Tin Lizzie Japan

Image modified from original found at National Geographic online.

Bosho the poet once said his hometown was the journey itself.
I think perhaps we are neighbors...

I moved to Japan in April of 1999 to take a position teaching English in Tahara-cho.

My town is located on the Atsumi Peninsula, just an 90 minutes by train south of Nagoya. It is sandwiched nicely between the Pacific Ocean and Mikawa Bay. We have two local mountains, the prominent Zaou and the graceful Kinugasa.

Tahara-cho is small and peaceful. It's beauty is incredible. People always ask how difficult it is to live in such a place. Afterall, I came with very little knowledge of what to expect. But I made some good friends early on that became a strong support. There are times when some things get difficult: at school, the office, or during the harsh month of February. But I am ever grateful for the friends I have here. This experience is precious. Pictured right is a nursery school student on a special festival day.
Even in the small towns like mine, there is always room for celebrations, especially in the summer. Fireworks, festivals, and yukata add color and excitement to the hot season. Pictured left are me, Bobbi, and Catherine wearing Happi Coat. We helped pull this float throught the narrow streets of the town. Every now and then, the float would stop and the men and/or children would dance on the main platform. There was a small traditional band in the bottom level to play the music. After sunset, the fireworks began.
Of all the temples and shrines tucked in and around my area, I believe Toyokawa is the most interesting. It is the the shrine of the foxes. There is a main shrine area filled with white and grey stone. Follow a path through thick green trees, red fortunes, and stone foxes until you reach the alcove pictured at the right. In the shade of the foliage, the growls and the stares of the foxes are actually quite haunting. I'm not sure about the tradition of the red bibs, but I will try to find out.
Time passes so quickly. Over half of my two years is already marked in memories.