SAKE CAVE AND WATERFALLS In Japan - Mioko

Shimazaki Sake Brewery

We went into the brewery and discovered the sake cave was giving a free tour and free sake tasting after the tour. We went back to the car and headed up the mountain to the sake cave.

The view from on top of the mountain looking down at the city was awesome.  I really loved the bright red and yellow fall leaves.

The entrance to the sake cave warehouse.

This Brewery is also called 'The cave brewery' as it is the only sake brewery in the world that makes aged sake by aging premium sake in a cave in the side of a mountain.
The cave is also of historical significance in that it was built during WWII for the manufacturing of tank parts, though it was never used. We are ready for the tour to begin.

The tour has begun.

You have to drink sake right after opening.  Sake is not made to store for long periods of time. However, since the temperature of the cave stays constant, the sake remains stable.  They offer to store your sake for a fee,of course. 

 

Bats

While on the tour, you can spot the occasional brown bat! We actually saw 2. The cave also occasionally hosts concerts.

 

 Tour is completed and now its time to sample some sake.

 Making our purchases of sake.

Mioko and Yoko have one more surprise for us.  We are out in the country heading to the last destination of the day.  Its misting rain and has been for the majority of the day. We have arrived at Ryumon Falls or Dragon Gate Falls which is one of the popular falls in Tochigi Prefecture. It is 20m tall and 40m wide, and is a two step waterfall. As we walk down to the falls we can feel the mist from the waterfalls on our faces. There has been lots of rain in the last few days and the water coming off the falls is very powerful.

Wow, look at all the maple leaves on the ground.

 Click the link and enjoy the falls. Sit back and imagine being there with us.

https://youtu.be/5Ut2hMIsatU

 Waiting for the local train to cross behind the falls.  There was a schedule posted of when the train should pass above the falls.  We waited 5 minutes past the scheduled time and still no train.  

As we turned our backs to leave Mioko starts yelling and pointing towards the fall.  She didn't have to say anything we all turned just in time to catch a glimpse of the train. I did manage to get a picture of the train.  It's not the best but at least I got a picture.  

THANKS, MIOKO & YOKO FOR A FABULOUS DAY.  

Jun Classic Country Club Dining - Remote Controlled Golf Carts- Mioko

Mioko and Yoko picked us up for a fun-filled day of adventure.  We are headed to Nasu to have lunch at the famous Jun Classic Country Club.  Marlon's eyes lit up when we were told where we were eating lunch.  It will be fun to walk around and enjoy the beautiful view of this course.
The view as we walked to the "19th Hole"  we stopped several times to admire the scenery.

 Once we got to the restaurant our mouths dropped open.  The restaurant was a traditional Japanese house that had a thatched roof.  Seating was Japanese style but they had special chairs to sit in which made it easy to sit down.  When golfing, you stop in for a full lunch at the turn.  It's an all day affair.

Check out the thatched roof which we could see from the inside of the house.

Sake warming to be served.

Massage chairs were in this beautifully laid out room that had a huge picture window.  The view was phenomenal.  The room also had beverages and snacks. 

Legendary golf player “Gene Sarazen” In 1977, after retiring, the tournament named “Jane” was named after Sarazen. Sarazen Jun Classic was started.

Did you know that Gene Sarazen was the inventor of the SAND WEDGE with a steel shaft?

We were very impressed with the golf carts used on the course.  The carts have a Navi with a display of the next hole and how far you were from the hole.  How about this guys, remote control to fetch your golf cart to come to get you?  Click on the link below to check out Japan's golf carts in action.

https://youtu.be/2_3-dUR12F8

All golf carts are 4 seaters and you MUST ride together.

Navi System

4 golf bags

Automated driving, just push the button, no problem with drinking and driving.

There is an electric wire on the golf cart path so if you want to stay on the path you can use the autopilot button.

Did you know that Gene Sarazen lived in Naples Florida till he died?  Jack Nicklaus said Gene Sarazen is famous in the history of golf.  Gene Sarazen died at the age of 97 due to complications from pneumonia at Naples Florida Hospital.  Sarazen was the first to win all four major championships, he put THE MASTERS on the map with his shot being heard around the world.  He will always be remembered for his signature knickers and quick wit. 

We are off now to another adventure!!