Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour — Salem, Oregon

Discover the Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour in Oregon

The Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour in Salem, Oregon offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most historic soy sauce producers operating a U.S. production facility. This guided factory tour introduces visitors to traditional Japanese-inspired soy sauce brewing adapted for modern American food manufacturing. Ideal for food lovers, culinary professionals, and travelers interested in global food culture, the experience blends fermentation science, quality control, and international heritage.
Why it’s special:
Yamasa has brewed soy sauce since 1645 in Japan. Visitors explore a real, operating U.S. production facility connected to nearly four centuries of soy sauce craftsmanship.

History & Story of Yamasa Soy Sauce

Yamasa Corporation was founded in Japan in 1645 and is one of the oldest soy sauce producers in the world. To serve North American markets, Yamasa established a production facility in Salem, Oregon, combining traditional fermentation principles with modern manufacturing standards. The Salem plant plays a key role in producing soy sauce for foodservice and retail across the United States while maintaining Yamasa’s strict quality and flavor standards.

What You’ll See & Do on the Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour

• Tour a working soy sauce production facility

• Learn how soy sauce is brewed, fermented, and aged

• See fermentation tanks, blending systems, and bottling lines

• Learn about koji culture, salt balance, and flavor development

• Understand quality control and food safety standards

• Explore the differences between traditional and modern soy sauce production

Hands-On Elements: Educational explanations and live production observation.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography is restricted in production areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Limited retail items may be available; no full visitor shop on-site.

Pricing of the Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour

• Guided factory tour admission

• Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

• Advance reservation required

Visiting information

Tours last approximately 45–60 minutes and are offered as guided experiences by appointment only. The experience is suitable for adults and older students; closed-toe shoes are required. Accessibility accommodations are available with advance notice.

Exact Factory & Tour Hours:

• Tours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (by reservation only)

• Closed: Saturday & Sunday

Nearby

• Downtown Salem

• Willamette University

• Oregon State Capitol

FAQs About Visiting the Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour

Do I need to reserve the factory tour in advance?
Yes, all tours require advance scheduling due to food safety and production controls.

Is this a real working soy sauce factory?
Yes, the Salem facility actively produces soy sauce for U.S. distribution.

Will I see fermentation in progress?
Many tours include views of active fermentation and blending processes, depending on the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for older children and students due to industrial environments.

Can I purchase soy sauce on-site?
On-site retail availability is limited; most products are sold through retailers.