Last weekend we had the pleasure of traveling with our Japanese friends, Kenzo and Teruko to Haga-chou, a little farming and logging community located two and a half hours Northwest of Kobe. Teruko's brother's wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kikumoto, hosted us in their home. They own land just a motorbike ride away from their house where Mrs. Kikumoto tends the farm ground. Mr. Kikumoto is a carpenter and constructed their home. Both are in their mid-seventies and very genki (healthy and spry) for their age. Amazing couple!
Our visit began with a short hike to Haga castle. The small castle is nestled on the mountain side in the midst of fragrant cedar trees and a beautiful view.
After the castle excursion we literally immersed ourselves into one of the most Japanese experiences one can have, the onsen. Onsen is the Japanese for "hot spring". Basically, a public bath. One of the most unique experiences I've had so far in Japan, not to mention the most revealing. It didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Mostly because I utilized the two-year-old worldview. When I took off my glasses I couldn't see anyone, so they obviously couldn't see me either, right? Whatever works.
For those of you unfamiliar with the onsen process, let me walk you through it. But please, no peeking. The facility itself looked like a spa. We paid for our onsen at the counter just inside the entrance where we were given a small locker to store our keys, cell phones, wallets etc. Then proceeded down a hallway to the entrance of the "locker/changing rooms" (not really sure what to call it) where there were more lockers...for our shoes. We girls went to one side and the boys to the other. Inside the "locker/changing room", more lockers...for our clothes. We disrobed, grabbed the tiny, and not very concealing, towel which was our washcloth. One must wash first before entering the onsen. This process, essentially a sit down shower, is also done in public. In reality no one is looking because they, too, are washing. The shampoo and soap are provided so you bring nothing but towels and clean clothes.
After washing, we soaked in the onsen. It was actually very relaxing (mostly because I didn't have Caden with me. Darin had to deal with Caden's aversion to getting water in his face. Guess he made a bit of a spectacle.) Teruko kept asking me if I was doing okay. After 15 minutes or so we got out. When I saw my face I understood why she asked so many times. It was quite red. Not the skin tone most Japanese are used to seeing. She thought I was going to collapse. It was an unique experience even considering my modesty. I fully understand why so many people go.
We headed back to Kikumoto-sans' where a full Japanese feast was waiting our arrival, complete with warm sake.
Shortly thereafter it was time for bed. Mrs. Kikumoto prepared our futon bed. That was a sight to see. She pulled out three big futon pads, topped those with another pad, then another thinner pad. Then piled on three big heavy blankets. That's a lot of bedding! It ended up being one giant bed. Traditionally the parents sleep on the outsides with the children in the middle. Of course, we followed the Japanese rule. I had Nathan next to me. Darin had Caden (along with a couple of feet in the ribs). All in all it was a very restful night. Now I understand what "snug as a bug in a rug" really feels like.
(all the futon bedding)
In the morning after breakfast we headed down the street to a temple. Although I don't agree with the teaching and tradition, I do appreciate the beauty of the temple and the grounds.
While we were out, Kikumoto-san prepared azuki paste (red bean paste). We later wrapped it with mochi (pounded rice) to make Japanese sweets. Mrs. Kikumoto had a mochi machine so no actual pounding was necessary. She added field grass to make it green and "healthy".
The kids enjoyed stretching the mochi around the bean paste balls. Unfortunately, I'm the only one in the family who really likes this treat. It was oishiidesu (tasty)!
After making the sweets we headed out to visit a 300 year old traditional Japanese thatched-roof house. So cool. I have never seen anything like it, but then, why would I?
After one last stop at Kikumoto-sans' son's house and a quick look at the Kikumotosan farmland we returned to the house for one last meal.
We ate, cleaned up, took a pictures then headed back to Kobe. A great weekend indeed! Thanks to our dear friends, Kenzo and Teruko and generous hosts, Mr. & Mrs. Kikumoto, we had yet another unforgettable Japanese adventure!
