Bookings open at the end of May in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu! Follow us on Instagram to stay updated.
Why I Chose Nakatsu for My Private Tours & Fermentation Courses
Pristine Water from the Yabakei Gorge
The soft, mineral-rich water flowing from the volcanic rocks of the Yabakei mountains provides the perfect chemical foundation for high-quality brewing.
A Historic Hub of Soy Sauce & Sake Production
As a prosperous Edo-period castle town, Nakatsu developed a sophisticated merchant class that perfected large-scale soy sauce and sake fermentation over centuries.
The Unique Climate of the Oita Basin
The region’s humidity and seasonal temperature fluctuations create ideal conditions for growing koji, a fermented rice culture that plays a central role in traditional Japanese fermentation.
How to Plan Your Trip to Nakatsu for This Experience
Where do you host your experiences?
Our “Temple of Fermentation”—also known as our fermentation studio—is located about a 25 minute walk from Nakatsu Station. You can easily reach Nakatsu by express train directly from Fukuoka International Airport in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or from Beppu—one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations—in just 30–45 minutes.
Click here to learn more about how to get to our location from Fukuoka airport or Beppu station.
When do you accept bookings for your experiences?
Private Fermentation Tour: Every Thursday through Saturday
Private Japanese Fermentation Practitioner Certificate Course: Every Wednesday through Saturday
Is it cash only?
We accept all major credit cards, as well as Link, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Do you have any accommodation recommendations in Nakatsu or Beppu?
I’ve put together my guide on where to stay, eat & explore in Nakatsu and Beppu. Click the button below to see what works for you!
Who will be your host?
I’m a certified Gut Health Coach and Japanese Fermented Foods & Medicinal Cooking Specialist, based in Nakatsu, Oita, Kyushu.
Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t fully fit into my own culture. But living in Vancouver helped me rediscover and appreciate Japanese food on a deeper level. Now, I’m passionate about sharing that connection with health-conscious travelers visiting Japan from around the world.
See what Haruka is up to on Instagram!
