【2/4】Japanese Natural Cheese, Tasted and Reviewed (Hard & Semi-Hard Cheeses)

This post rounds up my notes on every hard and semi-hard Japanese natural cheese I've tried so far. These are honest, personal tasting notes rather than professional reviews, but I hope they're useful if you're exploring Japanese cheese yourself.

• Sachi, 12-Month Aged（幸12ヶ月）
• Sachi, 6-Month Aged（幸 6ヶ月）
• Momiji（椛）
• Tsurui Silver Label（鶴居シルバーラベル）
• Tantaka（タンタカ）

6. Sachi, 12-Month Aged（幸12ヶ月）

Maker: Arigatou Farm Shiawase Cheese Workshop | Purchased: November 6, 2025 | Price: ¥1,537 (before tax) | Website

Completely different from the 6-month version — I can't believe the aging period alone accounts for that much difference. The flavour is noticeably more concentrated, as you'd expect from the longer aging. Made me wonder what the 6-month one was even about. That said, I still prefer Fromage de Biei. But on its own merits, this one is well made.

7. Sachi, 6-Month Aged（幸 6ヶ月）

Maker: Arigatou Farm Shiawase Cheese Workshop | Purchased: November 6, 2025 | Price: ¥1,050 | Website

The flavour is thin, lacking in umami. You can tell it just hasn't aged long enough. Paired with bread and ham, the ham completely overshadows it. It also tasted noticeably different eating it at home with bread compared to the sample I tried in the shop.

8. Momiji（椛）

Maker: Niseko Cheese Workshop | Purchased: November 6, 2025 | Price: ¥1,200 (as of September 21, 2026, per the shop site) | Website

This one is read "momiji." I first tried it as a free sample at the shop. Strong umami, really delicious. I remember trying it once before somewhere and not being that impressed — but this time it won me over. It has more umami depth than the Tsurui Silver Label.

9. Tsurui Silver Label（鶴居シルバーラベル）

Maker: Tsurui Village Agricultural & Livestock Processing Facility "Rakurakukan" | Purchased: November 7, 2025 | Price: ¥590 (discounted, close to its best-by date) | Website

Less assertive than I expected, but still delicious. A nice, easy cheese. I may have sliced it a bit too thin this time. It's good, but not so distinctive that it has to be the Gold Label. Great value for the price too. I think this one might actually work well melted on hot bread or baked right into a loaf. This particular one was discounted, but at full price, it's around what Comté used to cost. As of November 2025, it runs about ¥700 per 100g online.

10. Tantaka（タンタカ）

Maker: Shiranuka Rakukeisha | Purchased: August 19, 2025 | Price: ¥864 for 110g (as of September 21, 2026, per Rakuten listing) | Website

Labeled as "hard type," but when you grate it, it feels more like semi-hard. Good umami, and it pairs nicely with pasta. The saltiness is well balanced, not too strong. Delicious.

• 【1/4】Japanese Natural Cheese, Tasted and Reviewed (Hard & Semi-Hard Cheeses)
• 【2/4】Japanese Natural Cheese, Tasted and Reviewed (Hard & Semi-Hard Cheeses)
• 【3/4】Japanese Natural Cheese, Tasted and Reviewed (Hard & Semi-Hard Cheeses)
• 【4/4】Japanese Natural Cheese, Tasted and Reviewed (Hard & Semi-Hard Cheeses)

This channel is run by a Japanese woman living in Japan, sharing a look at everyday Japanese food and culture. I hope it gives you some fun souvenir ideas and a few useful tips for everyday life along the way.