Hikarioka

A tranquil village with a tragic history, nestled along the hills away from the coast.

Demographics

Hikarioka is primarily populated by farmers and artisans that wish to work far from the bustle of city life. The village prides itself on a strong community and dedication to preserving the traditions of their ancestors. Small festivals celebrating the change of seasons and bountiful harvests are common here, and local folklore is shared liberally with visitors.

Industry & Trade

Hikarioka's trade primarily deals in agriculture, with the village largely surrounded by rice paddies and sizeable vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. The village has a few artisans that deal in pottery and textiles as well.

Points of interest

Yūgen no Niwa (Garden of Sublime Beauty)

The Yūgen no Niwa is a serene and contemplative garden nestled on the outskirts of Hikarioka, dedicated to the memory of two famous poets who tragically perished in a fire many years ago. The garden's winding pathways meander through lush greenery, past tranquil ponds adorned with floating lotus blossoms and graceful stone bridges. Cherry trees line the garden's perimeter, their branches laden with blossoms in the springtime, while meticulously manicured bonsai trees and moss-covered rocks provide a sense of ancient tranquility. Visitors to Yūgen no Niwa can pause to reflect in secluded teahouses, where the gentle sound of water trickling in the background creates a sense of serenity and peace.

The Hikarioka Shrine

The shrine is a sacred site set in tehhills that overlook the village, dedicated to kami of nature and the ancestors that watch over the community. The shrine has a torii gate which marks the entrance, which passes through a grove of cedar trees. Locals and visitors alike come here to offer prayers, and ask for blessings.

Haru no Oka (Springtime Hill)

This hillside faces the village, and is often covered in a widely colorful array of wildflowers. Several picnic areas are designated along the hill, and visitors can watch as the blossoms from nearby cherry blossom trees mix with the colors of the wildflowers. This hillside has been the subject of many a famous painting.

Hikarioka Potter

The pottery studio is a local hub for creativity, where artisans come together to create complex pottery and ceramics inspired by the natural beauty of the village. Visitors come to observe the pottery-making process firsthand, from the shaping and molding of clay on the potter's wheel to the glazing a firing process for finished pieces. Ocassionally, the studio offers workshops to visitors of all skill levels, providing the opportunity to create alongside master craftsmen.

Hikarioka Sake Brewery

At the heart of the village, the Hikarioka Sake Brewery has been producing fine sake using time-honored techniques for generations. Visitors to the brewery can take guided tours of the facilities, learning about the art of sake production from the brewing process to bottling and aging. Tastings and samplings of various sake varieties are offered, allowing visitors to savor the complex flavors and aromas of this beloved Ashiaran beverage while gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into each bottle.

Architecture

Hihkarioka's architecture, in contrast to the larger cities of Ashiara, reflects a more rustic charm and the simplicity of rural life, with quaint wooden buildings and often thatch-lined roofs for cottages that line the streets. Homes have sliding paper doors and tatami mat floors. More important buildings sometimes have tiled roofs instead.

Type

Village

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