Make Your Own Soy Sauce in Japan’s Old Capital (Asuka, Nara)

While some regions in Japan pride themselves on their technological innovations, others find their source of pride to be in the traditions they preserve. Asuka in central Nara Prefecture belongs to the latter group. Once Japan's first capital, this historical area painstakingly guards its many ancient treasures, including a unique soy sauce heritage that continues to this day.

In this exploration of Asuka's soy sauce heritage led by friendly locals, you'll step into a brewery that has been in operation for over ten decades, learn unique insights about soy sauce production from a third-generation craftsman, make bottle your own soy sauce to take home and enjoy delicious dishes that highlight the uniques flavors of the area's artisanal soy sauce.

Experience flow:

- Meet your host at ASUKA STAND, a modern cafe in Asuka.
- Visit the historical Tokuboshi soy sauce brewery, which has a history of over 100 years. Here, you'll meet a third-generation soy sauce brewer who will teach you insights about the craft, including its history and manufacturing methods. Change into soy sauce brewing attire and squeeze soy sauce into a bottle you can customize.
- Savor a delicious dish of locally-made silky tofu with artisanal soy sauce.
- Relax at a modern cafe in a repurposed townhouse, where you'll enjoy mitarashi dango skewered dumplings glazed with Tokuboshi soy sauce served with tea.