The carp-filled Aiba waterway runs through a quiet neighborhood in the southern section of Hagi.
Originally a stream, it was canalized to prevent flooding and to provide irrigation to paddies. It was later widened and deepened to enable small boats to be used for transporting materials.
Houses along the waterway built "hatoba", allowing the water of the canal to come into the kitchens and bathrooms where it could be used without having to go outside.
Several of the houses are open to the public including the childhood home of Taro Katsura, Japans' longest serving Prime Minister.
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Great photos as usual, I really enjoyed my one trip to Hagi.Hope to make it back there next spring when I start a cycling holiday from Niigata down the west coast to Fukuoka.
ReplyDeleteThis is the way that I love to imagine all of Japan. Unless I'm in Tokyo, then a flash bar will do.
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