[The Rice is Amazing!] Impressive Even When Cold! Sales Resume for Hachidaime Gihey's Rice-Centric Blissful 'Nigirimeshi' in Kyoto!
Hachidaime Gihey, a historic Kyoto rice merchant, will resume sales of its highly requested 'Nigirimeshi' (rice balls) at eight locations in Kyoto Station starting April 23, 2026. These premium rice balls use a special blend of rice and unique cooking techniques to ensure the rice remains the star, tasting even better after it has cooled.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 04:59 (19h 27m after Collected)
Hachidaime Gihey Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto; CEO: Gihey Hashimoto), which continues to convey the value of rice in Kyoto, will begin sequential sales of its 'Nigirimeshi' at eight locations in Kyoto Station from Thursday, April 23, 2026, in response to numerous requests from customers who wanted to eat them again. These are masterpieces where the sweetness of the rice stands out even after cooling—arguably when the true flavor begins—created by pouring in all of the company's unique expertise in selection, milling, blending, and cooking. They are perfect as a source of energy for business people seeking a quick but authentic meal during busy business trips on the Shinkansen, or as a 'delicious memory' to conclude a traveler's journey through Kyoto.
■ Why 'Nigirimeshi' Can Move You Today
As lifestyles change and rice prices fluctuate, the distance between the dining table and rice is gradually widening. That is precisely why we thought, 'We want people to feel the original deliciousness and sweetness of rice more easily.' We aimed not for a special feast, but for an experience where the heart unwinds with a simple 'Ah, this is delicious' in daily life. We hope people rediscover the charm of rice through the form of 'Nigirimeshi,' Japan's soul food.
■ Features of Hachidaime Gihey's 'Nigirimeshi'
1. Amazing Rice! 'Special Blend Rice' x 'Kelp Dashi'
A 'Rice Master' who performs over 2,000 tastings a year pursued the ideal 'sweetness,' 'grain definition,' and 'fluffiness' for rice balls, blending carefully selected rice from across Japan. The original blend rice uses techniques only a rice merchant can provide, ensuring a strong sweetness even when time has passed and it has cooled, with each grain's profile clearly felt. Furthermore, by cooking the rice so that the umami of kelp dashi permeates every grain, we have created a deep flavor with elegant aroma and mellow sweetness.
2. Melting Texture. Commitment to 'Gripping' Technique
To achieve a blissful texture that gently falls apart in the mouth, we were extremely particular about a 'gentle gripping' technique that incorporates plenty of air. You can enjoy it lightly until the very last bite, often finishing it effortlessly before you know it.
3. Unique 'Four Technologies' Supporting Deliciousness
These are the original methods Hachidaime Gihey adheres to strictly to deliver delicious rice.
Rice Selection Expertise: Productive regions for delicious rice change every year. That's why we verify over 200 varieties of rice from across the country every year with our own five senses, selecting only truly delicious rice and identifying its individuality.
Original Low-Temperature Milling: Milling technology is key to bringing out the best in selected rice. We mill at low temperatures and low speeds to retain the sweetness of the rice without straining it. This is Gihey's master technology, adjusting even the milling temperature based on the season and the condition of the rice.
Deep Blending Technology: Hachidaime Gihey pursues the ultimate flavor by combining delicious rices. We deliver exquisite rice based on knowledge and experience passed down through generations, with a delicate palate that cares about even a 1% difference.
Cooking Technology: A new method for everything from rice storage and washing to cooking, reached through Hachidaime Gihey's extensive research. We have established cooking techniques that ensure truly delicious results in any setting—at home, commercially, or industrially.
Lineup Enhancing 'Rice Sweetness'
We have selected ingredients that maximize the star—the rice—while increasing the joy of eating. You can enjoy the synergistic effect of the rice's sweetness and the ingredients' umami as you chew.
- Kyoto Gion Dashi Musubi: 190 yen
- Obanzai Beef Shigure: 300 yen
- Roughly Flaked Grilled Salmon: 300 yen
- Kyoto Ohara Hon-Shibazuke: 270 yen
- Chunks of Grilled Pollock Roe: 280 yen
- Side Dish Tuna Mayo: 260 yen
*Prices include tax. Lineup varies by store.
