Japanese wasabi growing in a mountain stream – softypapa

Feral Japanese wasabi

I found this nice wasabi plant today growing wild in a high mountain stream. I replanted it in the stream after taking this photo. I did also take a small bite. Delicious! If you are not familar with wasabi it is a horseradish is used in Japan with sushi and sashimi as well as with other meals such as cold soba noodles. Wasabi is derived from the root of the wasabi plant which requires very clean, fresh water to grow well. The mountains of the Japan Southern Alps receive abundant rainfall and this area is perfectly suited for growing wasabi. Farmers in these high mountains have for centuries grown wasabi in terraced fields similar to rice paddies, however wasabi fields are normally situated much higher in the mountains than rice fields. While hiking in the mountains here it is not uncommon to find small wasabi farms situated along the narrow course of fast running streams or at the base of cascading waterfalls.

The videos below feature a few active wasabi farms in these same mountains. The first one was especially interesting as there seemed to be no end to the wasabi terraces which extended very deep into a narrow gorge filled with many beautiful waterfalls crossed by tricky wooden footbridges.

Location of the valley of lost wasabi farms

Welcome to the softypapa blog. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have chosen to walk awhile with me. I’m available on Facebook and Google+ if you have questions or just want to chat and say hi. I can also be found at the JVLOG forum with other Japan-related content creators. All links are listed below. I look forward to meeting you on-line. Have a great day!

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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.

The Path of Wildness Resources

• Homepage
• Facebook page
• Twitter feed

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Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/softypapa

Be my friend on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/LylesBrother

On Google+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108027407488568902619/posts

At the JVLOG forum (my username there is “softypapa”):
http://jvlog.org

You can also reach me via email at the following address: softypapa@gmail.com

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Credits

“Japanese Falls” image included in this video 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. Be sure to check out their “Rome Pays Off” recordings.
http://www.tracerecordings.com

Channel homepage image “Leaf” by photographer Moyan Brenn.
See more of Mr. Brenn’s photos on Flickr at the link below.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore