KumamotoTravel

A Stroll Down Stone-Paved Kajiya-machi Street – Where Miso Warehouses and Blacksmith Shops Remain

About this spot

In Hitoyoshi, which prospered as the castle town of the Sagara clan, many skilled blacksmiths once lined this very street. Along the stone-paved alley, blacksmith shops, traditional miso and soy sauce warehouses, and tea shops still dot the landscape, and a walk here conveys the lingering spirit of this craftsman's quarter. At Kamata Brewery (釜田醸造所), you can take a free tour of the warehouse and experience the old-fashioned brewing process surrounded by the rich aromas of miso and soy sauce. Have a cup of tea at one of the tea shops, or select Kumano焼酎 (Kumano shochu), a pride of this rice-growing region, as a souvenir. This leisurely stroll allows you to gradually calm the excitement from the river adventure while savoring the ambiance of a castle town at dusk—the perfect finale to your day.

Tips

Many shops close in the evening, so check business hours for places you wish to visit in advance. Having small change for tastings and tea purchases makes it easier to stop by. Miso, soy sauce, and shochu come in bottles and can be heavy, so bringing an eco-bag is practical.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour. Late afternoon light casting long shadows across the stone pavement and white walls creates the most evocative castle town atmosphere.