Korankei One more bite of gohei-mochi with the autumn leaves in view

After parking, I walked toward the Tomoe River. The autumn leaves stretched beyond Taigetsu Bridge. Wait, I can get this close to the leaves? I looked up from beneath the trees, then across the river, and stopped almost as soon as I started walking. I didn't want to rush. I wanted to spend the day surrounded by this scenery.

After walking along the river, I sat for a while with a gohei-mochi skewer, where I could see both the bridge and the autumn leaves. The scenery I'd been taking in as I walked was still right there in front of me. I'd meant to take a photo before eating, but I couldn't wait for that first bite.

I gripped the skewer and took a big bite of the gohei-mochi. The sauce filled my mouth, and I couldn't help smiling. It felt like I'd found one more thing to love about this autumn day. Just as I was about to take another bite, I noticed something at the corner of my mouth.

I touched the corner of my mouth, and sure enough, there was sauce. Good thing I caught it before the photo, I thought, laughing to myself. If my friend had been there, she'd have laughed and asked, “Was it that good?” Yeah. I probably would've taken another bite before I could even answer.

I wiped my mouth and took my time with the next bite. Past the gohei-mochi in my hand, Taigetsu Bridge came into view; I could hear the river, too. As I ate and took in the view, I noticed trees I'd missed on my walk. I wanted to stay a little longer, and even my bites slowed down.

When I finished eating, I looked across the river once more. When I get home and look through the photos, I think I'll remember not just the autumn leaves but the sauce at the corner of my mouth, too. Even the moment I felt a little self-conscious will stay with me, right alongside how good it tasted. I know I'll be looking forward to gohei-mochi next time I'm in Asuke.