Summer Gold

I was in Hirosaki, situated in the northern prefecture of Aomori in Japan, to catch the cherry blossom season at the famous Hirosaki castle. Here is where I met my treasure: the warmest, most welcoming local family whose home I had booked through airbnb for the weekend. It's people like them that reaffirm one's belief in the goodness of humanity when on the road.

We didn't speak the same language, but the head of the household, Mr Fusao, a gentle, kindly old gentleman, would painstakingly run my emails and questions through google translate, and revert via the same means. Mr Fusao had his son, Mr Daisuke, return to the family home for the weekend of my stay in order to leverage upon his english capabilities to be my guide.

Over that weekend, I was considered part of the family. Even their puppy, Yuki, was forth-coming with affection (don't tell my cat I was cheating on her). I was invited to a beautiful steamboat dinner, exchanging stories about life whilst we took turns cooking a variety of vegetables and meats from the local grocer. There is something about cooking for another family, and gently laying the food you've prepared with a pair of chopsticks upon their plates, that builds an intimate bond unlike anything else.

During that dinner, I asked Mr Daisuke, "what is it about Sakura that Japan treasures enough for it to become their national symbol?"

He furnished an answer that was wonderfully poetic. He said, "it is a reflection of human life. It’s the fragility and temporality of the Sakura blossoms that lend them this tragic beauty. In the same way, it is the Japanese philosophy of life. Life is terribly short and fragile, these are the undeniable facts but while we are here, let us make it beautiful."

And with that, we bid each other good night after a full meal.

Unfortunately, the blooms were late for their own party and I never got to see the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki castle. Mr Fusao, touchingly, felt personally responsible for the laggard flowers, and offered to put me up for free should I ever return. I nearly cried when I heard that.

Despite not catching the blossoms which had been the original intent of the trip, meeting Mr Fusao and his lovely family was such an unforgettable encounter that my stay with them became the highlight of my entire backpacking trip that Summer. Since then, I have never stopped recommending their hospitality to everyone who mentions planning a trip to Japan.