After some public transport troubles we arrived in Tojo, where Emiko`s smiling face awaited us. We stayed with her and her family in a small mountain town surrounded my rice paddies and forested slopes. Emikos mother joked when we commented that we wanted to walk around the town and see the sights, that the only sites were the train station and the old shrine. And perhaps, we would become the sight as noone ever came to their town from outside. However, our single night with Emiko and her family is one of my fondest memories. A delicious family dinner, then stroll across the road to Emikos Oba-chans (grandmothers) karaoke bar. Plied on homemade Ume-shu and beer we attempted to learn some Enkai (Japanese `old-time classics`) and enjoyed some K-pop (Emiko I still have that song stuck in my head, and think about you every time I hear it!)
The next day Tojo was celebrating Hina-matsuri (or the Doll Festival/Girls Day) so Emiko took us in to town and we braved the rain to visit some of the local homes and stores to see their displays. I learnt so much in this visit about Japanese customs, local houses and culture, and about town-life. Every member of Tojo welcomed us in like friends and shared so many interesting facts about their homes, their jobs, their dolls and their lives. Tojo is an amazing old castle town that I fear few visit, but rivals more famous towns like Takayama (see later posts).
We were so sad to leave Tojo! We had such a wonderful time. Sweet breads and Takoyaki filled our stomachs on the long train back whilst we reminisced about all the sweet memories we have from this place.
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