Ushiku Chateau

Ushiku Chateau, constructed in 1903 by the businessman Denbe Kamiyan, who is known for Asakusa's "Kamiya Bar," is Japan's first authentic wine production facility. Modeled after wineries in the Bordeaux region of France, it was established as a facility that integrates grape cultivation, fermentation, and bottling. This winery, which incorporated cutting-edge technology of its time, played a significant role in laying the foundation for wine culture in Japan.

The site spans approximately 60,000 square meters, and the beautiful red brick buildings from the late Meiji era still stand. The three existing structures—the former office, fermentation cellar, and storage facility—are highly valued for their architectural design and industrial historical significance, having been designated as modern industrial heritage in 2007 and as important cultural properties of Japan in 2008. These buildings are extremely valuable relics of the Meiji period, representing one of the era's exemplary brick architectures.

The former fermentation cellar is currently open to the public as the "Denbe Kamiyan Memorial Museum," where brewing machinery used during its founding, giant wooden barrels, and white oak wine storage barrels are on display. The first floor serves as a storage area, while the second floor features materials and photos introducing Denbe Kamiyan's achievements and the history of Japanese wine. The basement preserves an aging space from that time, covered in black mold. Through these exhibitions, visitors can physically experience the history of Japanese winemaking, which has continued since the Meiji era.

Additionally, the former storage facility has been converted into a restaurant, taking advantage of its high ceilings and the warmth of the brick, where visitors can enjoy casual French cuisine paired with Ushiku-produced wine. The onsite shop offers pure Ushiku wines along with original products, wines from around the world, and specialty products from Ibaraki Prefecture, and also provides tasting opportunities.

Throughout its long history, Ushiku Chateau has overcome numerous trials. After part of the building was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, it was restored and reopened in 2016. Furthermore, in 2020, it was recognized as a cultural asset of Japan Heritage, under the title "The 140-Year History of Japanese Wine - The Crystallization of Japanese Culture Brewed from Domestic Grapes."

Today, Ushiku Chateau is cherished as a complex facility that combines wine, food, history, and tourism while preserving its value as a cultural property. The beautiful collection of brick buildings serves as a historical landmark representing Ibaraki Prefecture, conveying the romance of the Meiji period and the origins of Japanese winemaking to the present day.