ヤマサン醤油の直売所
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Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District

3.6
·62 reviews·Shodoshima, Japan

Immerse yourself in the historic Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District, where the air is rich with the aroma of centuries-old brewing traditions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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ヤマサン醤油の直売所

Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Immerse yourself in the historic Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District, where the air is rich with the aroma of centuries-old brewing traditions.

3.6
(62 reviews)

"The soy sauce smell fills the air, and the ice cream is surprisingly delicious!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🍦 Taste the Soy Sauce Ice Cream

Don't miss the unique soy sauce soft serve! It's a surprisingly delicious blend of sweet and savory.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Street

Wander off the main path to discover more historic warehouses and soak in the atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery

Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery

Main street

Step back in time at this historic brewery, a cornerstone of Shodoshima's soy sauce heritage.

Soy Sauce Soft Serve Ice Cream

Soy Sauce Soft Serve Ice Cream

Marukin Soy Sauce shop

A surprisingly delicious and unique treat! Experience the rich, caramel-like notes of soy sauce in a sweet dessert.

Historic Soy Sauce Warehouses

Historic Soy Sauce Warehouses

Throughout the district

Admire the architecture of traditional soy sauce warehouses, many over a century old, that line the streets.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Aroma

Prepare for a pervasive, yet pleasant, soy sauce scent as you explore. It's a unique sensory experience that defines the district. Consider visiting Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery for a taste of history and delicious soy sauce ice cream.

Navigate with Insight

While the area is charming, on-site signage can be sparse. Doing a bit of research beforehand, especially about specific breweries like Marukin, will enhance your visit and help you discover hidden gems beyond just the main street.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Museums and shops are open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍦 Taste the Soy Sauce Ice Cream

Don't miss the unique soy sauce soft serve! It's a surprisingly delicious blend of sweet and savory. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Street

Wander off the main path to discover more historic warehouses and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

💰 Museum Value

The Soy Sauce Museum offers good value with a souvenir and discount coupon. Reddit

👃 Embrace the Scent

The distinct soy sauce aroma is part of the experience; enjoy it! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍦 Taste the Soy Sauce Ice Cream

Don't miss the unique soy sauce soft serve! It's a surprisingly delicious blend of sweet and savory. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Street

Wander off the main path to discover more historic warehouses and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

💰 Museum Value

The Soy Sauce Museum offers good value with a souvenir and discount coupon. Reddit

👃 Embrace the Scent

The distinct soy sauce aroma is part of the experience; enjoy it! Reddit

🗺️ Research Ahead

Limited signage means pre-trip research enhances your exploration. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.6
(62 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are charmed by the unique atmosphere of the Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District, particularly the pervasive soy sauce aroma and the historic architecture of the warehouses. The Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery and the surprisingly delicious soy sauce soft serve ice cream are standout attractions. While some find the museum a bit boring and dining can be pricey, the overall experience is considered a unique and worthwhile cultural immersion.

"Soy sauce smell is in the air
The museum was quite boring but soy sauce ice cream was good"

Ire

"Food is OK, a bit expensive"

David Shea

"I visited Marukin Soy Sauce.
The admission fee to the Soy Sauce Museum is 400 yen, but it comes with a souvenir (soba soup (100 yen at the shop)) and a 100 yen discount coupon at the shop, so it's a great deal! 👍
I tried the soy sauce soft serve ice cream 🍦 at the shop. The fragrant, rich flavor of soy sauce spread throughout my mouth and it was delicious! Is it similar to caramel? 🤔
However, the cone was packed with so much ice cream 😳 It felt like no matter how much I ate, it never got any smaller... 😅
The cone was packed with soft serve ice cream all the way to the very tip! 👍
The exterior looked a little old, but the restrooms were very clean, probably because they were recently renovated. 😆"

まつまつ

What People Like

Unique soy sauce aroma
Historic warehouses
Soy sauce ice cream

What People Dislike

Museum can be boring
Food is expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The district is located on Shodoshima Island. You can reach Shodoshima by ferry from Takamatsu or Okayama. Once on the island, local buses or taxis can take you to the Hishio no Sato area. Renting a car or scooter is also a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. Reddit

The district is quite walkable, especially the main street lined with soy sauce breweries. However, some areas might require a short walk or a bus ride. Consider comfortable shoes for exploring. Reddit

Limited parking may be available near the main attractions, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. If you're arriving by car, check for designated parking areas upon arrival. Reddit

For a comprehensive experience, consider renting a bicycle or a small car. This allows you to easily access different parts of the district and explore at your leisure, as signage can be minimal. Reddit

Yes, local buses operate on Shodoshima and can take you to the vicinity of the Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District. Check the local bus schedules in advance as they may not be very frequent. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The district itself is an open area, so there's no general admission fee to walk around. However, individual attractions like the Soy Sauce Museum or specific brewery tours may have entrance fees. Reddit

The admission fee for the Soy Sauce Museum is typically around 400 yen. This often includes a small souvenir and a discount coupon for the shop, making it a good value. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, some breweries might offer informal tours or opportunities to see their facilities. It's best to inquire directly at the brewery or check local tourist information for any scheduled tours. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, shops and the museum are open during typical daytime hours, often from around 9 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check specific hours for Marukin Soy Sauce and the museum before your visit. Reddit

Yes, you can typically walk by and admire the exteriors of many historic soy sauce warehouses. Some may have visitor centers or shops where you can learn more and purchase products. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the immersive experience of being in a historic soy sauce brewing district. You can see traditional warehouses, smell the distinct aroma, and visit places like the Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery and Museum. Reddit

