Yuasa — Birthplace of Soy Sauce
The town where Japanese soy sauce was born in 1254 — a monk returning from China brought back miso, and the liquid that drained off became tamari, which evolved into shoyu. The preserved brewer's townscape (Yuasa Shoyu Streets) has working 100-year-old brewery buildings open for tours and tastings.
1.5–2 hours
Free (brewery tour ¥500)
Shops and breweries 9:00–17:00; some closed Wed
Year-round
Yuasa Station on JR Kisei Line (1h 20m from Osaka)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The actual birthplace of Japanese soy sauce — the 1254 origin story is documented and celebrated
- 2
Kadocho Soy Sauce has been brewing on the same street for over 450 years in original wooden vats
- 3
Tastings of shoyu ice cream, shoyu caramel, and shoyu-marinated fish are sold along the townscape
Local Tips
Yuasa is the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce (13th century). The old townscape of "namako-kabe" plastered walls is a National Preservation District. Try hands-on soy sauce making at Kadocho brewery (booking required). Many shops sell aged tamari at fair prices.
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