Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu

The homemade soy sauces and soy salts, made in the revived factory, were subtle and packed with umami, and the food was superb. The hosts were so welcoming that the slight language gap didn’t get in the way; Google Translate helped. This is a destination in a small countryside town, and we liked being away from the center, somewhere quiet and far from tourist crowds. They provide electric bikes for visitors. We went during Sakura blossoms and rode all the way to Todai-ji Daibutsuden. The cherry trees made the journey special, though it took about 80min each way. The battery won’t last for the whole ride, so expect to pedal for part of it and save the assist for hills. What makes the place feel so distinctive is that the soy factory has stayed in the same family for 18 generations, and there’s a story behind bringing it back to life. The owner gives tours in Japanese, with a tablet translation for visitors who don’t speak Japanese. We loved the food and the one of a kind experience. Thank you for having us.

The room felt cozy and rooted in the past, with exposed beams, rustic earthen walls, thick bedding, comfortable heating, and wonderfully warm floors. The hinoki-wood bath was a welcome treat on a wintry night too. Breakfast was generous and delightful, served overlooking the old Japanese garden in a dining space that blends traditional and modern touches, including comfortable tables and chairs. There was local rice, organically grown produce and fruit in delicate portions, then coffee and something sweet. We even got to try the soy sauce prepared the day before on our meal. Hospitality from the 18th generation owner and staff was personal and warm, from the pick-up and drop-off to tea and cake, an introduction to craft soy sauce making, and a walk around the neighborhood and local shrine. The former family home and brewery workrooms have been turned into boutique accommodation with care, preserving the property's 300 year heritage and soy sauce traditions. Staying there offered a glimpse into the life of a prosperous brewing family, the refined Edo-style architecture, with decorated alcoves and transoms, and the garden setting, as well as the ancient history of central Nara. A visit to nearby Ohmiwa Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest, and a walk along the ancient Yama-no-be Path would round out a stay in this part of Nara, where so many old Japanese traditions began. Very special.

The room was in great shape, with no dusty corners, fresh-smelling tatami, and no mouldy wood in the toilet. For dinner, their own soy sauce showed up in every dish, from sashimi and fish to vegetables, meat, and even dessert. One of the best hotel stays I’ve had, and I’d highly recommend booking the dinner package with the room.

The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The head of the family spoke gently about Maruto Soy Sauce, its history through today, and the history of Yamato, which added a lot to the trip. I was especially moved by what he said about his grandfather, and his kind nature came through in the staff as well. Thank you for a wonderful trip. One small selfish request: the sake pairing was delicious, but I’d have liked it to be overflowing 😬