Machida Tsukemono

Machida Tsukemono is right in the geographic middle of Shirokiya’s Yataimura Food court. You have probably walked right past it 100 times and may have never noticed it!
Tsukemono Only: No bentos, no ramen, no andagi and no beer. Tsukemono (literally «pickled things») are Japanese preserved vegetables. These items are served as a side dish or garnish for Japanese meals. That is it. No meals are served here.
One Person Operation: Very small area with only one lady working. Several low refrigerated cabinets displaying all the packaged ume, seaweed, beans, daikon, ginger etc.
High Quality: These are essential items in Japanese cooking. The lady told me they are imported from Japan. I guess that is why the prices are on the higher side. There is a pretty big variety and they appear to be very good quality. My wife has bought several items from here to try out. We recently had a Japanese guest staying with us so we bought some large ume (pickled plums) here to add a Japanese touch to a meal.
Vegetarian: Most of the items are vegetarian/​vegan. Ask if you are not sure. Might be an interesting option for spicing up a vegan meal. Tofu and brown rice can really use some help because it gets so boring after awhile. If you are willing to eat a minuscule amount of fish, the shaved bonita flakes are great on rice and tofu. A single ume is often placed on top of rice to decorate and add flavor.