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Jomon Nature Memory April 15, 2009 Jomon Tour Report by Noriko |
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We started our Jomon Tour from Tabata Stone Circle in Machida City. A powerful energy from the Earth can be felt while standing at the center of the stone circle. It is said that on the Winter Solstice day, the Sun sets exactly at the top of the Mt. Hirugatake (elev.1673 m.) as viewed from here. The word 'Hiru' originally means 'daytime' which also means light or the Sun. Dainichinyorai - The Cosmic Buddha is enshrined on the top of Mt. Hirugatake. |
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We walked towards our picnic place and found several Jomon pottery shards while exploring around the stone circle. The walking path was filled with beautiful cherry petals and many rapeseed blossoms. Green leaves were shining brightly. It was the best day for a picnic! |
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Many dishes were shared on our picnic table, including Takenoko rice and cooked spring wild plants. Outside lunch with forest air enhanced our appetite. We learned about native plants growing only in the Tokyo area and recipes to cook them. I became interested in cooking wild plants. Above all I could feel that my body was really happy to receive them. We enjoyed sharing our picnic together with appreciation for the gifts of nature and heartfelt cooking! |
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After lunch, we visited an amazing herb garden where we learned about herbs and plants from the knowledgable owner. She prepared a beautiful tea party with herb tea and cookies in the cozy wooden room which was formerly a barn. We also explored the special drying room for herbs on the second floor above. The herbs retain their color, even after drying, with special care from the owner. |
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We learned more about the abundance of available herbs on her heavenly herb farm. Everywhere the owner guided us, she carefully picked herbs so we could smell and taste them. We were impressed with the variety of plants in her gardens and the power of fragrance. We brought home many samples as souvenirs which filled our house with a healing fragrance, including Bay Leaf, Mint, Sage, Mugwort and Eucalyptus. |
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We continued on to the Machida Municipal Museum for more Jomon experience. Entering the Jomon house, we were surprised to see how wide the interior is. The light enters softly from above. We awakened Jomon memories, sharing the feeling of being there. The inside of the Jomon house is also shaped like a pyramid! The energy was very clear and comfortable. |
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Jomon pottery shards can be found in the fields if you look carefully. Here are a few from today and some past excursions. Jomon pottery is famous for its unusually ornate design and markings which can be seen on several pieces here. |
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The last place we visited was a satoyama area -- arable flat land at the foot of mountains. We wondered is this still Tokyo? We felt a nostalgic feeling as we enjoyed the relaxing late afternoon air and the green spring fields. Young people doing farm training were working on the land. Tadpoles were swimming in the rice paddy pools. Flint found a feather from an Egret, visible across the water in the photo. |
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We learned about picking wild plants like Seri and Yomogi. This is valuable wisdom to know about gathering wild plants for the future. Here I am picking a Yomogi (Mugwort) plant. |
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We went into the woods as we felt the forest calling. Everyone was attracted to this grove of trees for some reason. |
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We spent time there as we liked, enjoying the cool calmness of the trees and the green and recording nature sounds. Click here to enjoy the diversity of the forest sounds.
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Forest Spirits! |
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As I was attracted by a mysterious feeling, I turned to find a Benzaiten- Sarasvathi statue over-looking a pond. I thanked her for the delight of today's Jomon Tour. |
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