Deep in the mountains where Totoro might appear

The other day on my day off, I went to Shikajima to go strawberry picking for the first time in my life.

Grape picking, bamboo shoot picking,
Although I had gone matsutake mushroom hunting when I was a child,
In my hometown of Hiroshima, there are almost no farmers growing strawberries.
I never had the opportunity to pick strawberries.

When I lived in Chiba, there were many farmers nearby where you could pick strawberries.
Like Fukuoka, Chiba is also famous for its strawberry production.
When my child was born and I decided to go there, I ended up returning to Hiroshima.
As expected, I didn't go because the timing wasn't right.

Last year, farmers also had to take a break from strawberry picking due to the coronavirus.
This year, my wish came true and I was finally able to visit.

○○ Hunting is often carried out deep in the mountains.
As someone who grew up in the countryside, I feel nostalgic,
It's also a new place for children.
I would like to avoid the ○○ hunting that takes place in urban areas if possible (lol)

Hiroshima and Nomi Island, where I grew up, are surrounded by ocean and mountains.
And a small island with rice fields next to each other.
I have fond memories of playing outside until sunset when I was a child.
The sunsets you can see during this season are quite spectacular.

However, since I was a child, I hated insects, so I don't like grass.
Those who think that rural children like insects are completely biased.
In other words, all Indians love curry.
Just like all Thai people like spicy food,
That's not true.

When you talk about things like that with your child,
Arrived deep in the mountains where you can feel the world of Totoro.




This kind of scenery is a soothing sight that can only be seen in the countryside.
The sky is blue and the air is clean.
When the wind blows, it smells like flowers and makes the forest rustle.
There's something special about the scenery you haven't seen in a while.

Now that I think about it, I learned about it on "Ad Street Heaven" the other day.
It is said that Totoro may be set in Higashimurayama.
I wanted to go there when I lived in Tokyo, but
It was far beyond my expectations so I gave up.
I'll probably stop by next time I'm there.

The strawberries I ate in such perfect conditions were
The best taste along with the memories of my first strawberry picking.
This is the first time I've ever eaten strawberries until I was full.
It was a strange thing, and on the night I thought I didn't need it anymore,
I ended up eating the strawberries I bought and brought home.

There are many farmers in Fukuoka where you can pick strawberries.
Many places can be reached within an hour's drive from the city.
The season is almost over, but
I want to go again when the next season starts.

If you are thinking of traveling to Fukuoka, you can enjoy eating and shopping, but
Strawberry picking is also recommended as one of the options!