Discover Kikkoman #1 Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum

In our new series “Discover Kikkoman,” come with Kikona, Kikkoman’s official brand mascot, and explore our facilities around the world. We travel first to the Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum in Noda, Chiba Prefecture.

The Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum (Kikkoman Monoshiri Shoyukan) is located inside its soy sauce plant in the town of Noda, the longtime home of Kikkoman. The museum welcomes guests to tour and discover everything about soy sauce, one of Japan's most iconic seasonings.

There is so much to explore here! Visitors can experience the color and aroma of soy sauce while learning how soy sauce is made, including all about the fermentation process of moromi, amixture of salt water and soy sauce koji, which ismade from soybeans, wheat and koji mold. Another highlight is touring the historic imperial soy sauce brewery, known as the Goyogura. This is where soy sauce for the Imperial Household has been brewed for generations using the honjozo traditional brewing method. The Goyogura includes a fascinating exhibition that showcases traditional soy sauce production.

Afterwards, stop by the enjoyable gift shop and relax with refreshments at the cheerful Mame (“beans”) Café, to try out Kikkoman’s special soft ice cream made with Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Ice cream and soy sauce? Absolutely! It’s amazing how a hint of saltiness from soy sauce complements the sweetness of ice cream, creating a delicious “contrast effect.”

The museum hosts enthusiastic visitors from around the globe. Vacationers from Saipan in the Mariana Islands commented that, in their region, soy sauce is generally referred to as “Kikkoman,” rather than as “soy sauce”! Mr. Akira Kikuchi, the museum director, explained that guests enjoy learning all about Kikkoman Soy Sauce. This museum tour is an exciting, must-visit experience that overseas travelers definitely won’t want to miss.

For visitors to the greater Tokyo area, the Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum is a worthwhile day trip. The museum provides audio guides in English and Chinese.