Kumagawa-juku After the latticed townhouses, a break with a kuzu sweet

I walked from the car park to Kumagawa-juku’s street. Latticed townhouses lined it, and water flowed along the edge. I’d intended to look all the way to the distant roofs, but the first thing to catch my attention was the water sounding at my feet.

Stopping in my white floral dress, I looked at the kuzu manju on its plate. Bean paste showed through the translucent exterior; as I brought the pick closer, the sweet wobbled. I hadn’t tasted it yet, but that alone made me laugh.

A bite brought soft kuzu and the bean paste’s sweetness together in my mouth. As I enjoyed Kumagawa’s speciality, the townhouses continued before me. I was glad I’d included this kind of break in an early-summer afternoon detour.

Short stone slabs crossed the channel towards the houses. It felt different from looking at a big river: water passed right beside the places people lived. Once I finished eating, I wanted to photograph these little details too.

If I sent pictures to my driving friend, I’d choose one of the townscape and one of the sweet. She likes sweet things too, so planning a walk here together would probably be easy. It’s lovely to arrive by car, then take time enjoying a place on foot.

Looking at the roofs farther down the street, I wondered where to stop next. Simply walking forwards revealed small differences in window lattices and eaves. While the sweet’s flavour still lingered, I’d walk a little farther through the post town.