At the western foot of Mt. Hakone, where is in the vicinity of Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, thin bamboos, one centimeter in diameter, grow naturally. When the local farmers have nothing to do after the harvest-time, they cut them to sell as the materials for these hedges, tobacco pipes, wicket trunks, etc. Numazu-gaki in the picture is made of these native bamboos and is a unique hedge of this area. As this area faces Suruga Bay, the strong winds with sea sand constantly hit the houses and farmlands in winter. Thus the hedges to protect them from the winds are essential. Numazu-gaki actually appears in old ukiyo-e woodblock print in the 17th-19th century. There are different types of hedges made of bamboos or twigs across the country, but Numazu-gaki is the most famous one among them.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
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