Look for the charming noren curtains as you explore century-old establishments in Hachioji, Tokyo.

Recently, a project called “Hachioji Soto Senkei” was launched to preserve and pass down Hachioji’s traditions to future generations, making city walks even more fascinating. Throughout the town, indigo-colored flags inspired by traditional noren curtains now adorn the streets, adding to the historical atmosphere.

One way to enjoy Hachioji is to explore its long-established shops. The key to finding them is the indigo-dyed noren curtains. Indigo dyeing is a traditional Japanese technique with a history of over 1,000 years. After Japan ended its period of isolation in the 19th century, foreign visitors were deeply impressed by the indigo-dyed clothing and noren they saw throughout the streets. Captivated by the deep blue hues woven into Japanese culture, they came to call this color "Japan Blue."
Today, around 80 historic shops display these "Japan Blue" noren, proudly bearing their shop names, making it easy to spot these time-honored establishments.

Yoneya Moriya Tomizo Shoten is located about a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Hachioji Station. At the entrance, a wooden signboard rich in history welcomes visitors, while the storefront is lined with brooms, bamboo strainers, and other classic household items, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese daily life.
Founded in 1854, this shop is a true long-standing establishment that has been in business since the Edo period.

The shop’s wide selection offers a glimpse into authentic lifestyle via household goods, including cooking utensils and a variety of bamboo and wooden items that bring a nostalgic touch to daily life. Despite its compact size, the store is filled with an impressive array of tools and essentials, making browsing feel like a treasure hunt.
"The previous generations, my father and grandfather, would go to great lengths to source items requested by customers, searching everywhere until they found exactly what was needed," says Moriya-san, the fifth-generation owner.
Although the shop has become more compact and efficient over time, its dedication to stocking a diverse range of products and meeting customer needs remains unchanged, preserving the spirit of this long-standing establishment.

Many have long-cherished this store for its constant rotation of items to match the seasons, reflecting Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of living in harmony with nature. Each visit offers something new, allowing customers to experience the beauty of seasonal living through traditional tools.
"Recently, there's been a renewed appreciation for older tools, and even younger generations are visiting our shop," says Moriya-san. "Of course, traditional items sometimes require extra care and maintenance, but that’s part of their appeal." His words highlight the joy of incorporating time-honored tools into modern life.

For those who appreciate well-crafted tools that last or are looking to bring a touch of Japanese tradition into their home, this shop is well worth a visit.

Saitamaya Honten is located about a 20-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station’s north exit. Nestled in an area lined with traditional shops, the store exudes a nostalgic charm. The historic tiled-roof building reflects its long-standing heritage, offering a welcoming view inside and making it easy for anyone to drop in along the way.
Inside, the shop boasts an impressive selection of dried goods, with shelves lined with essential ingredients for making Japanese dashi (broth). Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned cook, the friendly owner is always happy to provide expert advice, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect ingredients for their next recipe.
With over 150 years of history, Saitamaya Honten continues to preserve Japan’s culinary traditions while maintaining an approachable and inviting atmosphere.

Dashi is a fundamental element of Japanese cuisine (washoku), made by extracting the umami flavors from dried ingredients such as kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) by simmering them or soaking them in water. At Saitamaya Honten, you can find every essential ingredient needed to make high-quality dashi.
Beyond dashi ingredients, one of the shop’s must-try products is its completely original naturally brewed miso, which cannot be found anywhere else. Crafted with a commitment to additive-free production, this miso contains no unnecessary additives, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. The result is a deeply rich and complex miso, bringing out the essence of pure, natural ingredients.
The moment you taste it, you’ll experience the bounty of nature and the craftsmanship behind its creation, making it a truly luxurious and artisanal product.

"I want to preserve the culture of using dried ingredients," says Hasebe-san, the shop owner.
"When people think about making miso soup from scratch or trying to make dashi for the first time, they often start by picking up some katsuobushi at the supermarket. But I encourage them to visit our shop at least once. While our prices may not be the same as those in supermarkets, every item here is of reliable, high quality," he shares with a warm smile.

There is a distinct charm found in independent specialty stores that large retail chains simply cannot replicate. The century-old shops introduced here perfectly embody this unique appeal—a place where customers can carefully select and appreciate quality products.
In an era where shopping can be done instantly with just a smartphone, there is something special about taking the longer route, engaging with shop owners, and discovering handcrafted goods. Hachioji is home to many long-standing family-run shops, each preserving Japan’s traditional way of life.
Why not take a stroll through the town and explore these hidden gems, searching for timeless, well-crafted goods that have been cherished for generations?