Yagicho-Honten Japanese Products Store-Restaurant

Yagicho-Honten Japanese Products Store-Restaurant

The Yagicho-Honten project, designed by Schemata Architects, is located in Tokyo, Japan. This product store-restaurant has a history of approximately 280 years and specializes in selling traditional Japanese dried products, including katsuobushi (dried bonito fish), kombu (kelp), and shiitake (Japanese mushrooms). All three key ingredients are essential for preparing dashi (soup), which forms the foundation of Japanese cuisine.

The copper countertop checkout serves as both a kitchen and a showcase for the preparation of ichiban dashi soup. This interior element is shaped like an island to encourage and support non-hierarchical communication between hosts and guests. Copper pipe chandeliers illuminate rows of tables and chairs where customers can enjoy the taste of freshly prepared soup.

On sunny days, the restaurant-market opens all its doors and connects closely with the city, allowing a constant flow of visitors in and out. The vibrant and colorful atmosphere of the establishment easily spreads to the streets of the city.