vol.8 "A Visit to Umenishiki -- Home of Good Beer and Sake" [PAGE 1] [PAGE 2] [PAGE 3] [PAGE 4] [PAGE 5]
The early July sun fiercely scorched down upon our heads as we decided on our target for this sake report. "On a day like this, it'd be great to be able to some enjoy ice-cold beer AND sake. " So we headed for Umenishiki, known to sake lovers for its excellent local sake. Surprised that a sake brewery brews beer as well? At the Umenishiki Garden Tanbara Beer Brewery, opened in Ehime Prefecture in 1996, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer and sake, as well as good food. So, in search of delicious beer and sake, we made the long journey across the Seto-Ohashi Bridge to Ehime.
A Walk in the Herb Garden with the President's Wife
Upon arriving in Ehime, we first visited the Umenishiki head office in Kawanoe city. To our surprise, the company president's wife came out to greet us and offered to show us around Umenishiki Garden herself. After an hour's drive on the Matsuyama Expressway, we arrived at Umenishiki Garden. Mr. Watanabe, the garden manager, greeted us and took us to the herb garden, where approximately 60,000 herbs of 200 species grow. But why herbs? "Hops are also herbs" answered Mr. Watanabe. Oh, I see. We recall having seen hops growing on the entrance gate. The aromatic scent of various herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme and peppermint tingles our noses as we walk through the garden. "If you take a close look and feel the herbs, you'll become entranced and won't be able to come out" says the president's wife. She's right. By touching and smelling the leaves and flowers, their aromatic powers make you relaxed and feel good. You can buy the herbs in the garden, but most are used for cooking in the garden restaurant. However, an Osaka herb shop, "Herbpots," exclusively handles these herbs outside of Umenishiki Garden. If you're in Osaka, why not drop by? (address: 1F, Space Block Kami-shinjo, 3-17-10 Hoshin, Higashi-yodogawa-ku, Osaka/tel: 06-379-1582) ->see the map The Green House, opened in March 1998 Various herbs and gardening supplies fill the Green House After a 30-minute walk, we're getting quite thirsty. Let's head for the beer restaurant.		At the Umenishiki Yamakawa Head Office Hops growing on the entrance gate Inside the garden Signs explain the details of each herb Mr. Watanabe, our guide