Taste and Make Miso at a 100-Year-Old Brewery in Aichi

Delve into the rich world of artisanal miso at Hatoya, also known as Miso Park, in Nishio City, about an hour from central Nagoya. For over a century, this brewery has been producing miso using traditional, generational techniques that create smooth, flavorful, and aromatic pastes. From umami-rich, three-year-aged red miso to lighter, versatile varieties, all of Hatoya’s miso is additive-free and crafted with care. Miso is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. It can be dissolved into soup, used as a glaze or dip, or added to sauces, appearing in dishes from ramen and udon to the classic miso soup. Each type has its own flavor profile, shaped by ingredients and fermentation methods, which you’ll explore during this experience. Your visit begins at Miso Park with a meeting with your guide, followed by a short video introducing the history and production of miso. Then, tour the brewery’s towering wooden vats, rich with the deep aroma of fermenting soybeans. Learn about the tools, techniques, and fermentation process that give each miso its unique taste. Next, enjoy a tasting of three miso varieties and a hands-on workshop where you’ll make instant miso soup. A light meal is available for an additional fee, and free time allows you to explore the park or pick up souvenirs. This immersive tasting and brewery tour is a perfect way to experience one of Japan’s most iconic ingredients and understand the craft behind it.