You Can Buy Natural Cheese in Japan! A Taste Test of Cheese from “Sake no Yamaya”
Have you ever thought, ‘Something’s different about cheese in Japan…’?
One key reason is that Japanese supermarkets mainly stock processed cheese. Compared to natural cheese, it has a milder taste and less depth, which might not be enough for serious cheese fans.
On top of that, Japan has strict hygiene regulations, so you won’t find as many long-aged cheeses like you would overseas. That’s why many people crave richer, more intense cheese.
Where to buy natural cheese in Japan?
But don’t worry! There are plenty of stores in Japan that sell authentic cheese.
Here, we’ll introduce top spots for anyone who loves international cheeses or is passionate about gourmet cooking!
1. Sake no Yamaya
Known as a liquor specialty store, Sake no Yamaya also offers a great variety of cheese!
Sake no Yamaya offers a wide variety of cheeses that complement wine, all at budget-friendly prices. Another bonus is that they have locations outside major cities!
2. KALDI
Known as a haven for imported foods, KALDI offers a wide selection of cheeses from around the world at budget-friendly prices.
They also have wine and crackers, so you can grab everything you need for a stylish snack set in one go ♪
The recently opened Shibuya store is spacious and well-stocked—definitely worth checking out!
3. Seijo Ishii
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Seijo Ishii is the place to go. Their impressive range of imported foods includes a fantastic selection of natural cheeses from France and Italy, making them an excellent choice for wine pairings.
4. DEAN & DELUCA
Known for promoting a stylish food culture, DEAN & DELUCA offers a carefully selected range of natural cheeses. However, in smaller stores, the café takes center stage, meaning fewer grocery options. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to check the store’s size and selection before visiting!
5. KINOKUNIYA
As a top-tier luxury supermarket, Kinokuniya boasts an impressive selection of natural cheeses from across the globe. If you’re looking for the perfect cheese to pair with wine, this is the place to go. Take your time exploring and find your favorite!
Let’s compare cheeses from around the world!
This time, we decided to buy cheeses from around the world at “Sake no Yamaya” from our recommended stores!
This time, we also grabbed some crackers, ham, bacon, and grape juice to pair with the cheese.
Left：Spanish ham that stood out in our taste test Right：Straight grape juice, a rare treat in Japan
1. Cahill’s Original Irish Whiskey Cheese
A bold and flavorful cheddar crafted with Irish whiskey.
Aged for 10 months, this soft cheddar offers a rich and mellow flavor.
When I tried it, I could definitely taste a hint of whiskey, with a surprisingly woody aroma!
It was a big hit among the staff!
2. Arla Emmental
Representing Swiss cheese culture, Emmental has a toasty, nutty aroma and a mild yet rich flavor. It’s a highly versatile cheese that works well on its own, in sandwiches, or in various dishes.
Unlike Cahill’s, this cheese has a milder flavor with a slight tang. Personally, I found it tasted best melted on toasted bread!
3. Picandou Honey Bread Spread
A creamy cheese spread perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey. Great for breakfast or a snack!
The texture is smooth, with a refreshing fruitiness and a hint of honey sweetness.
With the combination of honey and cheese, it’s easy to imagine it as something similar to quattro formaggi.
A perfect balance of umami and sweetness, this cheese was almost like enjoying a dessert!
4. Castello Garlic Whipped Cream Cheese
This airy, whipped cream cheese is infused with garlic for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy it with crackers or fresh vegetables, or use it as a secret ingredient to enhance your dishes!
With its authentic garlic taste, this cheese turns any bread into a delicious garlic toast!
Compared to Pikantow, this one truly lives up to the “whipped” name with its airy texture and light, bubbly feel—making it an absolute delight to eat!
Bonus Section: Japanese-Made Natural Cheese
If none of the stores above are near you, don’t worry! Recently, more Japanese brands have been producing authentic natural cheese. Here are some excellent choices that you can pick up at your local supermarket.
We sampled four varieties of cheese this time.
From left to right: “Yukijirushi Hokkaido 100 Rich Gouda,” “Yukijirushi Hokkaido 100 Cheddar,” and “Tokachi Camembert with Black Pepper (Meiji).”
The “Hanabatake Farm Fresh Mini Mozzarella” was turned into a fresh salad.
To our surprise, Tokachi Camembert with Black Pepper (Meiji) received the highest rating in our taste test!
Camembert is one of those cheeses that people either love or find too strong, but this one has a mild, Brie-like flavor that blends perfectly with the spicy kick of black pepper—making it a great match for drinks!
Hanabatake Farm’s fresh mozzarella, produced in Hokkaido’s renowned Tokachi region, was also highly rated for its ease of use in cooking. There’s even a version in the same product line that comes pre-dressed with basil sauce, allowing for even quicker meal preparation!
Summary
We’ve explored natural cheeses from Japan and abroad—did any catch your interest?
For those seeking international cheese, stores like Sake no Yamaya and KALDI offer a great selection of imported products. If you’re open to exploring local options, be sure to try some Japanese-made cheeses from your nearby supermarket!
In addition to the imported cheeses we introduced, these stores also offer a wide selection of international snacks, condiments, and other gourmet items.
Featuring products from Europe, Asia, and beyond, these stores are full of international flavors. Just browsing can be exciting, so be sure to visit!