These photos are a few seemingly mundane images from my time in Mashiko, yet I’ve decided to lead with them as they capture something of the quiet, rural atmosphere of the town.

At the time of my trip in early March 2020, the new coronavirus or Covid 19 was definitely in the news. However international travel to/from the UK was still freely allowed, and the UK government advice was to carry on as normal but wash your hands a lot. So after a little deliberation, that is exactly what I did.

In Japan there was definitely a more cautious atmosphere - tourists from China had been banned and schools and major museums were closed. It is difficult for me to know exactly what was normal and what was Covid 19-induced but the streets of Mashiko were very quiet and the town felt almost mysteriously empty.

Mashiko is located in the gently rolling hills of Tochigi Prefecture, known for its strawberries and pottery, and is reached via a succession of smaller and smaller trains. On arrival, it looked as though everything was closed, but then I realised most businesses were actually open. It was a little confusing but by the end of my trip I came to really enjoy the low key atmosphere. I live rurally anyway and find this level of peace and quiet comforting.

Over my week there, I did a lot of walking around and felt like I got to know the place a little. It wasn’t what I expected - although I’m not sure what I expected - but it had a very charming, low key and quietly beautiful atmosphere punctuated with an occasional dilapidated building, amazing bakery or pottery shop. I’d go again in a flash, because I imagine it’s the kind of place that I’d like to take the time to get to know really well.

I’m very pleased that I managed to get to Japan (and back!) when I did and would like to thank the Leach Pottery for awarding me a travel bursary towards my trip. I will be documenting my trip with a series of journal posts over the coming weeks.