I went to the Oota Yohachiro miso and soy sauce brewshop to try their popular miso ice cream. Yes, you heard me right! It might sound bizarre: not only can you enjoy miso hot in soup, but also cold. Oota Yohachiro makes a delicious and unique miso ice cream.

Oota Yohachiro Shoten is located right in the middle of Shiogama near Shiogama Shrine. It’s easy to spot, as the brewery and shop are housed in charming historic buildings. They brew Sendai miso, a traditional style of miso characterized by the way the soybeans are steamed. Some of the varieties here are made without any added alcohol—just rice koji, soybeans, and salt. Sendai miso is said to have gained popularity throughout the country during the Warring States period (1457–1615).

At the Oota Yohachiro brewshop, you can have your pick of their freshly made misos and soy sauces. They make several types of miso and three types of soy sauce. The types vary from one another in flavor and mouthfeel, but all are delicious.