Yuasa 湯浅

Yuasa, where a particular kind of shoyu (soy source) originated, is a living museum of historic townscape. The town, originally established to provide accommodation for pilgrims to Kumano Shrines, flourished as a commercial center with fishing port, mandarin orchards and the particular kind of Shoyu (invented from Kinji-miso around 17c). Today traditional houses are well preserved and stylishly presented. At the front of houses, a variety of small treasures are displayed in wooden frames - combs, toys, doctor's equipments. These frames (seiro) are the trays used for fermentation process of miso making. As well as soy source makers, soy bean growers, tool manufactures make this town a good example of eco or living-museum. The town was nominated as an Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings" (2006, Agency of Cultural Affairs). Yuasa town holds a Toro night, when traditional street lanterns adorn this historic town. An evening stroll in the soft lantern light would create a beautiful Slow Night.

Yuasa: from Wakayama, 40 min on JR Kinokuni Line. http://www.town.yuasa.wakayama.jp/