Yuasa

Small, unhurried town in Wakayama Prefecture widely regarded as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. Narrow lanes wind past rows of traditional wood-paneled buildings, many of which once housed soy sauce breweries dating back to the 13th century. A few working breweries still operate today and welcome visitors for tours where you can see the wooden vats and smell the fermenting moromi mash. Walking the preserved streets feels like stepping back centuries, and the nearby coastline adds the option of a seaside detour after exploring the town.