Nihonbashi Dashiba Honten, the dashi-specialty dining counter run by katsuobushi specialist Ninben, is adding a new limited-time summer drink to its menu: "Dashi Hiyashiame." Available from June 1 to June 30, 2026, the drink reimagines a beloved Kansai regional beverage through the lens of Ninben's signature dashi craftsmanship.
What Is Hiyashiame?
Hiyashiame is a cold drink that has been enjoyed in the Kansai region of Japan for generations. Made by dissolving malt syrup in water and seasoning it with the sharp warmth of ginger, it is a common sight at summer festivals, neighborhood shops, and supermarkets throughout Kansai — one of the season's most recognizable flavors.
While it is well known in Osaka and the surrounding region, it remains relatively unfamiliar in Tokyo and the Kanto area, making this an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Japanese food culture.
Dashi Meets Hiyashiame
The Nihonbashi Dashiba version starts with malt syrup and sannonto (raw cane sugar) simmered together, then blended with dashi drawn from freshly shaved honkarebushi — Ninben's premium aged katsuobushi. Ginger adds a clean, refreshing lift, while the dashi brings a gentle savory depth that rounds out the sweetness.
The drink was conceived as a way to showcase dashi as the main attraction in a cold summer beverage — something light and restorative on a hot day, with a subtly surprising flavor that keeps you coming back for another sip.
About Honkarebushi
Honkarebushi is produced through repeated cycles of mold cultivation (kabituke) and sun-drying (tenboshi), carried out at least four times over four to six months. This extended aging process reduces any residual fishiness and develops an aromatic, refined fragrance that is a hallmark of high-end Japanese cuisine. Ninben counts a round of at least four such cycles as the standard for its honkarebushi.
Details
Dashi Hiyashiame
- Price: ¥300 (tax included) — takeout price; dine-in may be subject to a different tax rate
- Sales period: June 1 (Mon) to June 30 (Tue), 2026
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Note: Quantities are limited and the drink may sell out before closing time
Nihonbashi Dashiba Honten
Nihonbashi Dashiba Honten opened in 2010 alongside the launch of COREDO Muromachi 1 as Ninben's first food-service concept — a space dedicated to experiencing, learning about, and enjoying dashi. Its signature ¥150 katsuobushi dashi cup has drawn a loyal following, and the monthly rotating dashi soup, katsuo-meshi (katsuobushi rice), and other menu items all feature Ninben's carefully crafted honkarebushi.
- Address: COREDO Muromachi 1, 1F, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.ninben.co.jp/store/dashiba/
- Note: For the latest operating hours, please check Ninben's official website
