Wild flavors of Japan, Take 1: Waterfalls and Forests

Green shoots, blue water, pink blossoms

Last week, my boyfriend Clint came for a visit. It's full-on spring in Japan, and time to get out there and absorb nature's great beauty. We went for a short hike with a friend, up to Minoh Falls. 

Sparkling mists rise through the green maple leaves...yup, Minoh Falls is awesome.

The winding path to the falls is quite ancient-more than 1,000 years old I think. Along the way, elderly ladies at little tables were selling beautiful fresh bamboo shoots from the forest. 

Bamboo is a giant grass, so bamboo shoots are the ultimate sustainable spring treat!

For those of you who only know bamboo shoots from the can--these are so much better! Plump, with a hint of sweetness and a delicate crunch. The shoots are poking up everywhere in the forest, so a favored seasonal treat for March and April.

At a local sashimi joint: we enjoyed ultra-fresh bamboo shoots with a vinaigrette of wild herbs. OMG.

There is a story of a Princess from the moon who was born in a magic bamboo shoot, and discovered by a humble bamboo cutter and his wife. She then went on to have many adventures...the tale of the Princess Kaguya is also an awesome movie made by Studio Ghibli -- highly recommended!

The mystique of Minoh forest as the sun begins to set. I would not be surprised to find magic going on here...

Pretty in Pink

Hiking down from the forest we could see little blobs of pink throughout the town. Japan's cherry trees are blooming like crazy! From tiny little saplings to thick, gnarly trunked elders, all are be-decked in blossoms from the palest shell pink to vivid magenta.

In a local park I lay on my back and took a picture straight up through the flowers to the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom picnics and parties date back more than 1300 years in Japan. Even fierce samurai were known to celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms. Today, people still seize the opportunity to grab friends and family, some snacks and tea (or a few beers) and spend an afternoon simply vibing out on cherry blossoms.

For fun reading about the Hanami tradition, check out https://savvytokyo.com/history-of-hanami-cherry-blossom-viewing-over-the-ages/.

Stylish blossom viewing from a boat! 

If you're not sure when to plan your hanami party, Japan's weather service has got you covered. This is an example of a peak blossom forecast.

Naturally I wondered what kinds of foods are involved with Hanami. Lucky for me, a trip to a local pizza joint revealed a uniquely Japanese pizza topping: you guessed it! Blossoms! They used a light garlic sauce, herbs, and mellow mozzarella so the fresh vegetable flavor of the petals could shine through.

If you peek closely you can see petals under the cheese. Fresh honey is offered with this pizza.

Cherry blossoms with sunset and tiny moon. The stories aren't exaggerated about spring in Japan!

My first waka poetry attempt...

 

Smell of fecund soil,

Rain falling on pink petals.

Gleaming umbrellas

shelter young and old alike:

Spring weekend in Osaka