Because the golden colours of autumn unfold throughout the Japanese countryside, there’s a particular type of magic that occurs right here at Obubu within the fall. This season marks a time of each reflection and preparation. It’s a interval of transition—the place the warmth of summer season slowly offers method to the crisp, cool air of autumn. With issues starting to decelerate in preparation for winter, the Assistant Managers determined to plan a visit to attend the annual Awabancha competition in Kamikatsu on the island of Shikoku.
Awabancha is one in all my favourite teas – fruity and a bit bitter, it’s a post-fermented tea from the Tokushima prefecture. This tea dates again to the ninth century and is especially produced within the mountain villages across the cities of Naka and Kamikatsu. Relying on the place it’s produced it is usually referred to as “Aioi Bancha,” “Kamikatsu Bancha” and “Jidencha”. To make Awabancha, the leaves are fermented utilizing a micro organism that ferments with out oxygen. This course of is also called lactic acid fermentation. It’s a rigorous course of that requires plenty of time and dedication, including to the complexity of the flavors.
View of the mountains in Kamikatsu.
Excited to satisfy new folks and discover the world of fermented tea, our group of assistant managers (led by workers member Pau) set off in the direction of Tokushima the place we might be staying for the subsequent few days. Upon arriving on the competition we had been instantly greeted by a heat and welcoming workers who gave us tea cups in order that we might attempt the numerous totally different sorts of Awabancha. The occasion was held on the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Middle, a wonderful constructing fabricated from recycled wooden and glass that makes a speciality of recycling and decreasing neighborhood waste. There have been many stalls providing samples of tea in addition to regionally made sweets and snacks. We talked with the native farmers there – asking questions, sharing tales, and speaking concerning the many challenges of harvesting and processing tea. Total it was a beautiful expertise and an amazing alternative to study extra about tea from different areas of Japan.
Assistant supervisor Katrina (#8) and workers members George and Pau on the competition.
Afterwards, we set off again to Tokushima however alongside the way in which we stopped off for a couple of adventures. First on the checklist was a visit to the Amagoi Waterfalls. The world is known for its pure magnificence and tranquil ambiance, good for a peaceable morning hike. After mountain climbing to the highest, we had a stunning tea tasting session led by our assistant supervisor Katrina. The roar of the water mixed with the calm sounds of the forest served as a reminder of how necessary it’s to be current in these moments.
Tea break close to Amagoi Falls with assistant managers Katrina (#8), Marcello (#7), Mac (#5) and Alix (#6).
Subsequent we visited the Ryozen-ji Temple, positioned within the lovely hills of Naruto. That is the primary temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a historic route that connects 88 temples throughout the island. This pilgrimage, which follows the footsteps of the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi, attracts 1000’s of non secular seekers every year. Getting into Ryozen-ji seems like moving into one other period—a time for quiet contemplation, easy magnificence, and reverence for nature.
Ryozen-ji and it’s many lovely lanterns.
After leaving Ryozen-ji we headed out to our subsequent cease, the Naruto Whirlpools. Situated within the Naruto Strait, between Awaji Island and Shikoku, these whirlpools are probably the most spectacular tidal phenomena on the planet. The Naruto Whirlpools happen due to the robust tidal currents that move by way of the slender strait, the place water strikes from the Pacific Ocean to the Seto Inland Sea. Relying on the tides and climate circumstances, the whirlpools can attain as much as 20 meters in diameter.
View of the sundown and whirlpools from the Onaruto Bridge.
We occurred to reach proper at sundown which made for a very lovely expertise. As we watched the solar set over the ocean I used to be reminded of how grateful I’m to be part of such a particular neighborhood of individuals. From the joy of the tea competition to the peaceable moments of reflection at our stops alongside the way in which house, the weekend was an ideal mix of tradition, nature, and connection.
– Mac (Assistant Supervisor #5)
