Hita Village & Hara Jirozaemon factory

OVERVIEW

Browse the main shopping street that runs through the hot spring town of Hita and visit a family-owned factory that has been making soy sauce and miso soy bean paste for 23 generations. The Hara family produces these traditional culinary staples using their own recipes and techniques, and you will see exactly how it is done during an eye-opening factory tour. After sampling these two iconic Japanese products – which are revered for their unique flavors – you will learn about the family’s special brand of lemonade. Later, you will be dropped off on Mamedamachi Street, a pedestrian-friendly area lined with architecture that dates to the Edo Period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. Besides browsing the dozens of shops, you will visit a museum where thousands of hina dolls are displayed on tiered platforms. The dolls represent the imperial couple and their court and are believed to bring young girls good luck and happiness.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a family-owned factory that has been making soy sauce and miso for generations.
• See how these iconic products are produced and then sample them.
• Visit a museum whose exhibits showcase hina dolls that are said to bring good luck.
• Spend free time browsing the many shops along Mamedamachi Street.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.