Farming in Tokyo
01.12.2025
19 °C
We began this trip nearly three months ago with our plans disrupted by the situation in Nepal. Sometimes the best laid plans going awry can be unfortunate, yet at other times they lead to something unexpectedly good. Not only did we enjoy a wonderful time in China, but just before we left home Sheila was contacted by Japanese friends she had not seen for many years. So here we are in Noborito on the outskirts of Tokyo being embraced by another family…
This is Hiro, Naomi, Yukari and the rest of the Saito family. Sheila was Hiro’s English tutor when she lived in Tokyo nearly forty years ago and she clearly made a lasting impression. They treated us to a fabulous Japanese meal…
…and when they learned that James was a chef they insisted he raid their urban farm for ingredients to create a western dinner. Spinach, daikon, arugula and herbs accompanied a baked French Brie, while cabbage and broccoli complimented the coq au vin…
…and these beautiful oranges are destined for Crêpes Suzette à l’Orange…
James had a great time with sous-chef Yukari, Hiro’s sister, and cheerful help from the entire Saito family…
A couple of days in Kawasaki gave us time to visit the Nihon Minkaen Folk Museum where ancient houses from across Japan have been preserved…
The early nineteenth century Yamada house is remarkable because it is completely encased in rice straw to protect it and its occupants from the bitter winters of the Japanese Alps…
This house was once used for raising silkworms and for making gunpowder. Perhaps not the wisest activity inside a wooden structure wrapped in straw.
This two-hundred-year-old water mill was used for polishing rice…
Now we have left the sub-tropical landscapes of Southern China, we are back in the land of autumn and have arrived just in time to catch the last colourful gasp before winter sets in…
With just a few days left to soak up the fabulous fall sunshine, we are preparing to spring a surprise birthday visit on another Japanese friend in Tokyo before we head home for Christmas.
The best of times, wonderful memories stored for our rainy cold December.
by Sue Fitzwilson