Doi Shibazuke Honpo's Ohara Main Store in Kyoto is marking its 125th anniversary with a special event running from Saturday, August 8 through Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The centerpiece of the event is the debut of a new large pickling barrel for shibazuke, made possible through a crowdfunding campaign that raised 10 million yen. The first batch of shibazuke pickled in this new barrel will be taken straight from the barrel in its unpasteurized, raw form — a version not normally sold — and offered in limited quantities.
The event also brings limited-time food, hands-on attractions, and a special exhibition connecting customers' voices to the future, in appreciation of 125 years of patronage — offering plenty of ways to enjoy summer in Kyoto's Ohara with all five senses.
Highlight 1: A Rare "Raw" Shibazuke Straight From the Barrel, Plus the New Barrel's Debut
To mark the 125th anniversary, a new large wooden barrel was created with support from the crowdfunding campaign. The first shibazuke pickled in this new barrel will now be taken out of the barrel and unveiled to visitors.
- Date and location: August 8, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, at the Ohara Main Store.
- New barrel debut: The brand-new large barrel, made possible by crowdfunding support, will be put on display at the main store.
- A rare "raw" shibazuke: Shibazuke is normally heat-pasteurized before it goes on sale, but for this event only, shibazuke fresh out of the new barrel — in its unpasteurized state — will be available. Fermented with lactic acid bacteria unique to Ohara, it offers an authentic "raw" flavor that can normally only be tasted at a pickle shop.
- For crowdfunding supporters: Crowdfunding supporters who bring their invitation will receive the new-barrel shibazuke free of charge, as a token of appreciation.
- For general visitors: The shibazuke will be transferred from the new barrel into smaller barrels and sold by weight in 100-gram portions.
Highlight 2: Festival Mood — Limited-Time Food and Hands-On Attractions
During the event (August 8–11, 2026), the Ohara Main Store will be filled with the lively atmosphere of a summer festival.
- Pickle crane game: A special crane game will be set up inside the store (one coin allows three plays; free coins will also be given to app members and customers using the store).
- Limited-time dish, "Shibazuke Takoyaki": A special takoyaki featuring the tanginess and texture of shibazuke as an accent.
- Limited menu at "Kamado Taki-tate Gohan Doi": A takeout "oboro-maki" roll will be sold at this in-store dining spot for the duration of the event.
- A cooling treat: Visitors will be offered a complimentary glass of special red shiso juice, made with red shiso grown on the company's own farm in Ohara.
Highlight 3: Carrying Customers' "Delicious" Into the Next 100 Years
In appreciation of the "Doishiba" nickname that customers have used affectionately for many years, the shop is holding a "Me, My Family, and Doishiba" survey campaign and other participatory events to deepen its bond with customers.
- "Doishiba" episode panel display: Entries collected in advance from July 10 to July 31 — a favorite-pickle ranking, customers' own recipe ideas, and memories related to "Doishiba" — will be displayed on panels along the factory-tour corridor at the main store.
- "Customer voices" across the window glass: From August 1 to August 11, a message board made of speech-bubble-shaped sticky notes featuring customer comments will cover a highly visible window at the main store.
For Visitors: A Comfortable Space to Enjoy Summer in Ohara
With the expanded takeout menu, additional tarp tents will be set up in the outdoor rest area. In front of the main store's entrance, a mist shower and more than 50 cool-sounding wind chimes create a space where visitors can enjoy their meal while keeping cool.
Event Overview
- Name: Doi Shibazuke Honpo 125th Anniversary Event
- Dates: Saturday, August 8 – Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (The new barrel debut and raw shibazuke tasting take place on August 8, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.)
- Location: Doi Shibazuke Honpo Ohara Main Store (41 Yase Hanajiricho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
- Access: A short walk from the "Hanajiribashi" bus stop on the Kyoto Bus line.
