Culinary and Cultural Wonders : Japanese Sword Forging, Soy Sauce, Tofu, and Miso Tours

In the town of Kamikawa in the northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, there is a sword smith who opened a sword smithy as if guided by the god of steel. The Japanese sword is known as one of Japan's world-class traditional crafts, but in fact it is so connected to the spiritual world of the Japanese people that it can be said to be the very soul of Japan. The Japanese sword, which has been handed down from the Heian period to the present, is not only a work of art, but also a spiritual guardian deity that protects people from illness and evil spirits. You can experience the traditional skills and spirit of Japanese swordsmithing at Fusahiro, where the ancient swordsmith method has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Please experience the culture and spirit of the Japanese sword by feeling the burning flames, the hot air, and the sound of striking iron with your whole body, and experience the ultimate forging technique.

Established over 120 years ago, Yamaki Brewery continues to produce soy sauce, tofu, and miso using domestically sourced organic ingredients. It focuses on traditional fermentation methods emphasizing sustainability and harmony with nature. Visitors can witness the soy sauce, tofu, and miso-making processes at the direct sales shop Koujian. Tour the soy sauce mashhouse, taste samples, and learn from the friendly staff. *Please contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk to book a tour. *Staff guidance is in Japanese, so please contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk to organize an interpreter/guide.

Tofu is a healthy food made from soybeans that has gained great attention worldwide. When you visit Japan, we encourage you to not only eat tofu but also try something new: yuba! Yuba is a style of tofu made from a film that is created on the surface of soy milk and eaten as a delicacy. Yuba has a unique, soft texture and is rich in nutrients, earning it its own fan base among tofu-lovers. At Yamaki Brewery, you can enjoy yuba dishes and yuba sweets at the on-site café, which caters to vegetarians and vegans as well.