10 Things to Do in Yuasa
![]() |
| 10 Things to Do in Yuasa |
Yuasa (湯浅町) is a historic coastal town located in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of soy sauce in Japan. The town’s name is written with the kanji 湯 (yu), meaning “hot water” or “hot bath,” and 浅 (asa), meaning “shallow” or “superficial.”
For those planning to visit this historic
coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Yuasa:
![]() |
| Yuasa manhole cover |
1. Take a photo of Yuasa's manhole cover
design. I have seen 1 unique manhole cover design. It is commonly found in the
town.
![]() |
| Yuasa Omiya Kenkoku Shrine |
2. Visit Yuasa Omiya Kenkoku Shrine (顯国神社) to pay your
respects and offer prayers. The shrine offers a goshuin that would make a
wonderful addition to your collection. It is also recognized as a cultural
property and forms part of a Japan Heritage Site.
![]() |
| Semuiji |
3. Visit Semuiji (施無畏寺) in spring to enjoy the
beautiful cherry blossoms. This tranquil temple is also historically associated
with the revered monk Myoe.
![]() |
| Ta Coast |
4. Enjoy exploring the scenic Ta Coast (田海岸), a
protected natural area known for its stunning views and charming pebbly beach.
It’s a peaceful spot where locals often come to relax and fish, making it a
perfect place to experience the quiet beauty of Yuasa’s coastline.
![]() |
| Obama Coast |
5. Visit the Obama Coast (小浜) and enjoy its
clean beach, soft sand, and the warmth of the sun. The sea is calm and
beautiful, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. It is a small and quiet
beach, perfect for those seeking a peaceful seaside experience.
![]() |
| Ninomaru Onsen |
6. Take a relaxing dip at Ninomaru Onsen (紀州忍びの湯 二ノ丸温泉),
a peaceful hot spring retreat nestled deep in the mountains of Yuasa Town.
After soaking in its soothing waters, head to the onsen’s restaurant and enjoy
a sumptuous meal to complete your relaxing experience in this hidden getaway.
![]() |
| Yuasa Castle Onsen Hotel |
7. Stay for a night and enjoy the relaxing onsen at Yuasa Castle Onsen Hotel (湯浅温泉 湯浅城). This unique hotel is modeled after a traditional white castle tower, giving it a distinctive and elegant appearance. Guests can climb up to the watchtower for a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The hotel also offers day-trip options for those who simply wish to enjoy its soothing hot spring baths. If you plan to visit by public transport, keep in mind that there are no taxis available on Sundays, so it’s best to arrange your travel in advance.
![]() |
| Yuasa Denken District |
8. Stroll around the Yuasa Denken District, officially called the Important Preservation
District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Yuasa (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区(湯浅町湯浅)), where the
town’s rich history and culture come vividly to life. This well-preserved
district showcases traditional wooden houses, white-walled storehouses, and
narrow alleys that date back to the Edo period. As you walk through its
charming streets, you’ll find old soy sauce breweries, merchant homes, and
small shops that reflect Yuasa’s legacy as the birthplace of Japanese soy
sauce. It’s like stepping back in time to experience the atmosphere of a
traditional Japanese town.
![]() |
| Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum |
9. Learn about the fascinating history and
traditional process of soy sauce making at the Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum (角長醤油資料館). Located
in the heart of Yuasa, this museum is housed in a historic building that once
served as a real soy sauce brewery. Inside, you’ll find displays of century-old
tools such as wooden fermentation barrels, stone presses, and foot-operated
wheat mills used in traditional soy sauce production. The museum also features
dioramas and informative exhibits explaining how Yuasa became known as the
birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. Visitors can even experience the rich aroma
of fermentation and gain a deeper appreciation of how this essential seasoning
has shaped Japan’s culinary culture.
![]() |
| Yuasa Soy Sauce Co., Ltd. |
10. Join the factory tour at Yuasa Soy Sauce Co., Ltd. (湯浅醤油有限会社) and discover how authentic soy sauce is made using traditional methods passed down through generations. The self-guided tour takes you through different stages of the production process, with detailed explanations available in multiple languages. You’ll see the fermentation barrels up close and learn how time and craftsmanship create the deep, rich flavor of Yuasa soy sauce. At the end of the tour, visit the souvenir shop and café to sample local specialties, and make sure to try the unique soy sauce ice cream, a surprising yet delicious treat that captures the essence of Yuasa’s culinary culture.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Yuasa gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this historic coastal town in Wakayama Prefecture of Japan.
#Yuasa
#YuasaWakayama
Read more:
![]() |












Comments
Post a Comment