Old Japanese gold mine 古い日本の金鉱山 – Abandoned Japan 日本の廃墟

Shimomura-sensei and I discover an old mine in the mountains of central Japan. This area was once extensively mined for gold and most of the roads and trails leading into this rugged region have their origin in the feudal-era gold interests of the Tokugawa Shogunate. In fact, a famous form of sweetened Japanese rice cake called Abekawa-mochi (安倍川餅) owes the color of its golden sugary topping to the gold mining history of this area; as it is said that this type of mochi was first prepared to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) when he passed through the region. This particular Shogun grew up in Shizuoka and was an active sponsor of the areas mining industry.

Shimomura-sensei and I decided to leave this cave unexplored as we could see rafters from the roof laying on the floor of the cave and the soil everywhere was quite saturated with water from recent rains. It is only our best guess that the mine was for gold and this was based on the history of the region. The canyon where we found this mine is quite remote and likely very rarely visited.

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Welcome to Abandoned Japan. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan’s lost and forgotten places with me. I’m available on social media at the links below and can be reached via email at dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com.

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THE PATH OF WILDNESS

The Path of Wildness is easy to find
The course of a stream
Leaves blown in the wind
A beast’s track through the brush
And the direction of our first inclination

The Path of Wildness is an answer and response to a prescribed way of life which may leave some individuals with a sense that their living is little more than a series of pre-determined, step-like episodes between birth and death. The stages of living between these events: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and senior are themselves natural and in accord with the needs of the species and most individuals. Many find their satisfaction in living this course and to these individuals I have little or nothing to say. Others though long for something more; something innate, genetic and seemingly calling. Adventure and change can give a degree of satisfaction and relief yet even these may seem too tame. To those who feel drawn to something beyond the entertainment and stimulation of senses I offer a walk along The Path of Wildness. Don’t bother penciling the event in your schedule, preparing a pack with goodies and supplies or even inviting a friend along, for this experience is along the course of your first inclination and you must surely always go alone.

Learn more about The Path of Wildness here:
http://wp.me/P5A2F-As

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CHANNEL CREDITS

“Japanese Falls” image is by the artist Lane Brown. See more of Mr. Brown’s work at the following URL: http://lanebrownart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html

Channel Theme Music “Song For Kurt” used with permission by Nowherians. Discover more about the artist and their music at the URL below.
http://nowherians.bandcamp.com