Long ago, many Japanese people lived a rustic lifestyle in symbiosis with their natural environment. The Japanese word ‘Satoyama’ (里山) refers to the committed relationship these people have with their natural environment in mountain woodlands.
The people receive things such as food and fuel from the mountains, and in return they protect the mountains, which have been enshrined as an object of reverence.
Faith and tradition in Daily Life
Villagers pray to the mountain god of this small shrine for safety in mountain work.
As with many Japanese people, villagers don’t always recognize the many religious things in their daily life. Yet, in Kosuge Village there are many small shrines dedicated to local gods. And there are many opportunities to pray to these gods for safety in the mountains or for crops to grow well.
The Origin of Kosuge’s Food
Wasabi is cultivated in tiered fields along clear mountain streams.
Kosuge Village is famous for its Japanese produce such as wasabi and soba (buckwheat). With clear clean water and day-night temperature difference, the mountainous climate is suitable for growing these delicious crops which can be freshly eaten. In the past, wasabi was sent from here to high-end restaurants in Tokyo.
Warm Human Interactions
Kosuge Village is not a typical tourist destination, but here you can experience genuine Japanese hospitality. It is by means of such hospitality that human-to-human cultural exchange can happen. If you think you want to find Japan’s second home, then by all means please come to Kousge Village. We all look forward to having you.
For Village Tour,
Why not experience Japan’s authentic countryside lifestyle?