Founded in Kaei 2 (1849)
Discover Japanese food culture through premium seaweed that melts smoothly in the mouth
Yamamoto Nori Shop hangs its shop curtain on the main street of Nihonbashi, across from Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi. It is one of the symbolic stores of this town, having traded seaweed here since the Kaei era. When you stand at the entrance, you can occasionally smell freshly roasted seaweed.
Inside the shop, with its high ceiling and deep, stately architecture, a variety of products are displayed alongside items that tell the history of seaweed and Yamamoto Nori Shop. Architectural elements inspired by seaweed are also notable—such as the ceiling designed like the bottom of a seaweed boat and the walls decorated with Shigaraki tiles representing seaweed cells.
You will notice that the product designs and even the store name lettering are wonderful works of art. The solemn yet modern logo was created by calligrapher Seiran Oike, active from the Taisho to the Showa era. The original can design of the premium seaweed “Ume no Hana” was created by the 9th-generation Edo lacquer artist Hideyoshi Mitamura. The current can was redesigned by his son, Professor Arisumi Mitamura of Tokyo University of the Arts.
One of the great joys of shopping here is the wide variety available only at the main store. Along with the classic “Ume no Hana,” there are special products such as the popular snack-style “Otsumami Nori,” seaweed specially roasted at the main store, and limited-quantity seaweed relish made from rock seaweed harvested in Udonoshi, Shimane. With the help of knowledgeable staff, you can find the perfect gift for any recipient—or something special just for yourself.
Another foundation of Yamamoto Nori Shop’s steady growth alongside the times is its strong sense of social responsibility. The company’s principles—such as valuing seaweed fishermen and respecting each employee—express a wish for the happiness of all people connected to seaweed, including customers.
After a pleasantly crisp bite, it melts softly in the mouth, filling it with deep umami and aroma. This unique melt-in-the-mouth quality is the true essence of Yamamoto Nori Shop’s seaweed. Each sheet carries the passion and dedication to seaweed inherited since the founding, together with the wish for happiness.
History
In 1849 (Kaei 2), the first Yamamoto Tokujirō founded the shop in Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-chōme. The second Tokujirō classified seaweed for the first time in Japan to meet customer needs, earning the reputation “For seaweed, Yamamoto.” In 1869 (Meiji 2), flavored seaweed was created, and when the current building was completed, it featured what is said to be Japan’s first drive-in (drive-through), showing a history of anticipating and meeting the demands of the era.
Please come visit us if you are unsure about gifts
Mr. Takahiro Yamamoto
President and CEO of Yamamoto Nori Shop
Seaweed is light, easy to carry, and considered lucky, making it an ideal gift. Yamamoto Nori Shop offers products that suit all seasonal events. Nihonbashi is also home to more than 200 long-established stores. Enjoy conversations with shop staff and experience the charm and depth of Nihonbashi as you visit these historic shops.
This Notable Item
Freshly roasted seaweed
1,080 yen
“Freshly Roasted Seaweed,” which contains eight full-sheet seaweed pieces roasted on the spot by a craftsman, is perfect as a souvenir from a walk around Nihonbashi or as a thoughtful small gift. When you open the package, the warm roasted aroma rises softly. It is a product that sparks conversation through the story behind it.
Premium Meimeinori “Ume no Hana”
From 2,700 yen per can
“Ume no Hana” is highly recommended as a classic gift or a luxurious everyday choice. It contains the highest-quality seaweed cut into easy-to-eat pieces. Many people will recognize the design as part of the traditional Japanese dining scene. The elegant name refers to the fact that new seaweed is harvested in the cold season when plum blossoms bloom, and both plum and seaweed are treasured for their aroma. Many Yamamoto Nori products are also named after the plum.
Otsumami Nori
648 yen per can
“Otsumami Nori,” made by sandwiching ingredients between two sheets of seaweed, has become a new signature hit of Yamamoto Nori Shop. It is fun to choose from five flavors—Ume, Uni, Wasabi Sesame, Mentaiko, and Okaka—and you can enjoy it as a snack, with drinks, or on its own. It is also popular among younger generations not familiar with seaweed and among international visitors.
Spot Overview
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