Fermentation Tourism 2025 – Kyoto, Nara & Osaka

October 27–29, 2025

Explore Japan’s Living Fermentation Culture

Since 2022, the annual Fermentation Tour has brought together an extraordinary community of international chefs, journalists, culinary school professionals, fermentation specialists, and food entrepreneurs to experience the heart of Japan’s fermentation traditions.

This unique journey was founded by Takashi Sato, president of the U.S. soy sauce company San-J International, in collaboration with Hiraku Ogura, the renowned “fermentation designer.” Together they created a tour that offers direct encounters with Japan’s master brewers, hands-on learning, and unforgettable tastes. I have also been participating as an interpreter since the very first tour.

A Track Record of Inspiring Journeys

Previous tours have explored the Hokuriku region, the Tokai area, Odawara, Shizuoka, Aichi, and Kanazawa. Participants have:

-Visited breweries and listened to brewers’ firsthand stories
-Savored regional fermented foods and sake
-Taken part in a koji seminar and cooking featuring local ingredients and fermented foods
-Even joined traditional shrine purification rituals

2025 Highlights: Kyoto, Nara & Osaka

This year the tour heads to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, with visits to:

Sake brewery
Soy sauce and miso maker
Vinegar producer
Tane-koji (koji starter) maker
Pickles maker
Innovative fermentation-focused restaurants

While this region has no mirin brewery, a special on-site mirin seminar will be arranged. The final day features a fermented seasoning workshop and ramen-making session at a celebrated miso ramen restaurant.

Why Join

This is far more than sightseeing—it’s a professional, in-depth exploration of Japan’s fermentation culture and a dynamic networking opportunity for those passionate about gastronomy and the future of food.

The entire program is conducted in English, and Japanese participants are also welcome.
For details and registration, please contact me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b5rrPjoUipC_fcvIP7sMmftqGes_VKQR/view?usp=drive_link