Make Your Own Soy Sauce in Japans Old Capital Asuka Nara

Making Your Own Soy Sauce in Japan’s Old Capital, Asuka Nara: An Authentic Journey into Japan’s Culinary Roots

Stepping into the world of traditional Japanese cuisine, this tour offers more than just a visit to a soy sauce brewery; it’s an immersive experience that lets you get your hands dirty (literally) in one of Japan’s most iconic food traditions. Hosted by DiscoverAsukasWonders, the activity is a blend of history, craftsmanship, and delicious eats, all wrapped up in a scenic village setting in Nara Prefecture.

What immediately catches the eye is the opportunity to press your own soy sauce from the moromi mash—using a classic wooden press—and then personalize your bottled creation with a custom label. It’s a rare chance to connect with a time-honored process that’s been carried on by three generations since 1918. Plus, the tasting of freshly pressed soy sauce paired with tofu and the local specialty Mitarashi dumplings make this a well-rounded cultural and culinary adventure.

One thing to note is that this experience is relatively short, about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and tailored for those who appreciate authentic hands-on activities. The tour does involve some walking and standing, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of physical participation. For anyone interested in Japanese food, traditional crafts, or regional history, this is a sweet, unique way to spend part of your day in Nara.

Who should consider this experience? It’s perfect for curious food lovers, families wanting a fun cultural activity, or anyone eager to learn about Japan’s artisanal food production methods away from crowded tourist spots. If you enjoy engaging with local traditions in a relaxed setting, this tour will resonate well.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Visit a soy sauce brewery that has been in operation since 1918, passed down through three generations.
• Hands-On Participation: Use a traditional wooden press to make your own soy sauce, creating a tangible souvenir.
• Personalized Keepsake: Attach your own label to the bottled soy sauce, adding a personal touch to your culinary souvenir.
• Local Flavors: Taste freshly pressed, unheated soy sauce with tofu and enjoy Mitarashi dumplings with special soy sauce made from Tokusei Shoyu.
• Scenic Setting: Located near Okadera Temple in the tranquil village of Asuka, away from mass tourism.
• Value for Money: For around $85, you gain a meaningful cultural experience plus a personalized bottle to take home.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Visiting a Historic Soy Sauce Brewery

The tour begins at Tokusei Soy Sauce, a business with a history stretching over a century, nestled just outside Okadera Temple in Asuka Village. The brewery’s longevity and continued traditional practices are evident in the way they operate—no mass-produced shortcuts here. The guide, who is often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, will lead you through the process, explaining the significance of each step.

One reviewer mentioned how their guide’s English was very good, making the explanation accessible for non-Japanese speakers. Another noted that the hosts are “very kind,” creating a friendly, welcoming environment. This human touch elevates the experience beyond just watching a process; it feels like sharing a piece of local heritage with friends.

The Soy Sauce Pressing

The real highlight is the chance to press your own soy sauce by hand using an original wooden squeezer. This part of the experience, as described by visitors, is both fun and satisfying. You get to see the moromi mash—a mixture of soybeans, wheat, and salt turned into a thick, fragrant paste—being pressed into a bottle. A review highlighted how pressing soy sauce this way gave a “real appreciation of this important Japanese pastime.”

Following the pressing, you’ll be invited to decorate your bottle with a label made by you. It’s a simple but thoughtful touch, transforming your soy sauce into a personalized souvenir—something you’ll be proud to bring back home.

Tasting and Local Treats

After pressing your soy sauce, the experience continues with a taste of the freshly pressed, unheated soy sauce—a rare treat since most soy sauces are heat-treated or pasteurized. The fresh soy sauce’s nuanced flavor, with its balance of salty and umami, pairs beautifully with tofu from Shimode Tofu, also served onsite.

The tour concludes with a tasting of Mitarashi dumplings, a beloved Japanese snack that’s traditionally dipped in sweet soy sauce. This version features an original sauce made from Tokusei soy sauce, giving it a depth of flavor that local visitors clearly appreciate. Many reviews praised the delicious local treats and highlighted this tasting as a perfect way to end the visit.

Additional Details and Practicalities

The tour is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm at 7 Oka, Asuka, and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It’s a private activity—meaning your group will be the only participants—allowing for a more personalized experience. The tour is close to public transportation, which makes it accessible if you’re basing yourself in Nara or nearby.

The price is approximately $85.36 per person, which might seem modest considering the hands-on activity, tasting, and personalized bottle you get. It’s a good value for anyone wanting an intimate look into a Japanese artisanal craft, with the bonus of a tangible souvenir and authentic local snacks.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, with comments noting the good English skills that made explanations clear and engaging. Many also appreciated how “interesting” the process was, especially since most people have only encountered commercial soy sauce in supermarkets.

One reviewer summed it up: “Nice tour with two very kind hosts. We saw the soy sauce factory and pressed our own soy sauce, and got to take it home with a label we could make ourselves to make it more unique.” This captures the personal touch that makes this experience stand out.

Another mentioned that the town of Asuka itself is a quiet, scenic area, far from tourist crowds. It’s a perfect place to slow down and connect with Japan’s traditional food culture.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: About 2 hours and 30 minutes—ideal for a relaxed afternoon activity.
• Price: $85.36 per person, offering a meaningful cultural experience and a personalized product.
• Booking: Book at least 25 days in advance; availability can be limited during peak seasons.
• Accessibility: Near public transit, but no private transportation included.
• Food & Snacks: Included as part of the experience with local treats and tastings.
• Language: Guides are friendly and proficient in English, making complex processes easy to understand.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to see traditional Japanese food production firsthand. It suits families, couples, or small groups looking for a more meaningful connection with local culture. If you enjoy culinary adventures, hands-on activities, or simply want a peaceful escape into a historic village, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s especially appealing for those who want to bring home a physical souvenir—your very own bottled soy sauce with a label you designed—plus a memorable story to tell.

The Sum Up

The Make Your Own Soy Sauce in Asuka Nara tour offers a rare peek into Japan’s craft of soy sauce making, blending history, hands-on fun, and regional flavors. It’s a well-balanced experience that teaches you about a fundamental Japanese ingredient while giving you a tangible souvenir and a taste of local treats. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness, combined with the scenic, less touristy setting, make it a valuable addition to any itinerary focused on authentic cultural encounters.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique activity outside crowded tourist spots, this tour provides genuine value—an opportunity to bond with Japan’s culinary traditions in a relaxed, memorable way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy hands-on activities and are comfortable standing for a short period should find it enjoyable, especially since it involves pressing soy sauce and decorating bottles.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits well into a day of exploration.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers the brewery visit, the soy sauce pressing activity, your personalized bottled soy sauce, and local snacks, including tofu and Mitarashi dumplings.

Is transportation provided?
No, private transportation is not included. The meeting point is accessible via public transit, and the activity ends back at the starting location.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility if your travel plans shift.

Will I have to speak Japanese?
Guides are capable of providing explanations in English, making the experience accessible for international visitors.

This tour is a delightful blend of culture, craftsmanship, and deliciousness—a fantastic way to connect with Japan’s culinary soul while enjoying the tranquil beauty of Asuka.