Kendo

I'm Master of this house;

I know how to be.

Don't think for a second that I'm some kind of louse.

I've been around ten years;

I've gotten lots of cheers

as I snuggle with my humans all night.

39th Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade

I shudder to think that the first time I saw the Yokosuka Mikoshi parade it was in 2000.  That was 15 years ago.  The Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade was only in it's 24th year.  You can't even google photos or promos for the event. 

 Man do I feel old. 

 Thankfully, the energy of a Mikoshi parade and the spectacle of it all lessens those years that have passed.  This year marked the 39th annual Mikoshi Parade.  I adore the Japanese spirit.  They can be calm and collect when they need to be but they know how to have a great time and cut loose!

Close to Heaven: Kamikochi

My alarm went off at 0300.  In a daze I woke up, padded downstairs to brew a cup of coffee and then headed back upstairs still half asleep as I sipped on my coffee and tried to wake up the kiddos.  We staggered to get dressed and brush teeth before grabbing the backpacks waiting by the door.  We stood outside in the dark awaiting the bus that would take us five hours to our destination in the remote mountainous highland valley in the Hida Mountain range in Nagano, Japan.  Although we are definitely ITT frequent riders, after a late night rooting on the 8th grade advanced band, the last place I thought I should be was sitting in a bus.  Only comfort...I encouraged a girlfriend to sign up for the tour and take her three kiddos.  I'm so glad she chose to share the experience.  Because, at 0430 dragging from lack of sleep and in a coffee deprived state, 

I can say it felt like we were starring into the abyss of bus hell.  

Until we saw this...

Taisho Pond in Kamikochi, Nagano

The sky was the brilliant blue of bluebirds wings and the mountains just beckoned us to take a hike in Japan's paradise.  It was as close to heaven as a place here can be.  The ruggedness of the mountains, the crystal clear blue water that harkened back to my childhood spent camping in Glacier National Park, and the unbelievable masterpiece of fall leaves, all led me to keep thinking, "I so LOVE this place....a day just isn't going to be enough...Yokosuka?  Who needs to go back?  I'll just stay right. Here."  Welcome to being close to heaven.  You are in Kamikochi, part of the Northern Japanese Alps.

LD turning a sitting spot into a bridge

The bus dropped us off at Taishoike bus stop.  The area of Kamikochi lies within the Chubu-Sangaku National Park.  Another interesting notable item about this area: it is listed as one of Japans Cultural Assets.  Yes, that's right.  Japan regards special places as assets and indeed they should.  Would you have ever imagined that their could be a Yosemite or Grand Tetons look-a-like placed right in the middle of Japan?  This is a preserved area...meaning...only one way to access the inner areas...by foot.  The hiking course is about 6 miles that we had as our goal.  Key word. Goal.  Little feet, wandering creativity, and moms who like to take photos meant that we didn't get to hike the entire 6 mile loop trail, but we did hike the majority.  *yeah*

Clan minus HH at Taisho Pond, Kamikochi

 We enjoyed hiking for almost five hours.  We built towers with the rocks near the stream, enjoyed river crossings on the bridges, and even tried to skip some rocks across the water.  We weren't in any jury and the exhaustion we may have felt or the hectic pace of life as a military wife faded quickly once we were able to inhale the pure mountain air.  No noise.  Only laughter and chatter.

Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Hotaka Bridge, Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture

One thing I've noticed over the past few months is the bond that HS and LD have.  Sure they are still siblings who fight and pick at each other every now and then, but honestly, when we are away and adventuring, they delight in each other's company.  I've watched HS take LD under his wing and show her just how fun "adventuring in Japan" can be.  They don't complain about the hours in the bus, they await the excitement that is to come.  I love them for that.  

Azusa River, Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

When I see birches bend to left and right Across the lines of straighter darker trees, I like to think some boy's been swinging them.  ~Robert Frost

Hiking is always adventurous

By the afternoon, the sun was beginning to cast a glow on the trees.  It felt as though some were on fire and others were on after burn.  I love when you know you've been hiking all day because of what the sun's rays are doing on the landscape.  Kamikochi is breathtaking.  We've seen it now in the spring and in the fall and honestly, I'd go back again.  This place is gorgeous no matter what the season.

