Honcho’s Tsukemono Shop (Oyama)

The factory itself needs a prior reservation (form) to be visited (for free), but the shop is still a good stop to make with its huge variety of tsukemono (Japanese pickled/marinated vegetables).

Honcho has been in business for over 100 years in Oyama, Tsuruoka.
Since its founding, it has remained committed to using vegetables grown locally in Yamagata, along with sake lees sourced from the Shonai region. Guided by its company motto—“Making the most of Shonai’s natural bounty to enrich food culture for all”—Honcho has continued to produce pickles using the same traditional methods passed down through generations. Tsukemono are a very important part of Tsuruoka’s gastronomy, counting as one of the city’s many methods of “food preservation” (hozonshoku 保存食) that helped the people feed on nutritious food during the harsh winters.

By continuing to use local vegetables, it aims to support and promote regional agriculture. At the same time, it is also exploring new forms of pickles that go beyond conventional boundaries, a reflect of Tsuruoka’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title.

How to visit

Location: 1-7-7 Ōyama, Tsuruoka City
Phone: +81235-33-2023
Access: 20 minutes by bus from Tsuruoka Station toward Yunohama
Get off at “Oyama Shonaiginkomae” and walk 10 minutes
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Reservation required)
Closed: Open year-round (No holidays)
Fee: Free of charge
Official Website: http://www.k-honcho.co.jp/