The Self-Abandoning Well: Animals, Plants, and Life in Central Japan
The self-abandoning well of central Japan stands in stark contrast to the other well known landmarks of the region. Far from a bustling metropolitan cityscape, it is an idyllic and peaceful spot, a place people visit for peace and quiet.
The Well is located in the Hakui district, in a small village. It is not a deep well, in fact many feel that it is barely a well at all, being only about a meter and a half deep and often filled with water. It is surrounded by a few trees, and a path leads up to it from the village.
The Well is said to be an especially good place to view wild animals, and a variety of species can be seen in the area, such as foxes, rabbits, snakes and badgers. The presence of these animals is an important part of the Well’s charm, as it helps to make it a special place, which no-one wants to disturb.
The Well is also home to a number of rare plants. One of these is the big bitter cress, which is a hollow-stemmed plant whose leaves and flowers can be used for making tea. There are also mosses and lichens, some of which are very rare, as well as several species of trees, such as maples, willows and cherryblossoms.
The Well may not appear to be much, but it has a rich variety of life and a history stretching back thousands of years. Its placid and peaceful setting is the backdrop for stories and legends which have been told in the area for centuries. In particular, the tale of the Self-Abandoning Well, is an especially popular story, which tells of a being who left the village and never came back.
The Beauty of the Self-Abandoning Well is in its simplicity, and in its peaceful atmosphere, where humans and nature exist in harmony. It is a place to sit and watch the animals, to admire the plants and take in the beauty of the rural Japanese landscape.
Visitors to the Well should ensure they disturb the local wildlife as little as possible, and should leave food or litter which would attract or disturb them. This will help maintain the beauty and tranquillity of the Well, as well as helping to protect the rare plants and animals which make it such a special place.