Scarlet Clue | Ryeji

Two

Similar to the days that precede, the sun slowly stepped down out of its peak as scorching hues of harsh yellow and bright orange blended into a cordial shade of red and pink that composed the palette of the wonted Japanese sunset that Yeji still and would always find her breath being taken away by. Upon the drive through the coastal road, Yeji put herself unconsciously entering the state of perusal. Through the cab window, she watched as the line of modernised homes, present-day shrines, and all traces of the city transitioned into traditional Japanese homes, local onsens, and into the largest village hugged by nature―two worlds that seemed to be separated by the road that introduced the glistening beauty of the sea to anyone that passed it. Even more so under the fading light of the sunset. It was quite the antithetical ambiance to the disposition of the customary life in the centre of the city, really. Yeji wondered why Japan was only called the Land of the Rising Sun when it set just as beautifully as it rose, especially when it was witnessed with only the company of oneself.

After two hours of sitting, the cab finally came to a halt―the sound of tires rubbing against the Japanese concocted asphalt penetrating through the silence of the vicinity of Totsukawa. Her hand reached for the ten-thousand yen bill inside the left pocket of her wrap coat and handed it to the driver, politely declining the remaining change for the driver to keep. She stepped out of the vehicle and sauntered over to the door of the minpaku she chose to stay in. There was nothing too grand nor too shabby about it. It was just one of the conventional houses in the country, but certainly more than enough to provide one of the best and authentic Japanese experiences.

The plan wasn't to go home and rest. At least, not yet. There were still a few traces of light left and Yeji wanted to use whatever remained to explore a few more parts of the village, considering it was her last day before travelling upward and to Osaka―her last destination for this trip.

The only purpose she had of stopping by is to hand over the extra persimmon leaf sushi she purchased earlier in the day to the old couple who was kind enough to host her. Also an indirect way of announcing her return. Two knocks in and a moment of dead air later, the wooden door opened and revealed the short stature of an old Japanese grandma. The presence of black strands that were still visible in her overall silver hair proved that she's still in her ripe old age. The old woman smiled.

"Tadaima modorimashita." After a quick bow, she lifted up the black plastic bag hanging around her index and middle finger.

"Sushi wo mottekimashita. Tabete kudasai."

"Okaerinasai...sou na kotoshite kurenakute mo ii no ni."

"Tondemo gozaimasen."

Yeji handed the sushi over and gave another quick bow as a sign to leave, but not before explaining where she would be. The older woman understood and sent Yeji off with a quick "Kiotsukete ne'' before disappearing behind the closed door. Now that the part's over, she tightened the belt around her coat and slid her hands inside the front pockets. She released a sigh before walking off on the pavement and slowly to the direction of Seno Falls.

The village of Totsukawa was nestled deep in the mountains. Although civilisations had progressed overtime like the rest of the country, the trails that were part of the Kumano Kodo network pilgrimage routes still ran through the village that left the ancient feel and tough mountain spirit to live on. The very lifestyle of the people revolved around their coexistence with nature, and it made it exactly the type of place Yeji saw herself settle in one day.

A bit of a distance from where her rendezvous was, stood the Tamakijinja deep within the forest of ancient cedars. In the opposite direction was a valley where the Tanize suspension bridge hovered. It wouldn't be long till the usual tranquil facility would soon be filled with Taiko drummers, but that was a season for another visit. Point was, Totsukawa not only thrived on the abundance of its natural grace and beauty, but on its rich culture and unique history as well.