The first full-scale winery in Japan, Chateau Kamiya, was built in 1903 by Denbei Kamiya. The main building is of French-style masonry architecture with a reddish-brown wall, green roof and a white clock. Indeed, the color coordination gives us the impression of a Western-style culture.On June 9 of 2008, three winery buildings were designated to be National Important Cultural Property as the first authentic winery in Japan.
Denbei Kamiya, left Japan for France to undergo training and acquired techniques in wine making and as such was able to produce wine that was appealing to the Japanese people by removing the bitterness and making it sweet. Besides wine production, he successfully expanded his liquor business of Japanese liquor and whisky production. The exhibition building currently houses wine barrels and tools used for wine production. One can find huge grassy picnic areas, restaurants, a souvenir shop and most recently a newly fashioned central court. There are a lot of cherry trees around the chateau and along the streets within the vicinity. These cherry trees are about 100 years old and we can still enjoy their beauty today.