On this day, Sea Lake HAMANA Jenne came to Hamakita Ward, Hamamatsu City. Hamakita Ward, which functions as Hamamatsu City’s sub-center and has a large population, has forest parks and rice fields, giving the impression of a lush cityscape. This area has the image of being more of a residential area and restaurants than a tourist destination, but there are many attractive spots.
First, we visited Hana no Mai Sake Brewery in Miyaguchi, which was founded in the first year of the Genji era. There is a large cedar ball in front of the store. This sugidama, which signals the production of new sake, is also replaced at Hananomai Sake Brewery every year before the brewery opens in October. Waiting in front of a large cedar ball was Mr. Kazuhito Tsuchida, the honorary brewer of Hana no Mai Sake Brewery, who would be guiding us on today’s tour of the brewery. In front of the store, we first passed through Koshinji Temple and headed towards the head office. It is said that this area was once a post town for visiting Akiha Shrine in Tenryu Ward. There are still some old and charming buildings still standing on the approach leading from Koshinji Temple.
After entering the head office, we first watched a video about the history of Hananomai Sake Brewery and the sake brewing process. Learn about the process of making sake using Yamada Nishiki, which is cultivated under contract with a local rice farmer, and water pumped from underground. Sake making takes time and human hands. In the past, migrant workers from farms used to make alcoholic beverages. Currently, they are hiring local people to make alcohol so that they can offer delicious alcohol throughout the year.
After watching the video, we watched the rice milling process. The rice polishing ratio also differs depending on the type of alcohol. Have the students actually see the rice and take a photo. This rice becomes delicious alcohol. Next, we went to a place where there was a tank containing freshly made sake. From the moment you open the door, you can smell the scent of alcohol. It’s strange because just the smell makes it seem so delicious.
After completing the tour of the sake brewery, head to the back of the store where alcohol is actually sold. You can also enjoy tasting here. Alcohol bottles are lined up in rows. Jenne and her friends sample alcoholic beverages. One of the most popular products was “Abysse”, which started selling in March last year, and its cute bottle design with a rice motif was also well received. Abysse, characterized by its fresh aroma, is made using wine yeast. “It’s delicious!” “The bottle is cute!” Jenne and her friends seemed to like it. Drivers can also receive brewed water.
In addition, there are other drinks that differ from the traditional image of sake, such as yogurt sake made with Inasa milk, plum wine made with local plums, and Puchishuwa sake Chobitto Kanpais, which have seen an increase in the number of female customers in recent years. yes.
You can come to Hananomai Sake Brewery using the Tenryu Hamanako Railway. It would be fun to use a free ticket on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway to get off at Miyaguchi Station and enjoy a tasting. In recent years, “SAKE” has been attracting attention from overseas as well. We highly recommend you to visit Hamamatsu’s proud sake brewery, Hananomai Sake Brewery.
Hananomai Sake Brewery: 「https://www.hananomai.co.jp/index.html」
A weaving experience journey where you can experience traditional Enshu cotton
This time, Jenne and her friends visited Ikenuma Kobo Chiori, a weaving shop that handles Enshu cotton. Enshu Momen is a soft material that does not feel uncomfortable when it touches the skin, making it the perfect textile to wear. This time, Jenne and her friends will experience making stoles. One of the fun parts of the experience is finding your favorite fabric from among the wide variety of colors available.
Walking around Hamamatsu Castle through places related to Lord Ieyasu/Ieyasu’s promenade (inside the castle/downtown route) Part 1
Hamamatsu is the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the main character of the 2023 historical drama “What to Do with Ieyasu” (NHK), spent 17 years of his youth. Therefore, the area around Hamamatsu Castle is dotted with places related to Lord Ieyasu.
The “Ieyasu Promenade” is a place where you can walk and visit places related to this. There are two walking routes: the “Battle Route” and the “Castle Inner/Castle Route.”
This time, we will take you around half of the “Castle Inner/Castle Route”, which is the east side of Hamamatsu Castle. Let’s set out with the leaflet in hand!
[Marine Sports] “Pedal SUP & Kayak” that can be enjoyed in casual clothes makes its debut in the Tokai region
When it comes to activities at Lake Hamana, marine sports enjoyed on the lake are popular, but did you know that new marine sports will be introduced in July 2023?
That is the “Pedal SUP & Kayak” that we will introduce this time.
“Pedal SUP & Kayak” is a cutting-edge activity that is easy to enjoy in casual clothes and has the exhilarating feeling of moving smoothly across the lake like cycling.
This time, I actually experienced pedal kayaking, so I will report on its charm!