NiigataThere is a place in the prefecture nagaokacalled settaya, a town of fermentation that has existed since the Edoera. The town has been rich in rice, grains and high-quality underground water since ancient times, which has allowed the unique Japanese fermentation culture such as sake, soy sauce and miso to flourish. If you are interested in Japanese fermentation culture, it is recommended to visit at least once.
At the entrance to the settayais LIS settaya, a storefront that brings together local values and lifestyles in a renovated warehouse built in 1930.
In one corner is the fermented drink stand Hacco to go! settaya. The drinks use sakekasu, a by-product of Niigata's sake. The sake lees, made by fermenting rice with koji and yeast, is further fermented with lactic acid bacteria to make vegetable yoghurt, which is then served as a shake.
You can also enjoy the refreshing sourness of frozen yoghurt and the slight flavour of sake lees. There are a total of five varieties, including simple plain, strawberry, yuzu, blueberry and chocolate. The Fermented Shake (Sakekasu Shake), which you have never encountered before and can only be tasted here, is a must when you visit settaya!
What's good about sake lees ...
Sakekasu is an excellent fermented food that has been around in Japan for centuries, containing a wealth of ingredients with beauty and health benefits. It contains about 600 different effects and benefits for the body, such as improving the intestinal environment, boosting immunity, whitening and anti-ageing effects. Also known as the 'Queen of Fermented Foods', it is an ingredient that has attracted attention from the intestinal activity and diet industries in Japan.
Hacco to go!" is an easy and tasty way to consume this sake lees without strain. There is also an online shop, so you can order the plant-based yoghurt used in the fermented shake, Jogurt, but at the moment there is only a physical shop at settayawhere you can taste the fermented shake. It is not open every day and the opening days are limited, so check before you go!
A walk around the town of settayawith a drink in hand is also recommended.
EdoTowns that have remained from the era are popular spots on settaya. Take a walk around the old buildings, warehouses and streets while enjoying a drink. There are many photo-worthy spots, so don't forget to have your camera ready! settayaPlease enjoy the "Japanese fermentation" that you can only experience in
■Hacco to go!settaya
NiigataPrefecture nagaokaCity settaya4-8-28 ( 江口だんごsettayaLIS on site settayanext door)
■Business days Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
(Winter closure period: scheduled for end of Dec-Feb).
■Opening hours 12:00-16:00
■10-minute walk from JR miyauchistation.
