This traditional warehouse is open to the public

This traditional warehouse is open to the public (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Yanai's Sagawa Shoyu-gura & Museum

Traditional soy sauce brewing in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Sandra Isaka Nov 25, 2016 - 1 min read

This traditional warehouse is open to the public

Inside the warehouse

Soy sauce made by Sagawa

A pressing machine

Soy sauce is brewed in these wooden vats

Visitors can also view the vats from upstairs

Sagawa sells other items, like this selection of furikake

Purchase Sagawa products in English on the Rakuten Global Market website

An unusual fish pond within the warehouse

Manju flavored with soy sauce

There are some impressive bonsai within the Sagawa compound

From the warehouse (on the left), Yanai's historic main street is straight ahead

Sagawa Shoyu was founded in 1830 and is located in Yanai City's white-walled historic district. As you enter their warehouse, a fantastic smell envelopes you. Take a close look at large vats of soy sauce being brewed in a traditional manner using a unique technique of double-stage fermentation. View production-related exhibits, taste a variety of products, and purchase your favorites.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.