Mt Aso

What we knew of Mt Aso was sketchy at best,

but there was sufficient sun when we left Kurokawa that we were confident we’d get to see it up close.

It was an easy climb, the early going reminiscent of Swiss Alps, their grasslands

and plentiful pastures.

“To be seen,” it’s said, is a basic human need, but you have to wonder if that need extends beyond.

The twists and turns were several but soon we were in high country where great trees called for attention.

Not wanting to ignore, we walked among them for a time,

listening as they bowed to tell their stories.

Resuming the climb, we wondered if Basho, pilgrim poet that he was, had ever visited these parts.

Clouds –

a chance to dodge

moon-viewing.

After a time, we came upon an entry but chose to drive past to avoid the traffic. We’d been told the mountain could be approached by walking a small valley to the west.

Finding it,

we did,

and were rewarded with little things at our feet.

Come, see real

flowers

of this painful world.

Atop the mushroom –

who knows from where –

a leaf!

Clouds drifted in for a time,

Spring – through

morning mist,

what mountain’s there?

but fled shortly after, revealing a trail to our left.

Sudden sun upon

the mountain path,

plum scent.

Mid-way up,

we got our first glimpse,

and at the top,

a second and better one.

Descending on the far side

there was a lake

and then a path that offered an even better view.

Reaching the path’s end, we returned and visited a small museum devoted solely to Mt Aso. To our surprise, we learned that what we’d observed was not Mt Aso but, instead, Mt Nakadake.

Seeking assistance, a friendly man at the information desk came to our aid,

explaining as best he could

that Mt Aso is one great mountain

and within its perimeter Mt Nakadake is one of them, the most active of five volcanos.

He went on to tell us that due to shifting winds, we could get no closer. The road to Nakadake was closed until a calmer day.

Lingering for a time, we began the drive toward Minamiaso, stopping briefly at Komezuka,

and the mid-point,

before continuing on to the valley.

MR. KAWASAKI

Thanks to Booking.com we found a pleasant place on the outskirts of Minamiaso. Mr. Kawasaki, the proprietor and much like the gentleman in Kurokawa, took our information and showed us to our room, one of three on the second floor.

Later we asked if he had a dining recommendation.

He did, and provided a map.

It was a pleasant evening for a stroll,

with much to see

and take delight in,

but distracted as we were,

we lost our way,

but came upon Township Bakery

which was all we could have asked for.

Not knowing what to order, the owner was quite helpful and her recommendations delicious.

Just as we finished, she brought a surprise.

Thoughtful as it was, to call it tasteless would be a compliment. After two bites, no more, I quickly wrapped the remainder in a napkin, hiding it in my coat pocket.

Of course I fibbed, and told her it was the best dessert I’d had in a very long time.