Will there be bears?
Camping was something I never expected myself to be doing in Japan. I had never experienced camping in America at the time so this was definitely a first for me. After introductions with Chizuru-San, we made our way to her house to prepare for the weekend. The night before the trip was filled with preparations. I was not sure exactly how to help, so for the most part I watched how they placed small things in bags here and there. About half way through our meal for the evening, I started to get anxious. Many questions were going through my head but the heaviest was the question of wild animals. So, I hesitantly ask the question; “Will there be bears?” Talking ceased as laughter erupted and my face grew red in embarrassment. I was happy to know that bears never bothered the campsite before and it was unlikely to happen now. I slept peacefully resting assured I would not wake to a bear.
The next morning was filled with a short ride to the campsite. Along the way we drove further into a small town. Stopping at a local meat market and a Hokkaido only convenience store called “Seicomart.” I was met with hilly views and acres of rice fields. I was amazed by the sight as I had only seen such things in movies. I rode with Chizuru-San’s husband, Makoto-san, who spoke no English. Beginning my first challenge. I was able to ask small quick questions like, How long have you lived in Hokkaido, What do you do for work, and occasionally asking him to explain what it was I was looking at. Although it was a small conversation, I was glad to be able to communicate just a little!
Upon reaching the campsite, I was surprised to see that we were not deep in the woods. There were small houses that surrounded the area and many people had their tents already pitched for the day. We unloaded the car and were greeted by friends. They offered to help pitch my tent and I graciously accepted as I passed them the pieces. I only stood to the side unable to be of service, but I helped with unpacking grilling things to make up for it. When everything was finished, we were able to sit and chat for a bit. This helped improve my speaking and listening skills. I was challenged in this environment but also excited for the challenge. I picked up small pieces of conversation and developed some new vocabulary along the way. Later in the day we went to an onsen! I was surprised one was this far into the woods but, after a quick five-minute walk, we were there.
Bathing naked with strangers will always be an interesting story to tell your family. For me it was fun. There are common rules to follow before entering a bath. You must first shower, then pull your hair up high so that no strand enters the water, then you may soak in the tub. The baths are separated by gender making it fun to have girl talk with no interruptions. This experience was interesting because I had never been in a public bath before. Although strange, it was also fun and a lot more relaxing than I thought it would be. Later we returned to the campsite and my favorite part came…EATING.
I watched as the men tended to the fires making sure they were well lit before the women added the meats on. First to the grill were scallops and ezobai shells. I had tried neither of them before so I was very excited to try it. I watched as Chizuru-San placed butter and seasoning on the scallops but the shells caught my eye as a small movement occurred. My eyes widened in horror at this sight. The ezobai shells were still alive but not for long.
I was not as excited about the shells as I was for the scallops. Everyone was nice and explained what it was that I was eating simply enough for me to understand. For a while I felt like a baby but was able to understand quickly over time. Once the scallops were finished, they graciously let me try first. It was so good!! I had never had them before and the texture was chewy but a good chewy with a smoky flavor. Then came the time to try the ezobai shells. I was so scared at the moment. I had the image of the shells previous movement and it had made me hesitant. Swallowing my fear, I tried it. I did not like this one. Everyone laughed as the distaste for the shells showed on my face. Makoto-San encouraged me to try another as I politely declined sealing the fact that it was not my favorite. They continued cooking as I tried many new things such as lamb, chicken neck, and even chicken shaped like a sausage on a bone. All of these were so good and I found myself getting full as they continuously urged me to try everything. I even tried A5 wagyu beef. I was surely spoiled this day. As the sky grew darker, I looked towards it quickly, finding the familiar star constellations. I was quite star struck seeing the small specks scattered throughout the nights sky. I wanted to capture that moment in a picture but was unable to capture the moment on camera. I did, however, take a mental picture. Throughout the night it became colder and they heated water in a teapot. This was to create a heated water bottle. I was amazed because I would have never thought about doing this. When it was time, we returned to our respective tents for the night and settled in.
At around 3am I had awoken to the chills and small footsteps. I remember thinking to myself that it was indeed a bear but was relieved when the footsteps produced a small cough. I was shocked to see that the sun had already started to rise when it had only set around 7 hours ago. I peaked outside my tent watching it slowly make its way higher in the sky. Somewhere along the way I had fallen back asleep only waking to the smell of fresh coffee. It drove me out of my tent as I greeted everyone with a “good morning.” The morning was filled with light conversation and the making of toast. Japanese bread is very different from American bread and I appreciated the light breakfast after a heavy dinner. Shortly after breakfast we started to pack our things once more. The trip was over and I felt a little sad. Everything was a new experience for me and I was happy I got the chance to do it. Although at first, I was hesitant due to the camp horror stories I have heard in the past.
I was also able to see a field of wild flowers, a museum that told of the Ainu history, and have a three Japanese home cooked meals. So, even if there is a possibility in the future that I will see a bear, snake, spider, or any other live animal, I still would go camping in Japan. To experience the conversation, listening, and warmth from the open fire again.
-Jenna Owens
