In Japan, the history of grape planting can be traced down to the Kamakura or Edo period. Back in time, the grapes was only eat like any kind of berries, until the beginning of the Meiji period when the wine industry started to be developed.
One of the most important elements of winemaking is the “Terroir” which refers to the soil and climate where grapes are growing up. The terroir will directly impact the taste and special flavour that will give to the wine is particularity creating a wine unique to the location. During the Meiji period as a part of the policy of encouragement of new industry, winemaking was promoted. People imported grape saplings from Europe and America, then planted grapes to make wine at Yamanashi prefecture. However, at that time the wine was sour and bitter not suiting Japanese’s taste. After trial and effort, a wine answering Japanese’s taste was successfully produced between the late Meiji and early Showa period.
A special grape species in Kagawa: “Kadainou R-1”
In Japan, the grapes for winemaking are commonly selected from Hokkaido, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Yamagata prefectures where low rainfall and large difference in temperature day and night happened. As the Kagawa prefecture also has a similar climate, a first winery was founded in 1988 in Shikoku named Sanuki Winery.
Grape was imported into Kagawa from Okayama prefecture during the Meiji period and usually planted at Shido-cho (Sanuki city nowadays). In 1980, for promoting local economies, Shido-cho planed a business project based on grape and founded the Sanuki Winery.
In Japan, there are two grape species for winemaking. One is a white grape species named Koshu, the other one is a red grape species named Muscat Bailey-A. As Terroir is the most important factor in wine’s taste, Sanuki Winery collaborates with the Faculty of Agriculture of Kagawa University for the research of a new grape species specific to Kagawa prefecture. In 2006, the special winemaking grape species named Kadainou R-1 was finally completed.
Red wine is full of polyphenol and anthocyanin which have antioxidative effect to prevent aging skin. (but please remember to drink with moderation)
The wine made from Kadainou R-1, named “Sauvageonne Savoureuse”, has 2 to 3 times the quantity of polyphenol and anthocyanin comparing to the normal wine. With the increase in health awareness, “Sauvageonne Savoureuse” is becoming the new popular wine on the Japanese dining table.
Besides the wine, Sanuki Winery also makes the grape juice named Sanuki RED for the people who do not like wine. Ordinarily, the grape for winemaking tastes sourer than normal ones, but Sanuki RED made from Kadainou R-1 has a rich and clean flavour, and you will not be tired of it.
Let travel to the beautiful Setouchi scenery as we savour a cup of wine
There is a series, named Setouchi series, in the Sanuki wines including Setouchi Gokkou (月光, the moonlight), Setouchi Akebono (曙, the dawn), and Setouchi Hyakkei ( 百景, the 100 famous sights).
Setouchi Gokkou is the red wine made from “Muscat Bailey-A” which is also produced in Kagawa prefecture. The dry yet fruity taste obtain by the low quantity of sugar, make a great match for a wide variety of foods.
Also made from “Muscat Bailey-A,” Setouchi Akebono is the rosé wine. You can feel the fruity and gorgeous flavour spreading in the mouth, with a light sweet and sour taste refreshing you. It is a perfect digestif wine.
Setouchi Hyakkei is the white wine made from “Delaware” grape which also grown in Kagawa prefecture. Because of the low-temperature fermentation process preventing the oxidization reaction, the wine keeps its fruity taste, sinking easily in your throat. This wine has been produced since the Sanuki Winery founded, and is still on the market proof of its high quality through the years.
Sanuki Winery – a great winery visit offering wine testing
In Kagawa prefecture, you can easily find some basic wines of Sanuki Winery in supermarkets or product center. However, if you have time, it is recommended to visit the Sanuki Winery located on the hill of Ogushi Natural Parkin Sanuki city.
At the Sanuki Winery product center, you can find all the wines produced in Kagawa prefecture, including seasonal limited fruit wines and new flavour wines. Additionally, visitors can even taste five kinds of wines or grape juices at the product sample area.
