Aburajin

Step into Motohama-cho shopping street in Nagahama City and you’ll still catch the feel of an old post town along the Hokkoku Kaido. Aburajin has been part of that streetscape since 1903, with over 120 years of history behind it.

It mainly carries cooking oils. At the heart of the lineup are three types of sesame oil—Junsei, Gokujo, and Taibai—alongside oils like camellia oil, rapeseed oil, and rice bran oil, which are hand-bottled and sold in smaller portions. The shop also stocks essential Japanese seasonings like soy sauce and miso.

Junsei sesame oil is pressed from well-roasted sesame seeds and has the richest aroma. Gokujo sesame oil is pressed from lightly roasted sesame seeds, giving it a more subtle fragrance. Taibai sesame oil is pressed from unroasted sesame seeds and is nearly odorless. With distinct characteristics, using these three sesame oils for different dishes can add variety to everyday cooking.

“Goma Sanshōdai,” a three-bottle set of Junsei, Gokujo, and Taibai sesame oils in mini bottles, is recommended for anyone who wants to try different sesame oils a little at a time. It’s also a popular choice as a souvenir.

The shop also offers oil sold by weight, which is rare these days, so be sure to try it when you stop by.