Yomeishu

Today, Tuesday, was an early departure day--well, 8:00--and we got a great send off from the hotel staff.  Bows and handshakes were the thing to do.  The snow had added a little and we had an inch and a half or two on the road.  

As we headed down the mountain it gradually thinned and the foggy, surreal cold, moist air cleared off to sun once more.

A little drive onward and Mark-san asked for a photo break when the time was right.  A few minutes later the bus let us off at a bridge and we walked out to find a glorious view of Mt. Fuji.  

Pictures all around as Mike shivered in the wind and we dodged traffic for the best shots.  Apparently, Mt. Fuji is seldom seen, especially in the fall and winter, and it has been in view for us every day so far.  Quite a good omen, I’m sure.

Our first destination was the Yomeishu factory, supposedly for a tour.  We were in motorcade with two other vehicles from the

 company, including 

the vice president’s car.  We left the highway and headed into the hills once more and arrived at a little nature preserve, which was the company headquarters and factory.  The company's theme is harmony with nature.  

Yomeishu is a 400-year-old drink, descended it is said from a time when a traveller was sick and stranded in the cold and was saved from the weather by a man named Shiozawa. The traveler stayed for three years and the only way he could think of to repay Shiozawa-san was by giving him the secret of this elixer of health.  

The shogun of the area authorized him to make the drink and it was originally handed out to those who were poor and sick. Made with herbs and fresh water and rice malt, it is still made today with the same ingredients.    You must have the name of the original man--be in the direct Shiozawa family line--to be the president of the company.

We were shown a 15 minute film, given a guided tour of the amazing, tidy and clean factory, then led around the grounds for pictures 

and visiting some of the replicas of the old dwellings that are on site. 

 

We were then led to the showroom and shop, followed by a delicious lunch created and cooked by the Yomeishu kitchen/restaurant.  The Healing Station, as it was called, was the idea of the female workers in the factory.

After dessert, we went up to the conference room (a round table for either Arthur's court or for circle with Christina) and were presented kimono style jackets--one for each of the six of us--as a thank you for joining them on this day and on this concert tour.  

A departure with waves, handshakes, thanks and many bows.  What an unexpected and delightful experience.

Our tour itinerary called for a 180 minute drive to Nagoya plus a lunch break, and, like most of the rest of our trip, it was just about on the nose.  We stopped briefly along the road to have Mr. Yamamura show us a distant site across a lake where the Yomeishu group hopes to build a healing spa.  Plans are for 2010.  Sounds like a good time for a return visit!

We arrived in Nagoya, this industrial and manufacturing town with a now vibrant commercial and visitor section at about 4:30.  Enough time to check in and get settled in the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel and then have a nice dinner in the restaurant.  Bright lights and the Bolshoi Ballet in town.  But for us, a quick stroll downtown and back to the room for some sleep. Interesting day and time for a rest.

Tomorrow--Nagoya and Fukuoka!

Peace.

Yatsugatake

The three hour drive from Tokyo was all worth it!  We snaked through the forests and ended up at the Yatsukatake Kogen Lodge, here in the mountains northwest of Tokyo.  Something in the neighborhood of 6,000 feet elevation.

 

We woke to a crisp, frozen morning, h

ad a little breakfast and headed out on a walk with Mark and Pat Pearson, Mike McCoy and the two of us.  

An hour and a half of trekking through the woods and lake area brought us back to  the lodge (thank you, Mark) and  a little light lunch (especially for me).  

I took some time to practice and get ready for our show today--a show for the Yumeishu corporation who is sponsoring the concert.  The hall is absolutely marvelous--all wood with leather chairs.  Very attractive and a joy to sing in. 

We sang a "short" 90-minute show and had good response.  The snow fell as we sang and it became a magical experience for all.

  

We finished and went out to sign autographs.  It was a contrast to any 

of the shows on our recent West Coast Tour, as the autograph seekers in this case were lined up politely waiting for us to arrive and then sign.  

The crowds at the signings on the West coast tour were loud, thronging and enthusiastic but sometimes cutting in line and pushing in to get their autographs. Cultural differences, to be sure.

A fine dinner followed with stories and chatting with the execs from Yomeishu.  

Great food, especially for the celiac!!

It is interesting to note the traditional bow in this culture.  Older folks are more likely to bow every time it is required, with younger folk less so.  But the tradition remains.  As the various buses and cars would pull away from the lodge, the attendant

 would offer a bow to the driver as they pulled away.  As we returned from our walk today,  I noticed oncoming drivers passing us and glancing in our direction.  I decided to bow to each driver as they passed by.  Without exception they bowed back in my direction.  Such a polite and tradition-filled place--it's truly a wonder!

The snow adds to the magic and the season.  A winter wonderland, to be sure.

Off to Nagoya tomorrow and an overnight with no show to sing until the next day.  A little rest may be in order.

Be well.