Seki visit - week 3 in Japan -
1. The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido
As indicated in the title, Seki is one of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido. A friend of mine who lives there invited us to visit her and explore her home. Seki is located in a mountainous area, and many traditional houses are lining the streets, which is quite rare in Japan, as far as I know.
This photo was taken during a hike behind my friend's house, where I found small caves containing Jizo statues. Jizo, made of stone, is believed to protect children and travellers. The view from the mountain was stunning, and the air was clear and crisp.
2. Imoguri
We stayed at my friend's house, where she runs a café combined with a bookstore and event space. The shop is called "Imoguri," and it is located in a traditional residential area. They prepared delicious and healthy dishes for us every day, primarily using tofu and vegetables. The tofu came from a local shop that the chef was familiar with, so it was exceptionally fresh. She even baked cakes using Okara, or soy pulp, which gave them a rich flavor. The café has a cozy atmosphere, with bookshelves lining the walls for customers to browse and purchase books. One night, we had a dinner party where my partner played the role of chef, serving British cuisine like shepherd's pies and apple crumbles, which were absolutely delicious. We had a great time chatting and creating lovely memories.
3. Driving a car in Japan.
Look at these stunning mountain views! I drove a car for the first time in Japan! Cars are essential for getting around, especially in rural areas like this one and my hometown.
4. The historical residence Reno project.