味噌蔵
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Ishii Miso Brewery

4.3
·490 reviews·Matsumoto, Japan

Discover the art of traditional miso making at Ishii Miso Brewery, featuring a 3-year aging process and unique miso-infused culinary delights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier to join tours

CrowdLow
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味噌蔵

Ishii Miso Brewery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier to join tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the art of traditional miso making at Ishii Miso Brewery, featuring a 3-year aging process and unique miso-infused culinary delights.

4.3
(490 reviews)

"Highlight of our Matsumoto trip! The English tour was very informative and I really enjoyed it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 English Tours Available

The brewery offers informative English tours, often guided by the owner.

🍦 Don't Miss Miso Ice Cream!

It's a must-try unique dessert that many visitors find surprisingly delicious.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miso Brewery Tour

Miso Brewery Tour

Ishii Miso Brewery

Learn about the three-year fermentation process and traditional methods from the passionate owner.

Reddit
Miso-Flavored Ice Cream

Miso-Flavored Ice Cream

Brewery Shop

A surprisingly delicious and unique treat that many visitors can't get enough of.

Reddit
Miso Dishes & Lunch

Miso Dishes & Lunch

Brewery Restaurant

Savor dishes like miso gyoza and pork miso soup, showcasing the brewery's signature flavors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

While some visitors found they could join tours without reservations on weekdays, booking ahead is recommended, especially for English tours, to ensure a spot and avoid confusion about where to go. Reddit

Embrace the Miso Experience

Don't just taste the miso soup; try the unique miso-flavored ice cream and other dishes. Many visitors rave about these unexpected delights, making it a culinary adventure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier to join tours
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy lunch and browse the shop
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This street in Matsumoto loves frogs 🐸 Nawate street is a charming shopping street full of nostalgic flair, cute trinkets..and frogs! 💚 Why frogs? 🤔 Because “kaeru” (かえる) means both ‚frog’ and ‚to return‘ in Japanese, so frogs are seen as lucky charms for safe returns and even fortune 🍀 At the entrance, you’ll spot a battle-ready frog statue made by art students! Also, don’t miss the special wate...
@naomikatoo
16.6K likes • 129.5K views

🎯 English Tours Available

The brewery offers informative English tours, often guided by the owner. InstagramReddit

🍦 Don't Miss Miso Ice Cream!

It's a must-try unique dessert that many visitors find surprisingly delicious. Reddit

三年味噌の仕込みをしました。 杉の木桶へ大豆と糀と塩をミックスした原料を入れていきます。 手作業で4.5トン入れていきます。 #石井味噌 #三年味噌 #木桶#杉桶#木桶仕込み #木桶仕込み味噌 #kioke #kiokemiso #ishiimiso #ishiimisobrewery #ishiimisolunch #matsumoto #hakko #fermentation #miso #japanesetraditionalfood
ishiimiso
141 likes • 2.8K views
I have miso soup everyday but this place had the best miso dishes I’ve ever tasted!! This is Ishii Miso Brewery in Matsumoto📍 Definitely visit this place if you are in Nagano Thank you @eatmeetjapan2022 for an amazing experience! Follow 👉 @jesseogn for more!! #japan #japanese #japantravel #japantrip #nagano #miso #japanesefood #japon #nippon #japanesecuisine #japaneseculture
jesseogn
24.8K likes • 316.1K views

🛍️ Buy Miso & Souvenirs

Stock up on various miso pastes and local products. Delivery within Japan is possible. Reddit

🍽️ Delicious Miso Lunch

Try their miso gyoza and pork miso soup for a flavorful meal. Reddit

Finally, I got to posting a reel of my day in Matsumoto, Nagano 💕 10 AM 📍Alps Coffee Lab @alps.coffee.lab // Breakfast Matcha (cutest latte art) 11 AM 📍Ishii Miso Brewery Tour #石井味噌 @ishiimiso // Miso Storehouse Guided Tour in English + Lunch 12.30 PM 📍Matsumoto City Museum of Art // Yayoi Kusama: The place for my soul (Year-round exhibition) 2 PM 📍Sioribi Cafe & Bookstore #栞日 @sioribi // Love...
vanessa_kou
37 likes • 642 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 English Tours Available

The brewery offers informative English tours, often guided by the owner. InstagramReddit

🍦 Don't Miss Miso Ice Cream!

