Ume Information Center and Museum
History / Culture / Shopping
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Towns and villages in the Minabe area amalgamated in 2004 into what is now Minabe-cho. The Ume Information Center and Museum was opened to be the best source of ume information for the country at that time.
Minabe’s connection with the ume goes further than just agriculture. Take a journey back as far as prehistory to see how the people of Japan have lived throughout the ages. Learn how one of the largest bronze bells was unearthed here. And of course see how the ume played a part in all of this.
Many displays about ume including:
Also a panoramic view of the ume forest when in bloom.
A video on the name and history
Display showing the procession to the shrine
Diorama showing the life of a charcoal producer
From the peak of Heisu Mountain, a nearly complete samurai household was unearthed. See a diorama of that time period.
Six bronze bells used in Yayoi-era festivals have been unearthed here.
A mechanized bush warbler greets you in the entryway.
Learn about the origin of Minabe River.
Learn why Minabe is Japan’s top ume growing region.
See the ume forest whether it’s blossom season or not.
We introduce 50 of the 300 or so varieties of ume flowers.
The volcanic rock of Minabe’s hills is the perfect place for ume to grow. Local artisans turn nodules in this geologic formation, called Uridani-ishi, into wonderful pieces of art. See a large one on display.
Learn about the science of ume.
See three key episodes of ume history in 3D pictures.
See edible umeboshi as old as 100 years.
9a – 17p
Closed Tuesdays (If the Tuesday is a holiday closed Wednesday the next day) , December 29th,29th ,30th. January 1st , 2nd and 3rd.
Open 7days a week in February.
Address : 538-1 Taniguchi Minabe-town Hidaka-gun , Wakayama
Phone number : 0739-74-3444
Free entrance.