Irasshai Paris: the ultimate Japanese destination in the heart of the French capital
Irasshai is a new concept store dedicated to Japanese cuisine and culture, located in central Paris. It offers a complete immersion into Japanese gastronomy through its various spaces: grocery store, restaurants, café, bar, cooking studio. Irasshai aims to make Japanese products and cuisine accessible to all, from neophytes to connoisseurs.
A spacious grocery store with over 1000 Japanese products, many exclusive to Irasshai in France
The grocery area forms the heart of Irasshai, with over 1000 carefully selected Japanese products lining its colorful shelves. Three-quarters of the items are sold for the first time in France, having been sourced directly from Japan by Irasshai's expert team. Each product comes with a detailed label in French, along with recipe ideas, to help customers understand and use Japanese ingredients. Foodies will delight in the unique selection, from sauces and spices to teas and snacks. QR codes allow accessing even more product information on the iRASSHAi website.
The grocery store also features a selection of fresh products, including fish from Hokkan Suisan, a Dutch producer certified by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture. Soon, organic Japanese vegetables grown locally in the Paris region will also be available. With explanations on the website, cooking Japanese at home becomes accessible even to beginners.
© Clémence Sahuc
Two restaurants for all tastes: Shokudo, the traditional canteen, and Biwan, the refined bistronomic table
Irasshai houses two distinct restaurant spaces to satisfy all appetites. Shokudo, the canteen, serves authentic, traditional Japanese lunch fare, with teishoku meal trays, kare raisu curry rice, noodle dishes, as well as side plates, salads and desserts. In the evening, Shokudo transforms into an izakaya pub ambiance, with a menu of small sharing plates enjoyed over drinks.
On the lower level, Biwan provides an intimate, refined setting for bistronomic Japanese cuisine. Executive chef Chihiro Yamazaki, from Sapporo, creates seasonal menus highlighting regional specialties and ingredients from across Japan. Counter seating and a private lounge allow guests to savor sophisticated dishes in a hushed atmosphere promising memorable gourmet moments.
© Clémence Sahuc
Kissaten/Sakaba: the café that turns into a creative cocktail bar in the evening
Facing the stunning Bourse de Commerce, Irasshai's café Kissaten serves as a relaxing spot to enjoy Japanese teas, coffees, pastries and light fare from 8am to 6pm. Matcha and hojicha lattes are menu standouts, alongside Japanese craft coffee preparations. Takeaway onigiris, sandos and treats are also available.
From 6pm to midnight, Kissaten transforms into Sakaba, a sleek cocktail bar celebrating Japanese spirits and flavors. Bartender Christophe Davoine has designed an extensive menu starring sake, whisky, yuzushu and matcha beer. Creative cocktails, with or without alcohol, round out one of Paris' most comprehensive Japanese drink lists.
© Clémence Sahuc
A cooking studio to learn the secrets of Japanese cuisine
Irasshai's cooking studio allows guests to dive even deeper into Japanese culinary arts through hands-on classes and workshops. Regular events led by Irasshai's team and invited chefs share authentic recipes and techniques. The studio is also available for private events, adding an interactive element to the space's panorama of Japanese food culture.
Temporary chef residencies to discover the creations of Japanese cuisine virtuosos
Irasshai will regularly host temporary residencies welcoming renowned Japanese chefs. These virtuosos of Japanese ingredients and techniques will present exclusive ephemeral menus for lunches and dinners, providing a rare chance to taste their gastronomic creations in Paris. The first two residencies will feature Nancy Singleton Hachisu and Kaori Endo, previewing the type of culinary artistry to be discovered at Irasshai.
A bookshop, a Japanese spirits cellar and a tableware accessories space to complete the offer
Beyond the grocery store and restaurants, Irasshai presents a well-curated book corner, a cellar of craft Japanese spirits, and a selection of tableware and accessories. The book space allows diving deeper into Japanese cuisine, culture and travel. The cellar showcases Japanese alcohol expertise, with bottles chosen with the same care as the grocery items. Tableware and accessories provide the perfect items to serve and savor Japanese food and drink at home.
Behind Irasshai, the passion for Japan of the founders of Japan Experience, a renowned travel agency
Irasshai is the brainchild of Thierry Maincent and Xavier Marchand, founders of Japan Experience travel agency. The pair's deep love and knowledge of Japan, which they share through personalized trips via Japan Experience, now takes the form of this Paris-based hub for Japanese culture. Located minutes from rue Sainte-Anne, Paris' Little Tokyo, Irasshai builds on the capital's enthusiasm for all things Japanese.
Born from a desire to bring Japan to those unable to travel there, especially during the country's extended Covid closure, Irasshai provides a rich, interactive gateway to Japanese culture. For those who have visited Japan, the space offers an authentic taste of the country's flavors and traditions. For novices, Irasshai serves as an ideal first encounter with Japanese cuisine and hospitality, perhaps inspiring a future trip.
Xavier Marchand (left) & Thierry Maincent (right), associates at Japan Experience & iRASSHAi.
© Japan Experience
Practical information: location, opening hours and access to easily plan your visit
Irasshai is located at 40 rue du Louvre, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The closest metro stops are Louvre-Rivoli and Châtelet, and Châtelet-Les Halles RER station is also nearby.
The grocery store, restaurants, café and bar are open every day from 8am to midnight, allowing guests to experience Irasshai from breakfast through dinner and late-night drinks.
For more information and to book classes or events, visit the https://irasshai.co/ website. Follow iRASSHAi on social media to stay updated on the latest residencies, workshops and product arrivals.
Address, timetable & access
iRASSHAi
Address
40 rue du Louvre
75001
Paris
France
Timetable
Open from 8am to midnight every day.Access
Subway stop : Louvre-Rivoli & Châtelet
RER stop : Châtelet-Les HallesWebsite
https://irasshai.co/