Besides, the most popular product, especially with children, is the Sanuki wine soft cream, without alcohol.
The winery is located next to the product center. Normally, only few people come here but the winery gets busy after the grape harvest in late September. Even if it is free to visit, if your group speaks Japanese and has over ten people, it is recommended to reserve a professional guided tour.
After you appreciated the wine made in Kagawa, why not going for a walk along the trail to the Ogushi Natural Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Setouchi Inland Sea.
Please be aware that the legal drinking age is different for each country. In Japan, only people above 20 years old are allowed to drink alcohol. If you would like to visit Sanuki Winery, do not forget this rule.
Leisure Activities in Sanuki
All year round, leisure activities in Sanuki provide a wide range of options for every age group. Sanuki is loaded with lavish shopping areas, resorts, restaurants, and spas that ensure that your trip to Sanuki is hassle-free. From a convincing landscape and outdoor to some world-class stay options and facilities, Sanuki packs an incredible amount of diversity in the luxury activities it offers. So be it a family vacation, a friends reunion or a solo trip to feed your wanderlust, these activities in Sanuki are a must try for a leisurely vacation!
Let's explore our list of recreational & leisure places in Sanuki:
- Japan, 〒769-2102 Kagawa-ken, Sanuki-shi, Oda, 香川県さぬき市鴨庄Park
- Japan, 〒769-2303 Kagawa-ken, Sanuki-shi, Nagaomyō, 1673−1, JPPark
- Japan, 〒761-0902 Kagawa-ken, Sanuki-shi, Ōkawamachi Tomidanaka, 香川県さぬき市大川町富田中Park
The Open-Air Shido Theatron In Kagawa
Kagawa’s Fireworks Event Information
What people live in and travel around Japan expect the most are various festivals with passing of the seasons. Hot summer is the time for fireworks event which attracts lots of people. Make sure watching fireworks at summer night with winds blowing. Life Takamatsu provides you with Kagawa’s Fireworks Event information by date. How about renting YUKATA from one of the kimono shop in Takamatsu and enjoying the fireworks with wearing it.
The 52nd Kanonji Zenigata Matsuri Fireworks
At Kanonji Zenigata Matsuri, which is held for two days, around 1000 fireworks showering down on Kotohiki Park’s symbol pine forest add color to this festival at night of 16th.
Place: Kotohiki Park, mouth of Saita river (Launching place)
Time and Date: July 16th, 9:00PM
Web: http://www.kan-cci.or.jp/zenigata/hanabi/hanabi.
https://www.facebook.com/zenigatamatsuri/
Fireworks: 1000
In case of rain: Postponed until July 17th
Paid Stand: 20 pairs (Please visit above web page for details.)
Access: About a 20-minutes walk or a 3-minutes by Taxi from JR Kanonji Station
Summer Memorial Fes 2017
About 5000 people visited Summer Memorial Fes which was held by Sanuki City, Kagawa last year. Prior to the fireworks, famous and popular Yosakoi Dance and Awa Dance will be performed.
Place: Around the breakwater in Shido port in Sanuki City
Time and Date: July 22nd, 9:00PM
Web: http://sanuki-kanko.jp/event/summer/post-1454.html
Fireworks: 1200
In case of rain: Canceled and postponed until July 23rd only in case of heavy rain
Paid Stand: No available
Access: About a 3-minutes walk from Kotoden Shido Station or about a 5-minutes walk from JR Shido Station
Aji Fureai Festival 2017
In prior to the fireworks starts at 9:00PM, various events and live music start at 4:00PM.
Place: Shirobana Park
Time and Date: August 5th, 9:00PM
Web: http://www.my-kagawa.jp/event/2625/
Fireworks: 2000
In case of rain: Postponed until August 6th only in case of heavy rain and winds
Paid Stand: No available
Access: About a 10-minutes by taxi from Kotoden Yakuri
The 48th Tadotsu Summer Festival Fireworks
Fireworks after dance all together as usual is must-watch.
