Ishii Miso — Restaurant in Matsumoto

This is a historic miso brewery, established in 1868, that prides itself on its traditional miso-making methods. They use age-old cedar barrels for natural brewing and age their miso for three years, using only domestic rice and soybeans, along with pure spring water from their own grounds. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, with no compromises on ingredients or process. The result is a living, additive-free miso, unpasteurized and without added alcohol, boasting a rich aroma and profound flavor. The brewery offers tours where you can witness the miso-making process firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for its tradition and complexity. At their restaurant, you can savor a variety of miso dishes, including their renowned miso soup set. The hearty, generously filled miso soup is a crowd favorite and a must-try. The renovated old buildings and miso warehouse exude a charming, traditional atmosphere, making it a popular spot for international visitors. This brewery is a valuable destination to experience Japan's traditional culture during your visit to Matsumoto

【My rating criteria】 ★★★★★ I definitely want to visit again. ★★★★ I want to visit again. ★★★ Average ★★ I don't really want to visit again. ★ I never want to...

Highlight of time spent in Matsumoto. Delicious lunch of Pork stew and rice balls with miso pastes and some sake to wash it down with. Beautiful dining area. The restaurant is accessible via the gift shop on the left although this isn't clear. I followed the restaurant signs that lead me to a loft dining area full of a bus tour of people having lunch. I eventually found my way to the correct restaurant for the public. A la carte menu seems to change as chicken katsu was not available on my visit.

After lunch I enquired about and English tour and after waiting 5 minutes the owner (6th generation) took me and 3 others on a guided tour of the brewery. He explained the manufacturing process, difference between 1 and 3 year aging and the health benefits of miso. His English was perfect and the tour was interesting and informative and lasted about 20 minutes.

My only suggestion is to offer very small tastings of the 1 and 3 year miso pastes on the tour. That way we can understand the differences between two. I also think it would really increase sales in the gift shop!

Great and plentiful toilet facilities in parking lot to accommodate for the bus tours.. they also blast Vivaldi's Four Seasons in the loos which is...

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...