Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the birthplaces of Japanese wine.
More than 100 years ago, Denbei Kamiya and his son Denzo grew grapes, fermented them, and began making wine together with local villagers.
People aiming to make wine from all over Japan must have arrived at the newly opened Ushiku Station, and wine was likely transported nationwide from there.
On Saturday, May 10, set in a town you can explore on foot from JR Ushiku Station on the Joban Line, three events will be held concurrently to learn about history, watch a story of dreams coming true, and taste Japanese wine from various regions!
Whether you choose one or enjoy them all is up to you. You can spend an entire day in Ushiku immersing yourself in Japanese wine.
Now, let us introduce the three events in detail.
Learn: Ushiku Chateau Main Building Guided Tour
12:30–13:00 Part 1, Capacity: 20 people, 1,000 yen
13:00–13:30 Part 2, Capacity: 20 people, 1,000 yen
(Both sessions have the same content)
Location: Ushiku Chateau Main Building (usually closed to the public)
The Main Building (former office) is one of the three structures designated as a National Important Cultural Property as an "earliest authentic wine brewing facility."
Although it is usually closed to the public, you can take a special guided tour on this occasion! Recognized as a Japan Heritage site through a joint application by Ushiku City and Koshu City under the title "
140 Years of Japanese Wine History: The Crystallization of Japanese Culture Brewed from Domestically Grown Grapes
," this important building preserves Denbei Kamiya's office and the space where Meiji-era dignitaries gathered to enjoy wine parties just as they were back then. In addition to valuable furnishings, a Meiji-era piano of unknown origin is also a must-see!
Watch: Film Screening of "Signature: Making Japan a World-Class Wine Region"
Includes a talk session with Ibaraki Ambassador Mitsuhiro Anzo and Ushiku Mayor Kazutoshi Numata!
On the day, after the film screening, Mitsuhiro Anzo, the model for the protagonist of this work, and his wife, Masako Anzo, will visit from Yamanashi. A talk session will be held with Kazutoshi Numata, Mayor of Ushiku City, who has assumed office as the new president of Ushiku Chateau.
This is a valuable opportunity to hear about the future of Ushiku Chateau and Ibaraki wine!
14:00–16:30 Capacity: 250 people (Free admission)
Location: Escard Hall (directly connected to JR Ushiku Station)
https://www.city.ushiku.lg.jp/page/page000344.html
Inheriting the passion of Usuke Asai (Shogo Asai), who led the Japanese wine industry, this film depicts the life of winemaker Mitsuhiro Anzo as he struggles to "make Japan a world-class wine region."
◼️ Click here for the promotional video ◼️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oobJL9lVxp0&feature=youtu.be
Mitsuhiro Anzo, who served as the model, is originally from Mito City.
He was appointed as an "Ibaraki Ambassador" by Ibaraki Prefecture in September 2023. Below is his comment upon appointment:
"I would like to actively promote Ibaraki wine. Ibaraki is also home to Ushiku Chateau, which we can be proud of in front of the world. I believe that when wines that bring Ibaraki's uniqueness to the forefront emerge, they will attract even more attention. I hope to help and contribute to Ibaraki's wine industry as much as possible."
Taste: Gathering to Savor Japanese Wine
１７：３０－１９：３０
Capacity: 48 people
Participation fee: General 6,000 yen (40 people), Japanese Wine Catalyst 3,000 yen (8 people)
Location: Barbecue Terrace inside Ushiku Chateau
https://www.oenon.jp/ushiku-chateau/information/
Once you watch the movie and get to know Ushiku Chateau, you will definitely want to drink Japanese wine!
Even if you are not a winemaker or an expert, there is surely a Japanese wine you love. Bring along a Japanese wine recommended by fellow drinkers, gaze at the illuminated main building, share the stories within each 1 bottle, listen, pour for one another, drink together, and let's support Japanese wine!
＜Wine and Food Menu＞
- Sparkling wine for toast
- Wine produced at Ushiku Chateau
- Tasting of 8 varieties of recommended Japanese wine brought by Japanese Wine Catalysts
- Special assorted hors d'oeuvres from Ushiku Chateau Restaurant
★ What is a Japanese Wine Catalyst?
A person who brings their favorite Japanese wine and pours it while talking about why they recommend it. A coined term by Kamiya no Yume Produce, playing on the chemical term "catalyst" and "katari" (storyteller).
Ushiku Chateau is just a 7-minute walk from Ushiku Station. There are hardly any wineries so close to a station.
All participants will receive 2 special maps as a gift.
With map in hand, let's take our time and thoroughly enjoy 1 full weekend day in Ushiku this May!
① Ushiku Station Area Revitalization Map
A station area map produced by the collaborating NPO Ushiku Station Area Revitalization Executive Committee. It lists shops and photo spots within walking distance from the station.
② Ushiku Chateau Grounds Map
Ushiku Chateau preserves not only buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties and vineyards, but also bamboo groves, mixed woodlands, and a traditional diverse ecosystem that has avoided waves of redevelopment precisely because it is private property. A handmade recommended map created by local residents who love Ushiku Chateau and moved nearby.
Event Overview
Date and Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Organizers: Ushiku Chateau Co., Ltd., Kamiya no Yume Produce
Supported by: Ushiku City, Japanese Wine Culture Japan Heritage Council
Cooperation: NPO Ushiku Station Area Revitalization Executive Committee, Budouen-dori Shopping Street Association, Cart Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Registration: Via this dedicated application form.
https://forms.gle/WFAN49jbiToDeWRx9
Organizer Information
Kamiya no Yume Produce
Giving shape to dreams, bringing smiles to today, and hope for tomorrow from Kamiyacho, Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, one of the birthplaces of Japanese wine!
https://relaxbach.sakura.ne.jp/yume/yume.html
In May, when young grape leaves shine, "learn, watch, and taste" Japanese wine in Ushiku, one of the places where Japanese wine began.
Why not spend such a wonderful day here?
Click here to apply 🔽
https://www.oenon.jp/ushiku-chateau/information/
