To improve the productivity of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), seven different types of media for liquid spawn (denoted as “A” to “G”) were prepared with 0.3% soybean meal and varying sugar and glucose concentrations. During 14 days of incubation, the pH of the liquid culture gradually acidified with increasing incubation period. Additionally, there was a significant, but not prominent, difference in the degree of acidification depending on the sugar to glucose ratio. Liquid spawn culture “G,” which had the highest sugar content was the most acidic on the last day of incubation. Mycelium dry weight increased significantly with increasing incubation period, and there was no significant difference in mycelium dry weight irrespective of the sugar to glucose ratio even after 14 days of culture. The inoculation of liquid spawn in sawdust medium with an inoculation volume ≥ 45 mL and incubation period of 15 to 18 days were the optimal culture conditions. Productivity of fruit bodies in sawdust medium and mushrooms treated with liquid spawn was significantly higher compared to solid spawn treatment. The mushrooms treated with liquid spawn had better chewiness, and the free amino acid content, which is associated with savory taste, was higher in these mushrooms compared to those treated with solid spawn.