Peach Picking

We opted to spend our last Sunday in Japan on one final MWR tour, so we boarded a bus bound for Yamanashi Prefecture for a day of peach picking, kaleidoscope making and wine tasting! After a scenic drive, we began our day at the orchards, which are owned by local families and relatively small. Despite being tiny we had more than enough fruit to discover, pick and enjoy during our stay. The trees were impeccably cared for, and each peach wore its own little paper canopy to protect it from the elements. In summary...colorful and delicious! Oh and as it turns out, JohnPaul likes peaches too :-)!

Our next stop was at the Yamanashi Craft Center to make our very own kaleidoscopes. The region is known for its washi paper, a traditional Japanese paper handmade with plant fibers, so being able to create something with it ourselves was very special. After stenciling washi paper for the cylinder's exterior, we selected our own set of colorful beads to bounce off the mirrors inside the kaleidoscope. Although we were motivated to join the tour for the other portions, this crafting time was enjoyable and a nice introduction to the region's local handmade goods.

The last stop on the tour was the Shirayuri Winery, where we were given a translated introduction to the wine making process. Aside from seeing barrels and other more modern wine production machinery, it was intriguing to duck under the canopy of vines, holding thousands of grape clusters, that were set to accommodate the height of the family who operates the winery (shorter than most Americans). Our winery visit concluded with a tasting opportunity (yum!) before boarding the bus for one last long haul back to Atsugi.

Thank you, Morale Welfare and Recreation, for giving us so many opportunities to explore our host nation and for helping us make the most of our time in Japan!

Family photo opportunity in the picturesque and fruit-friendly Shirane portion of the Kanto Plain.

Fruit trees!

This area was all-around lovely!

John showing JohnPaul peaches in the trees.

There's one! Note the tissue paper protection.

"JohnPaul, we're supposed to be posing for a picture." He took to biting into this peach all on his own :-)!

The orchard provided a shaded area for us to sit, rinse, slice and enjoy our fruit if we so desired.

JohnPaul eating Cheerios while Mommy painted her washi paper :-).

Want to understand Japanese wine, grape juice, brandy, etc.? Diagrams always help.

So. Many. Grapes. Again note the little tissue paper hats placed on each cluster.

Kanpai!