Ushiku Chateau

Ushiku Chateau is a facility that preserves the legacy of Japan’s first full-scale winery, the Ushiku Winery, built in 1903 by Denbei Kamiya. The term “”chateau”” is a title reserved for wineries that handle the full process from growing grapes to bottling, and it means “”castle”” in French. In June 2008, three facilities—the office, fermentation room, and storage cellar—were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The office and storage cellar are not open to the public, but the fermentation room has been developed into the “”Denbei Kamiya Memorial Museum,”” where you can freely tour the dignified red-brick Western-style building. The museum introduces the life of Denbei Kamiya, who achieved winemaking that even the government could not accomplish at the time, with help from the local community. There is also the “”Oenon Museum”” introducing the Oenon Group, plus bamboo groves and flower fields, creating a lush green environment. Access is about an 8-minute walk from JR Joban Line “”Ushiku Station”” East Exit (Chateau Exit).