■ Sales Store Information
Start Date: From Thursday, April 23, 2026, sequentially
Locations: JR Kyoto Station premises, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
- PLUSTA Kyoto (2F Shinkansen concourse)
- PLUSTA Bento (2F Shinkansen concourse)
- PRECIOUS DELI&GIFT KYOTO (2F Shinkansen Central Exit area)
*Subject to sales hours of each location. Limited quantities available.
■ Why 'Nigirimeshi' Can Move You Today
As lifestyles change and rice prices fluctuate, the distance between the dining table and rice is gradually widening. That is precisely why we thought, 'We want people to feel the original deliciousness and sweetness of rice more easily.' We aimed not for a special feast, but for an experience where the heart unwinds with a simple 'Ah, this is delicious' in daily life. We hope people rediscover the charm of rice through the form of 'Nigirimeshi,' Japan's soul food.
■ Features of Hachidaime Gihey's 'Nigirimeshi'
1. Amazing Rice! 'Special Blend Rice' x 'Kelp Dashi'
A 'Rice Master' who performs over 2,000 tastings a year pursued the ideal 'sweetness,' 'grain definition,' and 'fluffiness' for rice balls, blending carefully selected rice from across Japan. The original blend rice uses techniques only a rice merchant can provide, ensuring a strong sweetness even when time has passed and it has cooled, with each grain's profile clearly felt. Furthermore, by cooking the rice so that the umami of kelp dashi permeates every grain, we have created a deep flavor with elegant aroma and mellow sweetness.
2. Melting Texture. Commitment to 'Gripping' Technique
To achieve a blissful texture that gently falls apart in the mouth, we were extremely particular about a 'gentle gripping' technique that incorporates plenty of air. You can enjoy it lightly until the very last bite, often finishing it effortlessly before you know it.
3. Unique 'Four Technologies' Supporting Deliciousness
These are the original methods Hachidaime Gihey adheres to strictly to deliver delicious rice.
Rice Selection Expertise: Productive regions for delicious rice change every year. That's why we verify over 200 varieties of rice from across the country every year with our own five senses, selecting only truly delicious rice and identifying its individuality.
Original Low-Temperature Milling: Milling technology is key to bringing out the best in selected rice. We mill at low temperatures and low speeds to retain the sweetness of the rice without straining it. This is Gihey's master technology, adjusting even the milling temperature based on the season and the condition of the rice.
Deep Blending Technology: Hachidaime Gihey pursues the ultimate flavor by combining delicious rices. We deliver exquisite rice based on knowledge and experience passed down through generations, with a delicate palate that cares about even a 1% difference.
Cooking Technology: A new method for everything from rice storage and washing to cooking, reached through Hachidaime Gihey's extensive research. We have established cooking techniques that ensure truly delicious results in any setting—at home, commercially, or industrially.
Lineup Enhancing 'Rice Sweetness'
We have selected ingredients that maximize the star—the rice—while increasing the joy of eating. You can enjoy the synergistic effect of the rice's sweetness and the ingredients' umami as you chew.
- Kyoto Gion Dashi Musubi: 190 yen
- Obanzai Beef Shigure: 300 yen
- Roughly Flaked Grilled Salmon: 300 yen
- Kyoto Ohara Hon-Shibazuke: 270 yen
- Chunks of Grilled Pollock Roe: 280 yen
- Side Dish Tuna Mayo: 260 yen
*Prices include tax. Lineup varies by store.
■ Sales Store Information
Start Date: From Thursday, April 23, 2026, sequentially
Locations: JR Kyoto Station premises, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
- PLUSTA Kyoto (2F Shinkansen concourse)
- PLUSTA Bento (2F Shinkansen concourse)
- PRECIOUS DELI&GIFT KYOTO (2F Shinkansen Central Exit area)
*Subject to sales hours of each location. Limited quantities available.