Our first stop today after breakfast and devotions was to Maruyamagoshi, a Japanese drum making company. It is a six-generation company. These drums called taikos are for traditional events and festivals. Our tour included the types of drums, how the wooden base and top of the drum are made, and how the cases are designed and made. We all had a chance to hit the huge drum outside before taking a picture. The workers are also extremely talented and performed for us. One of the songs they played was called “Hallelujah.” They were so entertaining!!!
This was followed by a wonderful Italian lunch at Yughino Yugo Ristorante.
After lunch, we boarded the chartered bus and drove to the Miyazakien Tea Plantation. Their tea is very well known for high quality. The plantation was established in 1820. We were given a lesson on making tea and made our own cup of matcha tea. We also went out to the fields and cut tea leaves which were brought back and steamed. Then we shook the leaves off the branches. This usually takes long hours for one person but we did it in no time at all.
Dinner was at the hotel where they once again made us feel so welcome. The meal was delicious!!!
Lastly, a visit to Japan would not be complete without a trip to the Japanese 7 Eleven.
This was followed by a wonderful Italian lunch at Yughino Yugo Ristorante.
After lunch, we boarded the chartered bus and drove to the Miyazakien Tea Plantation. Their tea is very well known for high quality. The plantation was established in 1820. We were given a lesson on making tea and made our own cup of matcha tea. We also went out to the fields and cut tea leaves which were brought back and steamed. Then we shook the leaves off the branches. This usually takes long hours for one person but we did it in no time at all.
Dinner was at the hotel where they once again made us feel so welcome. The meal was delicious!!!
Lastly, a visit to Japan would not be complete without a trip to the Japanese 7 Eleven.