"Shobun Vinegar: A 300-Year-Old Vinegar Shop in Fukuoka, Perfect for Gifts and Seasonal Offerings at Ginza Six"

Long-established Commitment: Delightful Vinegar for Gifts ♡

In Okawa City, Fukuoka, there is a vinegar shop that has been in business for 300 years since the early Edo period.

The shop is called "Shoubun Su" and is affectionately known as "Shoubun-san" among the locals, making it a long-standing, beloved establishment.

(The current president is actually the 14th generation!)

There are a total of three stores: two in Fukuoka (the main store and a restaurant) and one in Tokyo at GINZA SIX.

Nowadays, vinegar can be mass-produced and bought cheaply....

In the past, vinegar was said to be the drink of the gods, used to purify their bodies.

(Therefore, vinegar was considered a luxury item offered to the gods.)

Like sake, vinegar is made in places with beautiful water. Okawa and Enokizu, where Shoubun Su is located, is blessed with clean water and rich land.*

This region is suitable for rice, sake, and vinegar production. In such a place, Shoubun Su continues to operate with dedication, adhering to traditional manufacturing methods without being swept away by mass production and mechanization.♡

(This is the current state of the manufacturing location. Isn't it quite different from what you might imagine a food factory to be??)

Here are some great gift options! *

At Shoubun Su, they sell drinking vinegar, fruit vinegar, dressings, and sauces, so here are some recommendations♡

<1>

First up is the fruit drinking vinegar!♡

With a variety of flavors like strawberry, grape, and persimmon, each bottle costs around 1,700 yen (prices may vary by flavor).

Shoubun Su also offers cute paper bags when you purchase, featuring seasonal illustrations of fruits and vegetables, which adds impact and charm.♡

It's a beautifully presented gift!*

In spring, you get a strawberry paper bag!♡

<2>

Dressings are also a popular choice for congratulatory gifts and return gifts. They cost around 1,000 yen per bottle. It’s a nice surprise to receive!♡

<3>

A highlight at the GINZA SIX store is the limited-edition inarizushi that’s not sold in Fukuoka. This has become a hot topic among enthusiasts!*

The beautifully arranged inarizushi in a paulownia box exudes a sense of luxury. This product is made using Shoubun Su's "Organic Brown Rice Black Vinegar," Kyushu-grown Koshihikari rice, and Kumamoto's Nan-kang deep-fried tofu.

Sales are limited to a certain number per day, making it a great choice for home party gifts or accompaniments for Kabuki performances!♡

There are eight pieces for 1,800 yen.

<4>

Another specialty of Shoubun Su is this product: "Kuratuki Acetic Acid Bacteria Kasumi Kurozu." This is a cloudy vinegar that intentionally retains the usually filtered impurities (acetic acid bacteria) during production.

In the early days of the business, there was no practice of filtering out this acetic acid bacteria, and cloudy vinegar was the standard for people.

This retained acetic acid bacteria, which is usually filtered out now, contains unique nutrients and is a subject of ongoing research!♡

It costs 1,620 yen per bottle.*

<5>

Perfect as a small gift is this vinegar soda!♡ It comes in a transparent bottle with a simple label.

There are four varieties: persimmon, Amaou strawberry, tomato, and Kyoho grape, each priced at 300 yen!♡ It’s stylish, delicious, and affordable!♡

<6>

The "Universal Black Vinegar Sauce" can be used for stir-frying, simmering, fried dishes, and marinating fried chicken. It's a convenient all-purpose sauce!♡ Perfect for someone who enjoys cooking!

One liter costs 950 yen.

<Other Recommendations!>

Don't miss this! *

A set for making fruit vinegar yourself. You can create homemade vinegar by adding your favorite vinegar to a jar filled with fruit and sugar, ready in just one week!♡

It's called "Homemade Fruit Vinegar"!*

At GINZA SIX, vinegar smoothies are popular!♡

In Fukuoka, there are also restaurants called "Ristorante Shoubun" and "Kuki no Kura," which look beautiful and delicious!♡

Although Ristorante Shoubun seems to be undergoing renovations currently, it's a restaurant I absolutely want to visit when I go to Fukuoka.

Great for congratulatory gifts and return gifts! ♡

In Kyushu, Fukuoka, there is a vinegar shop that has been around since the Edo period.

Being able to taste traditional vinegar made with commitment to traditional methods, contrary to the trends of simplification, efficiency, and the invention of new products, is a rare experience.

Many people love drinking vinegar, and since it's not easy to justify buying a slightly more expensive vinegar or dressing at the supermarket, receiving a good quality product is sure to bring happiness!♡

They also sell balsamic sauces, which are very intriguing!*

This is a recommended vinegar brand for wedding gifts, return gifts, year-end gifts, and casual souvenirs!♡

➡︎ Here is Shoubun Su's website＊＊＊＊＊