Our Japan adventure continues with visits to Hokone and Kanazawa. Traveling between these two cities we found ourselves on the Shinkansen also known as the bullet train. Small farms and high speed trains what a contrast we’d experience in this western area of Japan.
There is so much to learn about the Japanese culture and history. Farms, markets, gardens, lakes, trains, shrines, temples, homes and the list continues of our experiences as does our understanding of this vibrant country.
Hai, hai, hai! (pronounced with a loud hey or hi) This utterance is heard throughout daily activities. From my understanding it is used as a way to acknowledge someone. But also to communicate that you have my attention and I am listening. I’ve become accustomed to it and appreciate this communication style. I see you, I hear you, I’m listening, who doesn’t need to hear that occasionally.
The mountain region of Hakone is only 55 miles from Tokyo but a very different way of life. Ashigara is a mountain pass connecting east and west Japan. It is referred to many times in an anthology of ancient Japanese poetry titled Manyoushuu. We visited with a local farmer. His family had approximately four acres and their main crop is tea. They also had a small area of rice which they used mainly to feed their family. We had a lesson about growing and harvesting tea, walked the crops and had lunch on the farm.
The local market highlighted the farmers who grew the produce by displaying their photos.
The farmer and Bob discuss what we brought from the market.
Their pup even said goodbye to us!
Welcome to Hakone!
Yurika (our travel leader) played a traditional Japanese instrument.
We all had a laugh when my dress needed to be held so it covered my legs!
Once a sailor always a sailor!
We learned a lot about Geisha culture and history. These women are trained to entertain at banquets.
Learn more:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2102.html
The fall colors have just started appearing. The Japanese are as excited as Americans to see the changing season.
Bullet train to Kanazawa as we continue this adventure! Bento Box, shrines, gardens, brewery, gold leaf, silk artists, family visit, Gokayama village and so much more!
On the bullet train we had an origami lesson and tried a bento box.
Bento Box
Students from KO University in Tokyo.
A prestige school and acceptance rate is low.
Oh the stories we have about this little guy! Kept his parents very busy. I offered to take a family photo for them and they returned the favor.
The photos below are from a unique home built in 1578. The Murakami House is the oldest Gassho-zukuri style home in the area. The room with a large built in bookcase was for the Samurai.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Villages_of_Shirakawa-gō_and_Gokayama
Before we left Kanazawa we were invited to tea at a private residence. The couple lived in a large home and had extensive art collections. What a treat to spend a couple hours in their home and a very quick peek into their family’s liquor store. We even had a quick sample of the sake the family has produced for years.
His father built the house and extra storage was built in to the kitchen floor. What a great idea!
Special kimonos were waiting for us to try. That was a very special experience for me.
During our tea he wrote our names with a special style of calligraphy. One phrase used in the tea ceremony was loosely translated as; “one meeting, this moment, this experience-enjoy this occasion, respect this moment” You will have more experiences drinking tea, meeting new people but no experience will be the same. This is important while enjoying tea and also when enjoying life.
He showed us his special music room with a vinyl collection and a turntable. How fun!
Gokayama a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our next adventure was learning how to make mochi. Pounding rice was the main instruction we received and we all took a turn.
Here’s an easy version of the recipe so you can make your own mochi!
We ended our day with a lesson in Washi paper making.
“Every morning we are born again, what we do today is what matters most.”
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