It's a must-try unique dessert that many visitors find surprisingly delicious. Reddit

🛍️ Buy Miso & Souvenirs

Stock up on various miso pastes and local products. Delivery within Japan is possible. Reddit

🍽️ Delicious Miso Lunch

Try their miso gyoza and pork miso soup for a flavorful meal. Reddit

❓ Ask for Directions

If unsure where to go for lunch or tours, don't hesitate to ask staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(490 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ishii Miso Brewery for its authentic experience, informative tours often led by the passionate owner, and delicious, unique food offerings, especially the miso ice cream. While the food and learning aspects are highly rated, some guests have noted minor organizational issues with tour and lunch flow on busier days. Reddit+1

"Super worth to come here. Here the big boss guides you personally on a short but very informative and fun tour. You learn everything from the three simple ingredients to the three year processing, all made with hand and lots of love. Afterwards there is a q&a session and then you get even some Miso soup to try.
There is a shop with a great selection of Miso pastes and Miso goods. We highly recommend trying their home made ice cream. Great experience. Thank you so much. 🙏🏻"

Marcel Cybon

"This is a long-established miso brewery in Matsumoto City. It sells miso and also serves pizza and other meals. Their miso-flavoured soft-serve ice cream is uniquely delicious.

Parking is available."

Shige SHIMOYAMA

"Joined the free Miso brewery tour and had lunch here. Miso gyoza and pork miso soup for lunch was delicious! We loved the gyoza. Oh the Miso ice cream was oishi too.

Complimentary miso soup is given after the tour which is such a nice touch.
We ended up buying 3 containers of 3 year aged miso.

No reservations was needed on the day we visited. Visited on a weekday 15/04/2025. However, note that we did have to ask around quite a bit because there was no clear structure of where to go for the lunch and tour. We had to ask the staff repeatedly before being guided to the lunch area - tatami room and also ask around before being informed that the tour is starting soon and everyone was already in the waiting room. Although we asked ahead of time, we were repeatedly asked to wait but unsure where to wait. I think they can improve on their organisation because the food and tour is really great!"

Eve Neo

What People Like

Informative brewery tours
Unique miso ice cream
Delicious miso dishes

What People Dislike

Tour/lunch organization

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ishii Miso Brewery is located in Matsumoto City. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible within the city. Many visitors combine it with other Matsumoto attractions like Nawate Street. TikTok

Yes, parking is available at the brewery, making it convenient for those traveling by car. Reddit

The walkability depends on your starting point in Matsumoto. It's advisable to check a map for the most direct route or consider local transport options. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While some visitors have joined tours without reservations on weekdays, booking in advance is recommended, especially for English tours, to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, Ishii Miso Brewery offers guided tours in English, often led by the owner, providing an informative and fun experience. InstagramReddit

The brewery offers a free miso factory tour, which is a great way to learn about their traditional production methods. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open for tours, lunch, and shopping. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Yes, the shop is open for visitors to browse and purchase miso products and souvenirs, even if you don't participate in a tour. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The brewery offers delicious meals, including miso gyoza and pork miso soup. They also serve unique miso-flavored soft-serve ice cream. Reddit+1

The miso-flavored soft-serve ice cream is a highlight for many visitors, described as uniquely delicious and surprisingly refreshing. Reddit+1

Some visitors have been able to get lunch without a reservation, especially on weekdays, but it's advisable to check or try to book ahead if possible. Reddit

A complimentary miso soup is often provided after the tour, which is a nice touch and a great way to taste their product. Reddit

While specific vegetarian options aren't detailed, the focus is on miso-based dishes. Inquiring directly with the restaurant staff is recommended. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the shop and dining areas. For specific areas within the brewery during tours, it's best to ask your guide. Instagram

Capture the traditional wooden vats, the brewing process, and of course, the unique miso ice cream. The rustic charm of the brewery offers many photo opportunities. Instagram+1

During the tour, you'll likely see the miso making process. Be mindful of your guide's instructions and any restrictions on photography during active production. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ishii Miso Brewery offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The brewery tour, often led by the owner, is described as fun and informative, making it accessible even for younger visitors who can learn about traditional food production. Reddit The chance to see large wooden vats and understand the process can be quite captivating.