Place: Around Tadotsu port, Tadotsu-cho, Nakatado
Time and Date: August 5th, 8:30PM-9:10PM
Web: http://www.tadotsu-kanko.jp/event/
Fireworks: 4000
In case of rain: Postponed until August 6th only in case of heavy rain, and cancelled in case bad weather on August 6th
Paid Stand: No available
Access: About a 15-minutes walk from JR Tadotsu Station
The 46th Takuma Port Festival
Mitoyo city, which is famous for the legend of Urashima Taro, holds fireworks over the sea every year. People enjoy the fireworks in the sky with feeling sea breeze.
Place: Takuma Port, Mitoyo City
Time and Date: August 12th, 9:00PM-9:30PM
Web: http://www.city.mitoyo.lg.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=8141
Fireworks: 2000
In case of rain: Postponed until August 13th in only in case heavy rain
Paid Stand: No available
Access: About a 30-minutes walk from JR Takuma Station or get off at Takuma Chosha of Mitoyo Community Bus departs from JR Takuma Station
The 52nd Sanuki Takamatsu Festival Fireworks
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival which is held for 3 days, from August 12th to 14th, is typical Kagawa’s summer festival and the fireworks on 2nd night attracts people the most. More than 280000 people enjoyed 8000 of fireworks last year. The number of the fireworks will be increased to 8888 this year. Watching the fireworks in a crowd with feeling vibrancy would be fun, though the view from the paid stand with having dinner would also be great. Whichever you choose, this display will give you a very fantastic summer day.
Place: Northern seaborne from Sunport Takamatsu
Time and Date: August 13th, 8:00PM-8:50PM
Web: http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/17760.html
Fireworks: 8888
In case of rain: Cancelled in only in case heavy rain
Paid Stand: 2 types of stands. 1.Rooftop Plaza on 7F&8F of Sunport Hall Takamatsu(with boxed meal and free drinks). Adult 8000yen, Children 4000yen. 2.Rooftop Plaza on 8F of Takamatsu Symbol Tower(with free drinks excluding alcohols). Adult 5800yen, Children 2900yen. Refer to the Web page for details.
Access: About a 5-minutes walk from JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Chikko Station
Marugame Basara Festival 2017 Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the barge in the center of the Marugame port. 4 fireworks will be launched every second this year.
Place: Marugame Port, Marugame
Time and Date: August 19th, 8:00PM-9:00PM
Web: http://www.marugame-yeg.jp/basara/
Fireworks: 5000
In case of rain: Cancelled only in case heavy rain
Paid Stand: No available
Access: About a 3-minutes walk from JR Marugame Station
The 11th Ayagawa Summer Festival
The number of the fireworks was unsettled, 4500 people got together to see the fireworks last year. This is very popular as people can watch it nearby. Besides the fireworks, Japanese drum and dance will be performed.
Place: Fureai Playfield Park in Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta
Time and Date: August 27th, 9:00PM-9:30PM
Web: No available
Fireworks: 2000
In case of rain: Cancelled only in case heavy rain
Paid Stand: No available
Access: Free shuttle bus from Kotoden Ayagawa Station
INFORMATION
Access: Take taxi from Kotoden Shido station or JR Shido station for about 15 minutes. Take Sanuki city bus Shido- Oda line (志度～小田線) ( orange line, weekdays only) from Kotoden Shido station or JR Shido station, get off at Ogushi(大串) stop, then walk 2-minutes. The bus takes 20 minutes. Please refer to the time table on the link.
- Address:〒769-2103 香川県さぬき市小田2671-13
- Business hour: 9:00～17:00
- Closed on: Tuesday （open in National Holiday）, December 29 to January 3
- TEL: +81-87-895-1133
- WEB: http://www.sanuki-wine.jp
- Wi-Fi: N/A
- Language: Japanese
- Credit Card: N/A
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