UHN Nara Maruto Shoyu (formerly NIPPONIA Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu)

We planned a three-night trip to Nara. The first two nights were at a Hotel near Nara Station, so for the final night we chose this place a little farther out—especially because it offered the rare experience of staying in a soy sauce brewery. It far exceeded our expectations.Right after arriving, we joined the soy sauce pressing experience and were immediately captivated by the owner’s talk. I was truly impressed by the story of how he revived soy sauce making from scratch after his grandfather had been forced to stop after the war.Dinner dishes made with this deeply meaningful soy sauce highlighted mostly home-grown vegetables and let each ingredient shine—everything was exceptional. Even dessert (I think it was crème brûlée?) used soy sauce, and it was genuinely delicious.The Hatsuse Room was also a comfortable, calming space where we could rest well. Not having a TV was actually great. The wooden bath was wonderful too.Breakfast—rice with raw egg, an egg with a white yolk (?), and fresh fried tofu with soy sauce—was simple but the best kind of feast.The staff kindly answered even my husband’s rather unreasonable (laughing) questions, and I admired their sincere hospitality.Visiting in midsummer was lovely, but next time I’d like to return to this Accommodation in another season.

I had been wanting to try a soy sauce pressing experience for a long time, so I came to visit. I joined casually, but the deeply moving stories you shared left a strong impression on me. Enjoying freshly pressed soy sauce with grilled kuzumochi was exceptionally delicious. I was also happy that there was a lounge where we could freely enjoy wine and coffee. The wine provided happened to be from one of my favorite wineries, which made me even happier. The meal was wonderful—each ingredient’s flavor really stood out, and everything was delicious. There were so many ways to enjoy the soy sauce that my excitement never faded. The Room was very clean and comfortable. All of the staff were incredibly kind, and I’m truly grateful for your hospitality. It was a truly luxurious time for both mind and body. Every time we enjoy the soy sauces we bought as souvenirs, we’re reminded of Maruto Soy Sauce, and my husband and I still talk about how much fun it was whenever it comes up. We’ll be back again.