Kasumigaura is the 2nd largest lake in Japan. For generations, people around the lake have made a living from fishing its abundant waters and farming the fertile soil to produce crops such as lotus root. Just an hour and a half by train from central Tokyo, Lake Kasumigaura is also considered one of the 100 most beautiful places in Japan. Erin Fowler came to Japan from the US 3 years ago, and works as an English teacher at an elementary school in Ibaraki Prefecture. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Erin visits the Kasumigaura area for the first time. She meets with fishermen and farmers who live there, and connects with the people whose lives are so deeply rooted in the water and land around Lake Kasumigaura.