Maple leaves at Gakusawa Wetlands, Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture

Gakusawa Wetlands, Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture

At 1500, we were back boarding the ITT bus.  I definitely did my classic of dragging my feet for every last minute remaining....I wasn't ready to board the bus and be taken away from this magical place.  Lucky for us, we had time to sit and soak our feet in an onsen (hot spring) and dream a bit more of our time on the trail with friends in an unforgettable backdrop of Kamikochi.

Yes, indeed.  

Today, we were as close to heaven as we could be here in Japan.

Me and My Adventure Buds

Boo-ed!

You know Halloween season is in full swing when you come home from an adventure and find that someone loves your clan so much that they "Boo" ya! 

Time to head out and prepare to spread more Halloween cheer with our amazing neighbors who when you live overseas, definitely become not only your neighbors, but your friends and family!

Tateyama City's Legendary Nanso Satomi Samurai Parade

HS and LD at Tateyama Castle

 Across the Tokyo-wan from the Mirura Peninsula lies a hidden gem.  Tateyama City.  Getting to the Chiba prefecture is a breeze...no need to travel up through the bustling metropolis of Tokyo only to head back down into the tranquility of Chiba.   Skip all that and take the Tokyo-wan Ferry that departs out of Kurihama Port (20 min drive from the main base).

Knowing that this year I had no reason to stay around for the Navy Ball, I decided that the best way to celebrate the Navy's 240th birthday was to hop onboard an ITT bus and celebrate with the kids in Tateyama as we were hosted to the Tateyama City's Legendary Nanso Satomi Samurai Parade.   A castle?  A scrumptious lunch? Samaurai recreation of an old legend?  Festive Japanese people drinking beer and sake as they carried and pulled mikoshi along a street in a coastal town?  YES, please!  Sign us up!

The ferry ride is about 45 minutes in a multi-leveled vehicle ferry.  It is quite comfortable and has nice sitting spots where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the fishing ships cast their nets into the water and cargo ships steaming towards Tokyo.  Chiba prefecture loomed ahead of us with mountains heading straight into the sea.  With an overcast sky, it definitely looked magical.  Chiba prefecture is not that populated the natural beauty of Japan is the showcase.  Upon arriving, we boarded the bus again and drove about 40 minutes to Tateyama-jo in Shiroyama Park (jo means "castle" in Japanese).

I adore castles in Japan.  I don't care if most are recreations of the original.  They are impressive, imposing, and absolute proof of Japanese ingenuity.  They are built using the same techniques that they were originally built and the craftsman ship is phenomenal.  Tateyama-jo is one of four castles in Chiba prefecture.  It had an interesting musuem located inside that was dedicated to the novel written in the 19th century by Kyokutei Bakin, "Nanso Satomi Hakkenden" or "Legend of the Eight Dog Warriors."   The long and short of this epic story follows this excerpt from a Kabuki play:

The Satomi clan is being attacked and its lord offers his daughter Princess Fuse to the warrior that will bring him the head of the enemy. It is his loyal dog that kills and beheads the enemy and, saying that her father must not go back on his word, Princess Fuse goes with the dog.

Nevertheless, the Satomi clan is defeated and one of its loyal retainers goes to rescue Princess Fuse, shooting the dog, but unfortunately shooting Princess Fuse as well. The eight crystal beads of her rosary, each engraved with the Chinese characters of one of the Confucian virtues, goes flying through the air.

Miraculously, each will be found with a newborn baby. These eight children, all of whom have the character inu for "dog" in their names, eventually meet and join together to restore the Satomi clan. The play features all the stars of the company and follows the adventures of the eight dog warriors as they meet and gradually join together, leading to a climactic fight on the roof of a dizzyingly high tower.

