Japan; off the Map, Sumiyama 炭山西ノ谷

Time always changes
The seasons turning again
A heart unbending

時が変わる
季節でまた回る
不動心

This photo lacks a bit of color and refinement I usually post in my blog. But I have to say I love it. I took this photo during an early morning walk the day after I arrived in Japan on my first solo visit in '08. I arrived in Kansai, met friend who got me on a train to Kyoto, and then met another friend and the adventure began.... or had it already begun. I blindly followed through Kyoto into Uji and then boarded a car for a dark and winding drive into the mountains. My final destination, Sumiyama, West Valley. A place you may not find on your map. It took a few tries to find it on Google Earth. But there it is, middle of nowhere Japan.

It was in Sumiyama that I made my first Japanese Pottery on a spinning wheel, ate my first bowl of Oden, and sat shotgun in a Japanese car with fewer CC's than my motorcycle! It was also my first experience with a Japanese Ofuro, a bit on the toasty side! I must admit I was happy to have received some lessons on how to use the Ofuro prior to my arrival.

Sumiyama is a tiny Hamlet snuggled in the mountains outside of Uji city in Kyoto Prefecture. It is an artisan town. The home I stayed in belonged to a master potter who sold his china to vendors on Kiyomizu dera. Kiyomizu dera is where one goes to spend exorbitant amounts on Japanese china.

I woke up on my first full day in Japan at about 0500 hrs Japan time. Which is pretty late considering it was close to 2pm back home! I decided to take a walk and put my shoes on in the Genkan. Upon my approach to the sliding front door I wasn't surprised to find it locked. However, I was a bit surprised to find I couldn't figure out how to unlock it! It took me nearly 15 minutes and three or four attempts to figure out the latch. It worked on a two point system. I had to spin a knob at the center of the door along with lifting a hasp on the sliding end. I nearly shouted with joy as I made my escape. (Nothing like being trapped in the coolest place on earth).

I walked along the winding road and took photographs of every inch of my walk. I saw these rice paddies just before coming upon a small Inari shrine. At the time, of course, I didn't recognize the significance of the small fox figurines. See my posts of Fishimi Inari Taisha here.

This also marked my first experience with Japanese Hospitality. Not only was I stuffed with food, but I enjoyed the standard compliment of Beer (Kirin), Sake, and of course Ocha (green tea.) Uji of course, is world renowned for its tea. Having only a few semester of Japanese under my belt I was wholly unprepared for the conversation! But, somehow I managed to keep my head above water and enjoy every second.

Oh, I forgot to mention the bamboo. I was totally unprepared for the size of the bamboo here in the mountains. It was easily 10 inches in Diameter. It was incredible! Much better than the 1cm bamboo I nurse here at home!

My favorite thing about my morning walk was seeing the heavy clouds wrapping the mountains almost in reach. Special thanks to my hosts in Sumiyama for making the trip possible!

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