A Journey of Nature and Soul-Cleansing: The Rotary Club of Manila Discovers Kadogawa, Miyazaki

March 23, 2025: Arrival and Unexpected Clash of Worlds

The Rotary Club of Manila's departure from their urban stronghold marked the beginning of an odyssey to the tranquil realms of Kadogawa. The group consisted of: RCM President Jujut Enriquez and wife Lia, PD Ner Lonzaga, wife Femy and daughter Diana, PDSAA Uwe Hesse and wife Carol, PSAA Gunter Matschuck and wife Joanne, and Rotarian novelist Vee David.

As their shuttle plane descended into Miyazaki, the stark contrast between their familiar concrete jungle and the lush, verdant vistas below stirred a sense of excitement unfelt. The vibrant, chaotic energy of Manila's skyscrapers felt worlds away from the soothing whispers of the Miyazaki coast, which greeted them with its fresh, oceanic breath.

Their first night at Kokoro no Mori Onsen was a battle between the comfort of modern luxury and the raw, unpolished embrace of nature, as the soothing waters attempted to cleanse the city's residue from their spirits.

March 24th: Cultural Confrontation and Awakening

The morning brought with it a courtesy visit to the City Mayor of Kadogawa, where formal smiles and warm handshakes masked an underlying struggle to connect across cultural chasms, across oceans, across divides.

The visit to a seafoods processing centre later that morning became a pivotal moment. Here, the Rotarians faced the tangible reality of rural sustenance versus urban consumption. The authenticity of rural life, with its deep, symbiotic relationship with nature, challenged their metropolitan biases.

Lunch was a feast of local flavors that teased their palates, unfamiliar and intriguing, setting the stage for the afternoon’s spiritual encounters at Kadogawa Shrine and Shorenji Temple. These sacred sites, steeped in tranquility, forced them to confront their own lost connections with spirituality amidst urban distractions.

March 25th: Embracing Nature’s Raw Beauty

A day at Iorigawa Fishing Port and Otojima Island provided a stark juxtaposition to their routine lives. The vitality of the local economy, visible in the bustling auction at dawn, showcased a community thriving on nature's bounty.

The ferry ride to Otojima Island was a journey from the familiar into the mystical. Surrounded by untouched natural beauty, they engaged in fishing, hiking, and a seaside BBQ, which offered not just nourishment from freshly caught seafood but also a feast for the weary soul. The island's serene environment, far removed from the cacophony of urban life, sparked a transformative appreciation for nature's simplicity and hidden abundance.

March 26th: Reflective Retreat and Reluctant Return

The final day in Kadogawa saw the Rotarians in a reflective state, packing not just their belongings but also a myriad of emotions and revelations. The bus ride to Miyazaki Airport was quieter than their arrival, each member introspective, pondering the profound impact of their experiences. The tranquility of Kadogawa's landscapes had seeped into their hearts, prompting a silent vow to return.

Narrative Conclusion: Transformation Through Nature

As they ascended back into the skies, the Rotary Club members carried with them more than just physical souvenirs; they brought back a renewed spirit, deeply influenced by the peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle of Kadogawa. Their initial resistance had morphed into an embracing of rural charms, highlighting a stark realization: true tranquility and well-being lie not in towering skyscrapers or bustling streets but in the quiet embrace of nature.

Kadogawa was not merely a trip; it was a profound transformation, an unexpected journey back to nature’s nurturing lap.