Journey Through Japan

(calming music) There's a free library in the center of Night town that sees a steady mix of locals and travelers passing through. The library, known as The Leaf, is small, no bigger than a garden shed, but it holds enough books to feel surprisingly grand. It's made of yellow painted wood with a clean glass door that shows the multicolored rows of books inside. A small carved leaf is tucked into the design above it, as if the stories grow there. A brass handle catches the light when the door opens, setting off a small golden bell that rings faintly as the door closes. On the shelves, where the collection is always changing, the newest arrival is a book called "Travel Japan". Before we look at the pages inside, let's take a moment for a brief wind down exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first, get yourself comfortable. Now, just bringing the attention to the breath, just noticing where you feel it, in the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You're nice and relaxed. We're going to be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. So, are you ready? Let's begin. In for four, two, three, four, hold it for four, two, three, four. Now breathing out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four, holding for four, two, three, four, out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four, holding for four, two, three, four, out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four, holding for four, two, three, four, out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to normal. The binding of the book gives slightly as the pages land on the chapter Ine no Funaya. The village of Ine no Funaya sits along a sheltered bay, a coastal fishing village on the sea of Japan's side, north of Kyoto. A continuous row of funaya, the traditional boat houses, run along the harbor, their lower levels opening directly onto the water. Wooden facades face outward, the boards softened by salty air and years of weather. (water splashing gently) Each house is built tall and compact. The ground floor is open, shaped like a garage, but filled with water instead of pavement. Small fishing boats are nestled inside, bows pointed inward, hulls nearly touching the wooden beams that hold the structure above. Ropes hang from hooks. Nets are coiled and stacked. Dark green rubber boots sit by the entrance. The tide reaches in just far enough to gently rock the sleeping boats. Above, laundry hangs from metal poles on the balconies, striped towels, light cotton shirts, and well-worn work clothes drying in the breeze. A small satellite dish tilts from a rooftop. Potted plants with succulents and herbs sit in rows along the railings. On the window sill, a gray ceramic teacup is steaming. Behind...