It’s super quiet here, and you can smell a light hint of soy sauce all along the street. So soothing. I heard Yuasa is the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce—no wonder the whole town smells so good〜😍
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Yuasa Town: Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
A classic streetscape where you can stroll while experiencing the history and culture of soy sauce brewing.
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Approx. a 15-minute walk from JR Yuasa Station, this Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings covers an area of about 400 m east–west and about 280 m north–south in one part of Yuasa Town. Lined with traditional townhouses and earthen storehouses that reflect the prosperity of soy sauce brewing—once the town’s key industry—you can feel an old-world atmosphere everywhere, as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Many of the buildings incorporate a rare architectural style called tsushi-nikai, and feature low two-story structures, traditional roof tiles, mushiko windows, and wooden latticework. As you stroll, take in the many carefully crafted design details while enjoying the aroma of soy sauce from long-established businesses that carry on the tradition.
Within the district, you’ll also find the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse,” where tools actually used in soy sauce brewing are exhibited, and the “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum,” where you can learn all about soy sauce making. Be sure to enjoy a walk around Yuasa and experience the history and culture of soy sauce—an essential part of Japanese cuisine.
Highlights
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Approx. 400 m east–west and approx. 280 m north–south, a preservation district in one part of Yuasa Town.
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Lined with traditional townhouses and earthen storehouses that reflect the former prosperity of soy sauce brewing.
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There are also museums where you can experience soy sauce history and culture and learn more, too.
Photos
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An area with an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time
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Rows of distinctive townhouses known as tsushi-nikai
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White-walled earthen storehouses lining a peaceful canal
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A retro wooden signboard full of old-world charm
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A foot-operated wheat crusher on display at the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse”
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A massive fermentation vat essential for making soy sauce (the “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum”)
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Free Wi-Fi is not available.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
There are none within the Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, but they are available in the Yuasa Station waiting area.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
They are available at five main tourist facilities (the tourist parking lot, Yuasa Machinami-no-Eki, Kitamachi Fureai Gallery, Former Suharaya Residence, and Jin-buro Bathhouse).
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
There is no smoking area.
Reviews
1
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 湯浅町・重要伝統的建造物群保存地区
- Postal Code
- 643-0004
- Address
- Yuasa, Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Phone
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Cultural properties: 0737-63-1111 (Yuasa Town Board of Education)
Tourism: 0737-22-3133 (Yuasa Town Tourism Association)
“Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse”, “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum”: 0737-62-2035 (Kakucho Co., Ltd.) - Closed on
- Open for self-guided walks (the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse” and the “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum” have irregular closing days; visits to the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse” are by reservation)
- Hours
- Open for self-guided walks (the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse” and the “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum” are 9:00am–12:00pm, 1:00pm–5:00pm)
- Admission
- Open for self-guided walks (the “Kakucho Craftsmen’s Storehouse” and the “Kakucho Soy Sauce Museum” are free)
- Access
- Approx. a 15-minute walk from “Yuasa” Station on the JR Kisei Main Line
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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