Get a glow on with Nagahama's sake and umeshu

Located on the northeast of Lake Biwa, Nagahama is blessed with a rich source of water from the Ibuki mountains and has flourished as a sake-brewing region since olden times. Some of the major breweries still in business today are Yamaji Shuzo, famous for making sake with mulberry; Tomita Shuzo, known for their Shichihonyari named after fighting warlords; and Sato Shuzo, who won gold prize for their Kohin in London Sake Challenge 2015. Come to Nagahama and taste the richly unique Japanese sake produced by these breweries. From January to March, the Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition is held, boasting the status of Japan's No. 1 in terms of history and scale. There are rare old trees that are more than 400 years old, and huge trees of nearly 3 m in height. The Umeshu Matsuri is held on the Saturdays and Sundays of February to coincide with this exhibition. Carefully selected umeshu from all over Japan are represented. After enjoying the sweet fragrance of spring, why not get a glow on with the umeshu's aroma?