to share Japanese food culture centered on dashi with visitors from Japan and abroad. The store expresses Kayanoya’s philosophy of valuing high-quality ingredients, led by its signature product Kayanoya Dashi, and presents an immersive experience of regional Japanese food culture through exclusive products, curated dried ingredients, and tasting experiences.
The building was designed by architect Kengo Kuma, whose work includes the National Stadium. The design emphasizes natural materials and warmth, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere in the heart of Ginza. Kuma commented, “The appeal of Japanese culture lies in connection. Food and space are connected, and that relationship becomes a strength of this place. We have created a space that will surprise and inspire visitors from around the world.” The exterior features cedar latticework inspired by traditional Japanese architecture.
A key concept of the store is the exploration of regional dashi, featuring dried ingredient selections from Tokyo, Nagoya, Noto, Kyoto, and Hakata. These allow visitors to compare and experience how regional ingredients shape the depth and character of Japanese cuisine. The store also offers exclusive gift items and products highlighting seasonality and craftsmanship.
Kyoto Gion Kayanoya (Opened June 11, 2026)
Kyoto Gion Kayanoya has opened in the historic Gion district of Kyoto, blending seamlessly into its traditional streetscape. Designed in a machiya townhouse style and supervised by architect Kengo Kuma, the store is conceived as a fully immersive destination where visitors can experience dashi, Japanese aesthetics, and seasonal culture with all five senses.
The facility is divided into two floors. The first floor offers Kyoto-exclusive products, premium dashi, and curated tableware and tools designed to enhance everyday meals. Exclusive items include Dashi Chazuke made with shibazuke (pickled eggplant) and Yuba Nyumen, featuring Kyoto-style ingredients such as yuba (tofu skin). A Kyoto-exclusive dashi gift set is also available, combining Kayanoya dashi, vegetable dashi, and regional Kyoto flavors.
The second floor hosts Oryori Kayanoya Dining Kyoto Gion. During lunch, guests are served dashi-focused udon dishes featuring Kyoto ingredients such as Kujo green onions and Kyoto fried tofu, alongside seasonal vegetable tempura and Kyoto-style rice with Uji green tea seasoning. In the evening, the menu centers on signature hot pot offerings including a Ten-Grain Fermented Hot Pot, which incorporates chicken bone and kelp broth with dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and jujubes, served with fermented sesame and soybean sauces.
The second floor also includes an event space dedicated to dashi workshops and experiential programs. These sessions allow guests to explore the differences in aroma and taste across ingredients and deepen their understanding of dashi culture through hands-on learning. Workshops are scheduled to begin in mid-July, with advance registration required.
Kyoto Gion Kayanoya is located at 570 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. The first-floor retail space will operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while the restaurant will serve lunch from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM (last order 3:30 PM) and dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (last order 8:00 PM). Dinner service is reservation only.