For a treat, the miso-flavored ice cream is a hit with all ages, offering a novel taste experience that kids often find intriguing and delicious. Reddit The restaurant also serves kid-friendly options like miso gyoza, which are generally well-received. While the brewery is focused on traditional production, the overall atmosphere is welcoming, and the hands-on learning aspect can make it a memorable outing for the whole family.

foodie Travelers

For food lovers, Ishii Miso Brewery is a pilgrimage site. You'll get an in-depth understanding of traditional miso making, from the three simple ingredients to the three-year aging process, directly from the source. Reddit The opportunity to taste their signature three-year aged miso in various forms – from soup and gyoza to the surprisingly delightful miso ice cream – is unparalleled. Reddit+1 Don't miss the chance to purchase their artisanal miso pastes from the shop to recreate these flavors at home. Reddit

Cultural Explorers

Immerse yourself in Japanese culinary heritage at Ishii Miso Brewery. The guided tours offer a deep dive into a centuries-old craft, providing insights into the cultural significance of miso in Japan. Reddit Witnessing the traditional wooden vats and understanding the meticulous, hands-on process connects you with a vital part of Japanese food culture. Instagram+1 This experience goes beyond just tasting; it's about appreciating the dedication, time, and love that goes into creating this staple ingredient.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Three-Year Miso

Ishii Miso Brewery specializes in three-year aged miso, a testament to their dedication to traditional fermentation. This extended aging process allows the soybeans, koji (rice malt), and salt to meld into a complex, rich flavor profile. The Instagram reels showcase the meticulous process of filling large wooden vats (kioke) with these ingredients, a task that requires significant effort and expertise. Instagram+3 The sheer volume, often around 4.5 tons per vat, highlights the scale of their traditional production. This commitment to time-honored methods is what sets their miso apart and is a key part of the visitor experience. Reddit

Visitors on tours learn about the simple yet profound ingredients and the patience required for this natural fermentation. The 'big boss' or owner often guides these tours, sharing personal insights and making the experience both informative and fun. Reddit This hands-on approach, from ingredient selection to the final product, is deeply appreciated by guests who value authenticity and craftsmanship. The brewery emphasizes natural methods, with no added flavors, ensuring the pure taste of their carefully crafted miso. Instagram+1

The result is a miso that is not only a staple for Japanese cuisine but also a culinary delight in its own right. Whether enjoyed in soup, used in cooking, or even in unexpected forms like ice cream, the quality of the three-year aged miso shines through. Reddit+1 The brewery's shop offers a wide selection of their products, allowing visitors to take a piece of this traditional taste home with them. Reddit

Beyond the Brew: Culinary Delights

While the core of Ishii Miso Brewery is, of course, miso production, their culinary offerings are a significant draw for visitors. The restaurant serves dishes that expertly incorporate their signature miso, with the miso gyoza and pork miso soup frequently highlighted as must-tries. Reddit These dishes offer a delicious introduction to the versatility and depth of flavor that their aged miso provides. The experience is often described as a delightful culinary journey, showcasing how traditional ingredients can be transformed into modern, appealing meals. Instagram

However, the true surprise for many is the miso-flavored soft-serve ice cream. This unique dessert has garnered rave reviews, with visitors calling it 'uniquely delicious' and 'surprisingly refreshing.' Reddit+1 It’s a testament to the brewery’s innovative approach, blending traditional flavors with contemporary treats. This unexpected delight often becomes a memorable highlight of the visit, encouraging guests to explore beyond the typical uses of miso. Instagram

Beyond the main dishes and dessert, the brewery also offers other miso-infused items and a chance to sample their products. The complimentary miso soup after the tour is a thoughtful touch, allowing guests to taste the quality firsthand. Reddit The shop itself is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of miso pastes and related goods, with the option for delivery within Japan. Reddit

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