Pretty intriguing story and the kids were hooked.  Win for me.  I wasn't rushed through the museum.  What would this have to do with the festival we were going to see later, you ask?  Apparently, part of the Nanso Satomi Samurai Festival would be a recreation of the power that the Satomi clan held over the Bosu peninsula.  They were the dominating family during the 9th and 10th generations of the Satomi Feudal Lords.  So, the samurai we would see later were meant to represent the Satomi clan.

Path leading from the teahouse

HS and LD await their "macha"

One cool aspect of the castle was that on the grounds there was a traditional style teahouse and an exquisite garden.  For 300yen we were able to enjoy a cup of green tea and sweet.  Don't mind if we do.  I adore the many customs found while just watching a tea ceremony.   From Tateyama-jo we boarded the bus again and headed to lunch.  This would be one of the most unforgettable lunches to date.  Words can't even really describe it.  Just know via the photos below...that we usually eat EVERYTHING...and well...we did for this lunch although I knew I was not going to do well with a fish starring at me as I ate sashimi.

LD's lunch:
Rice with salad, shrimp tempura, and fish patty
side of creamed corn soup
little dish of chowan mushi

HS and I were treated to a sea snail being
cooked over individual hibachi.
Please note:  I took one for the team.  I ate mine
but gave permission for HS to leave his alone.

HS and my lunch:
Bento box with three tiers:
1st Tier:  Veggies and Roots with a Salmon and onion salad
2nd Tier:  Sashimi
3rd Tier:  Rice
Chowan Mushi
Dessert

Taking photos with the Samurai

Once we finished our lunch it was time to head to the festival.  We arrived just in time to enjoy the proclamation speech beginning the festivities and enjoy the costumed warriors parade down the center of the street as if they were still in feudal time.  The kids enjoyed watching them and were amazed at the footwear...HS wants a pair...ummm...that would make a statement at school.

Festival masks...can't ever leave without one!

Festivals in Japan are a huge celebration.  Drums, scents, and laughter fill the air.  Make sure you choose a festival mask!

Showcasing their Mikoshi 

The Mikoshi bands are always fun to watch

Eventually I need to just post on the customs and traditions of the Mikoshi.  Think of each Mikoshi as a team.  Those who participate wear a uniform decked out in their "team" colors.  They participate in the festival as a unit.  They party together, shout together their cheers, eat together, and drink together...a lot. of. sake.

Drinks to go onboard.
Gotta stay "hydrated"

Love how the children are always in the parades helping
to bring the mikoshi down the street.  True handing down of
the culture

View of the parade from the
Tateyama train station

Awake from the Food Slumber

I have cravings for food.  

I'm not going to even try to lie.  

My food cravings begin to wane during the Spring and are non-existent during the bloody hot summer.

 The last thing I'm going to do is wish I could make something hearty and comforting in the crock pot.  The humidity and heat make me feel like I'm going to implode if I swell up anymore. 

 It's during the summer that I barely eat anything, rarely want to cook, and have no interest in even attempting to be the best Betty Crocker wanna be.  Nope.  

Not me during the summer.  

I'll take a celery stick and some carrots, please, with a side of ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce.

It's Italian Soup-
One of my ultimate cold weather cravings!

When the weather turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall my stomach does something that I haven't had to worry about for three months. 

 It begins to rumble and grumble.  

My brain begins to think of what all I could be baking if I only had the time.  

 Betty Crocker...step aside and take a break.  

I'm back again.  

My stomach suddenly remembers how to grumble and rumble for comfort food.  

You know the kind of comfort food I'm talking about.  

The kind of food that fills the house with smells that even has 

neighbor kids asking if they can stay for supper.  

Oh yeah, it's that good!  

I know it's fall.

My shopping cart is full to the brim and I just can't seem to get enough of the soups and stews served with bread that sops up the broth in a liquidly piece of heaven.

   Time to have that slice of garlic bread just begging to be dunked into the steaming bowl of "It's Italian Soup" that has been simmering all day filling the house with

 basil, oregano, and delish sausage.