Fundokin

Soy sauce and miso manufacturer in the castle town of Usuki that opens its factory doors for guided tours lasting about 60 minutes, walking visitors through each stage of the traditional brewing process. You will see the massive wooden vats where soybeans and wheat ferment for months, learn about the role of koji mold in developing umami, and smell the rich, complex aromas that fill the aging warehouses. The tour concludes with a tasting session where you can compare different soy sauce grades and miso varieties. Usuki itself is worth exploring for its remarkable collection of stone Buddha statues carved into cliff faces, making the factory visit part of a compelling day trip from Oita or Beppu.