Banshu Ako, the largest salt production site in Japan

During the Edo period, salt making was established in Banshu Ako through the systematic use of the Irihama Salt Field. Nuzzled within the calm climate and sea waters of the Setouchi area, the Chigusa River of the Chugoku Mountains gives rise to tidal flats that bear very high quality salt which have since led to the development of the Irihama Salt Field.
The salt making technology that was employed here spread along the Setonaikai Sea’s coastline and grew to dominate the market. Most of all, Ako’s salt has become an incredibly famous domestic brand and has brought many benefits to the Ako area. Within this town, the salt that was created by the Setonaikai Sea has walked hand in hand with the history and culture, a process that is still breathing today. Ako is thusly referred to as the “Land of Salt.”