Miyama, Kyoto

The town of Miyama lies about 70 km. north of Kyoto City. It still has many wooden houses with traditional thatched roofs, giving a strong sense of the old days. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Frauke Arndt-Kunimoto visits naturalist Masakazu Asanome, who has lived in Miyama's rich natural environment for 27 years. He built his own log cabin there, and also created a herb garden. Masakazu Asanome made everything himself, entirely by hand: His log cabin, the herb garden, a tree terrace and even his furniture. Asanome takes Frauke on a hiking trip to explore Miyama's beautiful forests. The lush green mountains are covered by virgin forest, which has been protected from development. Frauke also experiences river walking and "shower climbing" in crystal-clear water.