10 Things to Do in Yuasa

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 (yu), meaning “hot water” or “hot bath,” and (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
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.

 

顯国神社
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.

 

施無畏寺
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.

 

田海岸
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.

 

小浜
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.

 

紀州忍びの湯 二ノ丸温泉
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.

 

湯浅温泉 湯浅城
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
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.


角長醤油資料館
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.

 

湯浅醤油有限会社
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:

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

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