Founded in 1868, Ishii Miso is a sixth-generation miso brewery that still uses massive cedar barrels to ferment its miso for over three years, a method that's now rare in Japan. They offer short tours in English twice a day (check their website for times), where you can learn about the miso-making process and see the traditional barrels up close.

There’s also a small restaurant on-site. If you make a reservation at least two days in advance through their website, you’ll have access to a special menu. Walk-ins are offered a simpler menu, but it’s still incredibly delicious—so don’t worry if you drop by without booking ahead.

And if you're curious, try their miso-flavored soft ice cream. The texture is nothing special, but the mix of creamy sweetness and miso umami is unexpectedly good. It sounds strange, but somehow it works.

A great stop if you’re interested in Japanese food culture or just want to try something unique.