fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Races and Events
      • dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...
        fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Chateau Kamiya Beer

It’s probably still cold as you read this, but spring is just around the corner. Here’s a suggestion for good beer in an expansive park-like setting, less than an hour from Tokyo.

Chateau Kamiya appears to have been hauled out of the French countryside and plopped down on the plains of Ibaraki, but it was actually built on the site in 1903. This architectural treasure is a landmark in the grand style, serving as the anchor to a complex containing four restaurants, a gift shop and a large wine cellar retailing vintages from Japan and around the world. Between these facilities are well-maintained park grounds ideal for a long, leisurely stroll.

The Chateau complex is home to Godo Shusei, producer of wine and spirits for more than a century. In 1996, they added a microbrewery to the site. They do “normal” beers particularly well, offering surprisingly flavorful lagers that are light, dry and clean-tasting enough for average drinkers. Of course they also brew darker and heavier beers for those who want more beer in their beer.
While their Chateau Kamiya beers are served in all their restaurants, the best place to enjoy them is the Terrasse d’oenon, a brewery restaurant next to the brewery itself. There are four brews regularly on tap: Helles (a German-style light lager), Pilsener (a classic lager), Dunkel (a dark lager) and a seasonal beer. Additionally, limited-edition beers are often available.

On the menu are delightfully upgraded versions of standard brewpub fare, such as potatoes with pancetta and rosemary, a pork cutlet stuffed with camembert cheese, roast pork stewed in craft beer with tomato sauce and spareribs simmered in red wine.
On a recent visit, I tried four beers, three of them limited-edition brews. The Plain Bitter (4.5%) was extremely light, but with strong bitterness and a quick, clean finish. The Helles (5%) was a bit heavier and more complex, but with a smooth, dry finish.

The Alt (4.5%) had a beautiful amber hue, with pleasing malt tanginess and a mild after-taste. The Christmas Bock (7%) was my favorite, with subdued bitterness, a roasty malt flavor, a fascinating smokiness in the background and a richness that lingered long on the palate.

It’s best to call Terrasse d’oenon ahead to confirm operating hours. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and holidays.

CONTACT INFO

Chateau Kamiya
La Terrasse d’oenon
20-1, Chuo 3-chome
Ushiku, Ibaraki

Tel: (029) 871-7022
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last order 8:30)
Phone ahead to confirm hours and seating availability.

Getting There: Take the JR Joban Line to Ushiku Station (about 45 minutes from Ueno, 950). The Chateau Kamiya complex is about eight minutes from the East Exit of the station, with direction signs in Japanese.

Web Connection

https://www.oenon.jp/ushiku-chateau/

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Categories