This is an unmanned vending machine for seven-spice seasoning run by someone who started it as a hobby. "Kuroko Shichimi" uses the refreshing scent of sansho pepper and adds a sophisticated roasted aroma to create a refined seven-spice blend. While Kyoto is famous for Hararyokaku's black seven-spice, it's interesting to see a completely different direction of self-expression here. This would make a great souvenir for connoisseurs!

When you go to the countryside, you often see unmanned vegetable sales at the eaves, but in such a city, unmanned sales of seasonings such as shichimi and ichimi can be found. They are beautifully displayed on specially made shelves. It's amazing that they are sold as a hobby, and they are highly praised for being delicious. Ichimi is very spicy, so be careful not to put too much (laughs). Yuzu ichimi has a strong yuzu scent and goes especially well with Japanese food, making it very delicious. It is as spicy as normal ichimi, so be careful not to put too much. I also bought black shichimi, which has a strong flavor of sansho pepper, and I really like it.

I recently visited a unique store called "Kuroko Nanafushihonpo" on my walking route from Karasuma to Nishioji, recommended by the story of the Vienna Woods. The store had a sign on a regular residential lattice with the words "Kuroko Nanafushihonpo" and "Security camera in operation." Below that was a wooden box covered with plastic, unlocked. The top shelf had packs of spices like Sansho and Shichimi, while the middle and bottom shelves had packs of dashi and kombu tsukudani. The spices were priced from 300 to 400 yen for a small amount of 10g, making them affordable. To make a purchase, you insert coins into a slot similar to a mailbox. Make sure to put in the exact amount, as no change will be given. I bought the black Nanafushi and Ichimi, but ended up keeping only the fiercely guarded black Nanafushi. It contains Ichimi chili pepper, Sansho, white sesame, black sesame, nori, hemp seeds, and poppy seeds. The aroma of Sansho is amazing, and the intense spiciness on the tongue is unbeatable. The texture is not dry and crumbly but moist like freshly made. It makes my usual home udon taste several times better, haha. Later, I found out online that even Kyoto chefs come here to buy. However, despite the presence of security cameras, it's still surprising to see an unmanned store like this in a city setting. Kyoto truly is full of surprises.

I am currently in Kyoto Prefecture, coming from Tokyo. Near Nishioin Station, where Hankyu and Keifuku (streetcar) lines operate, there is an unmanned vending machine selling black shichimi (seven spice blend). It is a highly aromatic and wonderful black shichimi recommended by gourmet enthusiasts who travel around the country. In this area, there is also a renowned shop called Uozuya (3.18) that is worth visiting all the way from Tokyo. Along with visiting Uozuya, you may consider purchasing this black shichimi as a souvenir from Kyoto. Personally, I would be happier to receive this as a souvenir than the typical Yatsuhashi or Ajari Mochi. Kyoto Rakusei Black Powder Seven Spice (300 yen, tax included) Ingredients: One spice red pepper, sansho pepper, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, seaweed, hemp seeds, poppy seeds Net weight: 10g Shelf life: 5-6 months My current favorite is to sauté buttered Japanese flying squid (especially the tentacles) and sprinkle this black shichimi on top. The refreshing lemon-like scent enhances the flavor of the squid butter. It works well as a side dish for lunch boxes (tastes great even when cold) or as a snack with alcohol. It may be challenging for those living in Tokyo to purchase, but if you are visiting Kyoto, please consider buying it.

I left Taiyo Curry and headed south down the alley to visit Heian Hakudo Sha, known for their black shichimi pepper. I had seen MyRebi-sama's post and was curious to try it out. The surrounding area is purely residential. I almost passed by it. The shop is not a storefront, but rather a wooden box in front of a house containing black shichimi pepper, ichimi togarashi, and shredded sansho pepper. There is a coin slot for payment, and there are coins piled up inside. It's interesting to see an unmanned vending system like this in the middle of a neighborhood, with a security camera in operation. Since no change is given, I brought small change with me. I purchased the black shichimi pepper (400 yen) and shredded sansho pepper (300 yen). The aroma of the sansho pepper and the spiciness and richness of the ichimi pepper are great for noodles and stir-fries.

I revisited a local unmanned roadside stand to purchase black shichimi spice after running out in February. It is located near "Hankyu Nishi-Iin Station," about a 3-4 minute walk south. My current favorite seasonings are the "furikake" from "Mitsuru Soy Sauce Brewery" in Itoshima City, Fukuoka, and our own "black shichimi." While I don't use them on delicious dishes, sprinkling them on dishes that I find lacking really enhances the overall flavor. It's like magic powder that upgrades the dish instantly. I bought the following items: 400 yen for black shichimi, 400 yen for sansho pepper, and 300 yen for yuzu ichimi. I carry them with me, so when I use them, I will introduce them separately.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in referral-based restaurants, and surprisingly, there are also some seasonings that are not widely available. These are often made by individuals as a hobby or with a strong commitment, resulting in limited production and sales only to close acquaintances. Some of these products boast amazing quality, like organically grown fruits harvested right before they fall to the ground, or ultra-high-end pickles sold only by an old man during limited nighttime hours. The world is full of unknown delicious things. Now, let's talk about "black shichimi." If you love chili peppers, you may be familiar with ichimi or shichimi, and the more gourmet folks may mention Hararyokaku, but knowing about this one makes you quite a connoisseur. In my opinion, the key factors for ichimi or shichimi are spiciness, aroma, and umami, and this one excels in aroma and umami. This product can only be purchased from an unmanned vending machine located in a residential area a short walk from Saiin Station. Its uniqueness adds to the fun, and I have purchased it multiple times. In addition to black shichimi, they also sell dashi and kombu tsukudani, all of which are delicious with no additives. The kombu tsukudani, in particular, is highly recommended and always well-received as a souvenir. The prices are relatively reasonable, so if you're interested, make sure to have exact change ready and give it a try. This is currently one of the three main chili peppers I keep at home. Another one is the aforementioned Yamatsu Tsujita. I will introduce the most frequently used one among them later.