Binchotan charcoal from the Kishu region (of which Ryujinmura is part of) is used in high-end restaurants all around Japan because it burns at a high, constant heat without smoking or releasing lots of carbon monoxide unlike normal charcoal. I visit Mr Shibata, who lives in the southern part of the village, and get from him some charcoal to fire my oolong tea.
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Right to the furnace
01:14 Difference between binchotan and regular charcoal
01:59 Binchotan charcoal making process
03:14 Tools Mr Shibata uses to harvest wood for charcoal
03:44 Starting a fire to light the binchotan
04:53 Moving the binchotan to the irori fireplace
05:13 Steaming the oolong tea
06:52 Advice from Othniel over the phone
#wakayama #ryujinmura #龍神村 #kominka #古民家 #binchotan #備長炭
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Ryunohara
523 Hiroihara, Ryujinmura,
Tanabe-shi, Wakayama Prefecture
Japan 645-0523
About Ryunohara: Ryunohara is a tea and bee farm in progress. We're nestled deep in the mountains of Ryujinmura, Wakayama Prefecture. The 2 farmhouses on the property are 60 and 120 years old. We will use natural farming techniques, so no tilling, no fertilisers, pesticides, and no weeding. A farm-to-table cafe is in the works.