A tranquil night in the kominka
In the stillness of the Japanese countryside, when the sun sets and the world becomes a little quieter, life in a kominka—a traditional Japanese house—takes on a unique charm. This evening was no exception. With T-san, my husband, off on one of his night fishing adventures, I found myself alone in our cozy, rustic home, embracing the tranquility that comes with solitude.
Illuminating the Evening
The first order of business was to light up the house. As I switched on the vintage lamps, the warm glow bathed the wooden interiors, casting long, comforting shadows across the tatami mats. There’s something about these old lights that feels timeless, as if they carry the stories of all the evenings that came before.
A Taste of Freshness: Cooking Dinner
With the house bathed in soft light, it was time to turn my attention to dinner. T-san had brought home fresh fish from his earlier trip, and I was excited to prepare it. I breaded the fish carefully, frying it to a crisp golden brown. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal made from ingredients caught just hours before. Although I was out of cabbage—a staple I usually enjoy with fried fish—the meal was still delightful.
A Cozy Movie Night
Dinner in hand, I settled in front of my vintage Showa-era television to watch Spirited Away, one of my favorite films. The old TV set, with its soft hum and slightly faded screen, added a nostalgic charm to the experience. There’s something magical about watching such a whimsical story in a setting that feels almost as timeless as the movie itself.
A Moment of Reflection
After the movie, I poured myself a drink and sat down to write in my diary. These quiet moments of reflection are some of my favorites, where I can jot down the day’s events, capture fleeting thoughts, and express gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.
Winding Down: Bath and Bedtime Rituals
Next, it was time for a relaxing bath. The warm water helped wash away the day, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready for bed. After my bath, I slipped into a comfortable yukata, a light summer kimono, and began preparing for bed.
I carefully laid out the futons on the floor and set up the mosquito net—a necessity in the countryside during the warmer months. With everything in place, the bedroom looked like a scene from a bygone era, simple yet elegant.
A Quiet End to the Day
Before turning in for the night, I indulged in a bit of reading. I’ve been immersed in a period piece novel from the Oyado Kawa Semi series, a story that perfectly matches the serene and traditional atmosphere of our home. As I read, I could hear the soft sounds of the countryside outside, lulling me into a state of peace.
Finally, with the book set aside and the lights dimmed, I drifted off to sleep, wrapped in the comfort of the kominka and the simple joys of life in the Japanese countryside.
Living in a kominka offers a special kind of serenity, especially during these quiet, reflective evenings. Even with T-san away, the house feels full of life—each corner holding memories, each night offering a new chance to savor the beauty of our surroundings.