Things To Do
in Sō

Handmade buckwheat noodles served chilled with dipping sauce or warm in broth; commonly found at family-run noodle shops and seasonal festivals.

Must-Try!

Rice bowls topped with local market finds—grilled fish if near the coast or mountain vegetables and tempura inland—available at casual eateries and lunchtime counters.

Assorted local pickles and preserved vegetables that accompany meals; excellent to try at markets and as part of set lunches.

Small-batch sake from nearby breweries showcasing the prefectural water and rice; sample at izakayas, specialty shops and brewery tours if offered.

A small market where local farmers sell vegetables, pickles, homemade sweets and grilled snacks—great for tasting seasonal produce and meeting producers.

Occasional stalls near the train station offering skewers, onigiri and fried snacks—ideal for a quick, affordable bite while sightseeing.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional ryokan, temples and certain restaurants; look for shoe shelves and provided slippers.

Form orderly lines at stations and shops; keep noise to a minimum on public transport and in residential areas, especially at night.

Observe simple rituals: bow at the torii, wash hands at the purification basin, and be respectful when taking photos—some areas prohibit photography.

A small bow, a polite 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) and using two hands to give or receive items are appreciated and show cultural respect.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; excellent service is already included—if you wish to show appreciation, a small gift or a polite thank-you is preferred.

Cash (yen) is king in small towns—ATMs that accept foreign cards are found at post offices and convenience stores. IC transit cards (like Suica/Pasmo) are useful in larger areas, and major credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger restaurants but not everywhere; always carry cash for markets and small shops.

Cherry blossoms and early-blooming trees create beautiful scenes in late March to April; weather is mild but can still be cool in mornings—pack a light jacket and expect festival crowds on weekend blossom spots.

Warm and humid with occasional heavy rain during the rainy season (tsuyu) in June–July; late summer can bring warm days and lively summer festivals with fireworks—stay hydrated and carry sun protection.

Crisp, clear days and vibrant autumn foliage from October to November make this a favorite time for hiking and photography; temperatures cool and mornings can be chilly.

Colder temperatures with possible frost or light snow depending on elevation; many businesses remain open but hours may shorten—pack warm layers and check transport schedules if snow is expected.

A regional airport typically serves domestic flights and is often 1–2 hours away by car or public bus, providing convenient access to the town from major urban centers.

Major international airports (for example, Haneda, Narita, Kansai or Fukuoka depending on prefecture) act as the primary entry points from overseas; from them you can transfer by domestic flight, train or highway bus to reach Sō.

Like many rural towns in Japan, Sō has a significant aging population, with many long-term residents involved in agriculture or small businesses.

Family-run farms and shops form the backbone of the community, with multigenerational households common.

Some younger residents commute to nearby cities for work or education while maintaining family ties to the town.

Weekend and seasonal visitors from regional cities come for festivals, nature and onsen visits.

Vegetarian options exist but may be limited; try restaurants that offer vegetable tempura, soba with vegetable broth, or set meals from vegetarian-minded cafes. Use the phrase 'Watashi wa bejitarian desu' and ask staff to omit fish-based dashi (broth).

Vegan dining requires more planning—packaged foods and convenience stores have some options; communicate dietary needs clearly and look for temples or specialty cafes that advertise plant-based meals.

Soy sauce, miso and tempura contain gluten; rice-based dishes and grilled fish are safer choices. Bring a gluten-free card in Japanese if you rely on strict avoidance.

Severe allergies should be communicated in writing (Japanese translation card). Halal options are uncommon in small towns—seek out larger nearby cities or bring your own food if necessary.