Japanese Seven Spice: Shichimi Togarashi Guide

What Is Shichimi Togarashi?

Shichimi togarashi is a seven-ingredient spice blend that has been a staple of Japanese cuisine since the Edo period (1600s).

The Classic Seven Ingredients

• Red chili pepper (the base heat)
• Sansho pepper (citrusy, numbing)
• Orange peel (dried mandarin)
• Black and white sesame seeds
• Japanese seaweed (aonori)
• Ginger (dried)
• Hemp seed or poppy seed

Regional Variations

Tokyo blends favor more chili; Kyoto blends emphasize sansho and seaweed for a subtler, more refined profile.

How to Use It

Sprinkle over udon, soba, yakitori, and hot pot dishes at the table. It adds heat, umami, and citrus notes simultaneously.

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