The air is filled with the distinct, pervasive aroma of soy sauce. It's a unique sensory experience that many visitors find characteristic and even pleasant, a reminder of the area's heritage. Reddit

While the district is more geared towards adults interested in history and food, children might enjoy trying the soy sauce ice cream and seeing the old buildings. The museum might also have some visual exhibits. Reddit

You can buy various soy sauce products, including different types of soy sauce, marinades, and local snacks. The soy sauce ice cream is also a popular edible souvenir. Reddit

The main streets are generally flat, but some older buildings or less-maintained paths might pose challenges. It's best to stick to the main areas if mobility is a concern. Restrooms are noted as being clean and recently renovated. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The most famous food item is the soy sauce soft serve ice cream, which has a unique sweet and savory flavor. You can also find local eateries offering dishes that incorporate soy sauce. Reddit

Yes, many visitors find the soy sauce soft serve ice cream to be delicious, with a flavor described as similar to caramel. It's a must-try unique local specialty. Reddit

There are some local restaurants and cafes in and around the district, offering regional cuisine. Food can be a bit expensive, so factor that into your budget. Reddit

At the Marukin Soy Sauce shop and potentially other establishments, you can often sample or purchase a variety of soy sauces, including specialty ones like oyster soy sauce. Reddit

Dining options are generally focused on local specialties. Expect to find dishes that highlight the island's produce and, of course, its famous soy sauce. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic soy sauce warehouses with their traditional architecture. The Marukin Soy Sauce Brewery building itself is picturesque. Don't forget to photograph the unique soy sauce ice cream! Reddit

Yes, the district offers a unique atmosphere with its historic buildings and the pervasive soy sauce scent. It's great for capturing a sense of local industry and tradition. Reddit

Morning light can be soft and beautiful for photographing the architecture. Late afternoon light can also create a warm glow on the old buildings. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful when photographing private property or inside businesses. Ask permission if unsure. Reddit

A standard lens is usually sufficient for capturing the architecture and atmosphere. A wide-angle lens can be useful for fitting the historic warehouses into the frame. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Hishio no Sato can find a unique, albeit niche, experience. The soy sauce soft serve ice cream is a definite hit with children, offering a novel and tasty treat. While the historical aspects might be less engaging for very young children, the visual of the old warehouses and the distinct smell of soy sauce can be an interesting sensory experience. The Soy Sauce Museum, while potentially dry for some, might offer some visual elements that can capture a child's attention for a short while. Reddit

Practical tips for families include ensuring comfortable footwear for walking and considering the limited signage when planning your route. The restrooms are noted as being clean and recently renovated, which is always a plus for families. While the area isn't packed with typical kid-friendly attractions, it offers a different kind of cultural immersion that can be educational and memorable. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Hishio no Sato offers a mixed bag. Walking through the district and admiring the historic soy sauce warehouses is free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere without spending a yen. The Soy Sauce Museum has a modest admission fee (around 400 yen) that includes a souvenir and a discount coupon, making it a good value proposition. Reddit

However, dining options can be a bit expensive, as noted by some visitors. To save money, consider packing your own snacks or looking for more casual eateries slightly away from the main tourist spots. The soy sauce ice cream, while a must-try, is a treat rather than a meal, so balance your spending on unique experiences with more economical food choices. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of Shodoshima Soy Sauce

Shodoshima's journey as a soy sauce hub began in the Edo period, capitalizing on the thriving Seto Inland Sea trade. The island's access to essential ingredients like wheat, soybeans, and salt, combined with established sake brewing techniques, laid the foundation for its soy sauce industry. By the Meiji period, it had become a significant production area, earning its place as one of Japan's four major soy sauce-producing regions. This rich history is evident in the well-preserved warehouses and the enduring legacy of brands like Marukin Soy Sauce. Reddit

Marukin Soy Sauce, established with a distinctive gold-lettered round seal emblem, is a testament to this heritage. One of their breweries, utilized for over a century, is recognized as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, highlighting the architectural and historical significance of the industry. The fermentation technology developed here has not only shaped the local economy but also contributed to Japan's broader food culture, with soy sauce and miso products now enjoyed globally. Reddit

The evolution from traditional brewing to a tourist attraction showcases the adaptability of the industry. The Hishio no Sato Soy Sauce District now invites visitors to experience this history firsthand, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and dedication that has defined Shodoshima's soy sauce for centuries. This blend of industrial heritage and modern tourism makes it a unique destination. Reddit

Experiencing the Unique Flavors

The most talked-about culinary experience in Hishio no Sato is undoubtedly the soy sauce soft serve ice cream. This unique treat offers a surprising and delightful fusion of sweet and savory. Visitors often describe its flavor as reminiscent of caramel, with a rich, fragrant soy sauce undertone that lingers pleasantly. The generous portion sizes, sometimes packed all the way to the tip of the cone, are also a memorable aspect of this dessert. Reddit

Beyond the ice cream, the district offers opportunities to explore other soy sauce-based products. Marukin Soy Sauce, for instance, produces various items like soba and somen noodle soups, oyster soy sauce, and dashi-flavored hot pot soups, which are popular for elevating home cooking. These products reflect the depth and versatility of soy sauce in Japanese cuisine, showcasing how a single ingredient can be transformed into diverse and flavorful culinary components. Reddit

While the food can be a bit pricey, the unique flavors and the chance to taste local specialties make it worthwhile for many visitors. The experience of sampling these products directly from the source adds an authentic layer to the visit, connecting you further to the region's culinary heritage. Reddit

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