摂田屋・宮内の
歩き方

The Guidepost Jizo and the Fragrant Brewing Town

"To the right, Edo. To the left, the mountain path." In Settaya stands the "Guidepost Jizo," a 200-year-old marker pointing to the old Mikuni Highway. Walking past the brewing warehouses nearby, you’ll catch the rich aroma of soy sauce and the sweet scent of sake in the air.

Blessed with pristine water, snowy winters, and abundant nature, Nagaoka has long been ideal for fermentation. Settaya thrived early as a bustling hub along major trade routes, and during the Edo period, relaxed taxes and regulations further boosted its brewing industry.

Living Breweries and the Expanding Charm of Fermentation

Even today, five breweries in Settaya continue to produce sake, miso, and soy sauce at their historic sites. Many Meiji- and Taisho-era buildings are still in active use as workshops and offices, preserving their charm. Some have been beautifully renovated into brewery-owned shops or museums.

Recently, in the neighboring Miyauchi area, new restaurants and cafes featuring fermented foods from Settaya have been opening. The ways to enjoy this brewing and fermentation town are growing more exciting every day.

Settaya: A Town of Warmth and OMOTENASHI

The name "Settaya" is said to come from the ancient "Settaiya," a resting place where traveling monks were warmly welcomed. This spirit of hospitality and heartfelt care still thrives in the town today.