For years, Melburnians have traveled from across the city to Hinoki Pantry on Smith Street, drawn by its exceptional sushi, sashimi-grade seafood, and curated selection of Japanese groceries and ceramics. Now, owner Hayato Takasaka has answered the pleas of regulars from the other side of town with Shoten, a new outpost bringing the Hinoki experience to Elsternwick.
Expansion wasn't always in the cards. Takasaka and his family had built something special in Collingwood—a hybrid grocer-sushi-bar that became one of Melbourne's most revered Japanese food destinations. But after years of customers requesting something closer to home, they began quietly scouting for the perfect location.
"Our sushi is totally different from the Australian sushi handrolls and stuff like that," Takasaka explains. The philosophy at Shoten mirrors its north-side sibling: quality over speed, premium ingredients over convenience. While pre-made takeaway packs are available, the real magic happens at the sushi bar where makizushi is made to order and cut into pristine discs, and buttery sashimi-grade fish is sliced before your eyes for nigiri and chirashi bowls.
Shoten (Japanese for "shop") first opened in Doncaster in July before expanding to Elsternwick at the end of 2025. The timing proved perfect, with the Glen Huntly Road location quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite.
Beyond the sushi bar, thoughtfully curated shelves distinguish Shoten from typical Asian supermarkets. "We are a specialised Japanese supermarket where you can get hard-to-find real Japanese ingredients," Takasaka notes. Customers discover everything from traditional staples to specialist condiments like shiso Genovese sauce (pesto's citrusy Japanese cousin) and yuzu kosho (a fermented chilli and yuzu peel blend with bright, tangy heat).
Scattered throughout the store are tiny infographic cards explaining ingredients—part guidebook, part gentle encouragement to try something new. The educational approach reflects Takasaka's deeper mission: not just selling Japanese food, but sharing Japanese food culture.
The offerings extend beyond the culinary. Handcrafted Mino ware ceramics from Japan line the shelves alongside postcards, cookbooks, textiles, and home-cooking tools. A frosted drinks fridge stocks rotating selections of saké and Japanese beers. On Fridays and Saturdays, customers can also find Japanese kare pan from West Melbourne's Kare—soft, doughy deep-fried buns with a crunchy coating filled with rich, buttery Japanese curry.
For Melbourne's growing community of Japanese food enthusiasts, Shoten represents more than a convenient location—it's a gateway to authentic flavors and traditions.