Encounter Toyooka: A Poem of Time by the Sea of Japan
On the map of Japan, there is a city that is like a melodious poem, quietly telling the story of time and the legend of nature. This is Toyooka.
Toyooka is a place favored by time. Stepping into this city, you can almost hear the footsteps of history. It was once the center of the ancient Tajima Province, witnessing the changes from the Muromachi period to the Edo period. Kinosaki Onsen has a history of more than 1,300 years, and the misty steam hides the nostalgia of literati and scholars. Naoya Shiga once left his footprints here, giving it a unique cultural flavor. The 13-meter-high Tatsumaki Tower is the second oldest clock tower in Japan. Like an old man who has seen the vicissitudes of life, it silently guards this city, witnessing the changes of the times.
When we gaze at these ancient buildings and relics, we can't help but wonder how the people of Toyooka have preserved this historical memory in a rapidly developing modern society. They have not allowed skyscrapers to easily replace these buildings that carry the weight of time, but have carefully protected them, allowing the ancient and modern to coexist harmoniously in this city. This is not only a respect for history but also a persistent protection of cultural roots.
Toyooka is a child favored by nature. Located on the Sea of Japan, it has picturesque coastal scenery. Takeno Beach has crystal-clear waters that sparkle under the sunlight, and pine forests surround the white sandy beach like a green ribbon. Every summer, it becomes a sea of joy, where people enjoy the sun and the gentle caress of the waves. Mount Kannabe, the "youngest" volcano in the Kinki region, has a unique bowl-shaped appearance. In spring, you can cycle; in summer, you can glide; in autumn, you can enjoy the red leaves; in winter, you can ski. The four seasons change with different colors and joys. There is also Genbudo Park, where hexagonal columnar joints are stacked layer by layer, forming a magnificent linear picture that makes people marvel at the craftsmanship of nature.
Faced with such magnificent natural landscapes, the people of Toyooka have chosen to live in harmony with them. They have not overdeveloped or destroyed the balance of nature for short-term benefits. In this regard, we see an ideal model of coexistence between humans and nature, which is to respect and follow nature. While pursuing material progress, should we also pause and think about how to live in harmony with nature like the people of Toyooka, so that our descendants can also appreciate such beautiful scenery?
Toyooka is also a place of life's fireworks. Strolling along Bag Street, you enter the world of Toyooka bags, where the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans turns every handbag into a work of art. The aroma of Izushi soba noodles fills the streets and alleys, a unique taste that combines Shinshu craftsmanship with local characteristics, with every bite full of the richness of life.
Here, we see the persistence and inheritance of traditional handicrafts. In today's world, where assembly line production dominates, the artisans of Toyooka still adhere to the warmth of handmade products. They use time and effort to give each piece a unique soul. This makes us reflect on whether we have lost our dedication to quality and our appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in an era that pursues efficiency and speed.
In Toyooka, time seems to slow down and become gentle. It weaves a beautiful dream with the accumulation of history, the gifts of nature, and the breath of life. Everyone who comes here will find their own poetry and tranquility in the embrace of this city, and they will also gain a deep reflection on life, culture, and nature from the stories of this city.