Journeys in Japan

Savoring Rural Pleasures: Daigo, Ibaraki (6x25)

Fecha de emisión: Sept 29, 2015

The town of Daigo is in northwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, about 130 kilometers north of Tokyo. This attractive rural area is easily accessible from Tokyo, but preserves a traditional lifestyle based on sustainable farming and fishing. The pristine Kuji River runs through Daigo, providing fine recreational areas. It is also the top place to fish for wild Ayu sweetfish in Japan. Visitors can experience an age-old Ayu fishing method called "Yana Ryo" and have their catch grilled at a nearby restaurant. A summer attraction is the spectacular Bon lantern floating ceremony, where thousands of candle lit paper lanterns are floated down the Kuji River carrying prayers. Daigo is also an old green tea production center. Cultivation of tealeaves started in this region about 400 years ago, making use of the clear river water. Today, some tealeaf producers open their facilities to tourists to let them experience the traditional technique of rolling leaves by hand, known as temomi. They also let visitors taste the aromatic new tea of the season. Nature is at the heart of all that Daigo has to offer. Our traveler John Daub even experiences the power of the falling water at Tsukimachi Falls, just like ancient monks who underwent ascetic training here. John also encounters local people who engage in nature conservation on his hike up Mt. Yamiso. The program casts light on the little-known town of Daigo and its cultural attractions.