Who said it again ? ――The 【Karuizawa of Kyushu】, here in Aso, recorded a minimum temperature of -8℃ this morning. Arriving at JR Aso Station, the chill that hits me the moment I step off the heated train is comparable to the cold I experienced around this time 30 years ago when I was working in Sendai, Tohoku Region. It’s a harsh commute that seeps into my old bones, but how are you all doing?
Once again, Happy New Year!
I apologize for the delay, but today marks my first day back at work on the fifth day of the new year. This is Batten Arakazu.
Although it’s a bit cliché, I look forward to working with you this year as well.
By the way, this New Year’s Day, my three children made their first trip back to Kumamoto, and since my third daughter was born in the Year of the Snake, we rented an 8-seater car and went on a drive to Hebiishi Shrine in Akamizu, Aso Shrine, Daikanbo, and Nakadake Crater. Let me share the details with you.
First, we visited Hebiishi Shrine, where live white snakes are enshrined.↓
Next, at Aso Shrine, known for having one of Japan’s three great tower gates.↓
And behold the magnificent scenery of Daikanbo.
(Aso’s five peaks lined up as if a Buddha is lying down on his back.)↓
Praying at the mountaintop shrine to calm the eruptions and for peaceful days in Aso! ↓
Finally, as expected, we concluded our journey at the main crater. ↓
This New Year’s Day in Aso, we were blessed with clear skies without a single cloud, and there were no restrictions on access to the crater. The children, who experienced the breath of the great outdoors for the first time, were filled with awe. As a parent, it was a memorable and delightful start for 2025.
Of course, we also stopped by the “Michi-no-Eki Aso” and enjoyed the famous soft ice cream. They had a great time in sunny Aso, and yesterday, on the 4th, my third daughter and second son safely returned to Urawa, while my eldest son went back to Yokosuka. All’s well that ends well !
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