Corey Asleep.

M E M O R Y B A N K - A K I T A & A O M O R I from COREY on Vimeo.

At Akita, I had my first white taiyaki that was made by a friendly gentleman who lived in America for some time making motorbikes before he decided to return to Japan. As there was little time for a proper meal, the azuki taiyaki was my lunch on the train to Kakunodate, a sleepy quiet town known for its Samurai houses. I had a strange feeling in Kakunodate, the lack of people on the streets made the atmosphere slightly eerie and it was quite a distance to reach the area where Samurai houses are preserved. Once there, it was a tad bit livelier. I noticed the drain water had frozen along with fallen leaves that almost resemble confetti. I tried to imagine how cold it must be even to dip your feet in such icy water, and how oddly satisfying it'll be to pierce right through the ice.
On my way back to the train station, I popped by a small Japanese bakery and bought a Sakura mochi. I have seen pictures of Sakura mochi on the internet and have been curious about its taste, when I finally tired it, I was pleasantly surprised. I also ate the leaf that was wrapped around it, I'm not actually sure if one is supposed to consume it but since nothing awful happened after, I guess it is safe for eating after all.

The following morning, I made my way early to Aomori - the prefecture known for its delicious apples. As I journeyed further north, the air was significantly chillier.