Moriguchi-zuke pickles and Shippo Miso: Meeting the fermented foods of the Owari region and its historical spots

This Moriguchi-zuke pickle shop stands with its own workshop in the land of Aichi Daikon radishes, a traditional vegetable of Aichi. These daikon are marinaded for two years in sake lees and mirin lees for two years, imparting to them a smooth sweetness and mellow flavor. Taste test as much as you like before selecting one of the many sweets using Moriguchi-zuke pickles or other products. Plus, the workshop next door offers tours and, with a reservation, lets you make your own Moriguchi-zuke pickles!

Inuyama is said to have been constructed by famous hero Oda Nobunaga’s uncle Oda Nobuyasu and is a Japanese national treasure. The castle keep is the oldest remaining in all of Japan. Below the castle is a townscape retaining an aura of the Edo period (1603–1868), letting you walk through it as if you’ve traveled hundreds of years into the past. Follow a fragrant trail to pick up some gohei　mochi　rice cakes on a stick, covered in a sweet miso sauce or famous skewered items, just to name a few.

Gaze upon a majestic view of Inuyama Castle as you enjoy your meal at this restaurant located in a luxurious hotel. The chef’s special menu is inspired by the history and culture around the Inuyama area, with our top suggestion being the Moriguchi-zuke Tartar Burger. Moriguchi-zuke pickles are diced and mixed into a tartar sauce which draws out the umami of the hamburger patty while conveying as an accent the exquisite flavors of the pickles!

The Shippo Miso Factory was founded in 1874 as a production plant for bean miso and tamari soy sauce. Its premises are home to the Ama no Kura Shop selling miso and soy sauces as well as the Flavors of Ama Bakery with miso cutlet sandwiches, Shippo Miso bread, miso soft-serve ice cream, and other popular bites. You can also walk through a natural factory where authentic bean miso is made in huge, 10-ton wooden vats during the Handmade Miso Workshop.

Kayatsu Jinja Shrine is the only Shinto shrine in Japan honoring the god of pickles. As the story goes, pickles came to be when vegetables and salt were put into a jar as an offering to the shrine. The Pickle Hall on the premises holds the Pickle Festival every August 21, and you can buy charming pickle and vegetable amulets perfect for a souvenir.