Kadochō, the oldest shōyu brewery in Yuasa

photo by 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

photo by 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

It ferments in Yoshino cedar barrels, with live yeasts on the walls and ceiling since the late Edo period.

Founded in 1841 by Sumiya Chōbei, Kadochō is today the oldest shōyu (soy sauce) brewery still operating in Yuasa, the town that tradition names as the birthplace of this seasoning. It still produces with the traditional winter ‘cold preparation’ method (寒仕込み), fermenting in large barrels of Yoshino cedar: in the ageing storehouse, built in 1866, yeasts and microorganisms descended from those of the late Edo period live on the walls and ceiling, according to the company's tradition. The small museum attached (角長醤油資料館) has free entry.

Eleven of the brewery's structures were designated Important Cultural Properties in 2022, almost two centuries after its founding.

ℹ️ Museum open 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00 all year, free entry. In the historic neighbourhood of Yuasa, 15 minutes on foot from JR Yuasa Station.

🚉 Yuasa · 12 min walk

Sources: yuasa-kankokyokai.com

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