Matsumoto Photo Gallery Part 2

Fukashi Shrine is dedicated to Tenjin and Suwamyojin deities covering scholarship, agriculture, hunting, and warfare. The Ishii Miso Brewery was founded in 1868 and what makes this place unique is that it offers tours of its facilities. I saw groups of Japanese tours head into the factory, and upon asking for an English version, staff hurried into the office to find their owner to give the grand tour just for me. How impressive! Miso is fermented over 3 years here, unlike the mass production factories where a much cheaper version is made within a few months. The miso is fermented in wood barrels, which let air to permeate to enhance the process. Greatly satisfied with learning more about the miso, I headed west of the city to the Kametaya Sake Brewery, which occupies a farm house and also provides tours. I was also given a personalized English tour of their production facilities as well as a generous amount of their award-winning sake to try. With over 300 years of history, the Tenjin festival is celebrated every July 24 and 25 at Fukashi Shrine, with enormous floats pulled by hand through the streets. The Nakamachi district has preserved white-painted warehouses that were used by merchants during the Edo period. Many have been adapted into cafes and shops today.