This morning we breakfasted with Wayne and Norman Sakamoto. Beginning to see all the other tour participants from Hawaii. Everyone arrived on different flights and many are jet-lagged.
I think Susan and I did the smart thing by going to Tokyo first and becoming acclimated before the meetings and events in Hiroshima.
Today's bus tour was courtesy of the Hiroshima Prefectual government. A wonderful ride into the country (approx. 1 hour) brought us to Kumano Fude (brush). Not enough time to explore and learn about the art and craft of hand made brushes, because we had to listen to welcome speeches by dignitaries from both cities! Watched a master craftsman partially assemble the bristles--not enough time! to fully appreciate the art, as the tour guide had to keep us on schedule and didn't allow us to wander. Was able to purchase hand made cosmetic brushes! What a treasure!
Another hour later we arrive in the town of Saijo, a major sake producing center. The pure mountain water and specially grown rice are the reasons this sake is so prized. So one yen of every liter sold goes into the watershed initiative. This yen goes back into the industry to maintain the mountains, forests and water table so it continues to provide water for the brewing of sake. High rises have gone up circling the town and the cement piles driven into the ground contaminate the water so it appears that the sake breweries have their own water piping system. 
Walking this little town is going back to a time of wooden factories and homes. Traditional Japanese homes of the brewery owners were immaculate, though generations old. This home is over 100 years old. The gardens within the compound is truly healing and relaxing. Our host was Kamotsuru Brewery.
The second brewery, Kamoizumi, is owned by 'sake maverick'
Mr. Maizaki. He is known for his creative sake marketing. Mrs Maizaki is an indigo artist. She showed Susan and me her vats and there were some pieces of her work for sale. Again, not enough time to talk and absorb from a true artist. Her English is excellent so I was able to ask a few questions. Purchased a small apron with the brewery's logo and skin care made of sake lees! the group (not me) needed to be back in town for a dinner hosted by Governor Yuzaki.
The late afternoon was still ahead of us so Susan and I went underground. Shareo is a shopping area laid out like spokes around a center core. It also is a crossroads/transfer point for subways underground and buses upstairs. What a concept-a transportation hub. Many, many shops and restaurants radiate out from the center. Dinner was at a pasta cafe similar to Pietro. Delicious! Have not had a bad meal in Japan!
Because the layout is a circle, shops are open to walk through, I had to keep my bearings. Not! Susan knew her way around.
Back above ground, we stopped for coffee in a sidewalk cafe just like in Paris! It was a pleasant, breezy summer night and many people were out even though it was 9:00 pm. This city has lots of bike riders using bikes to commute or just get around the city. Wish I could take one of the small, short bikes home with me.
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