#7

Embrace the Journey of "Love Yourself" - Reflecting and Nurturing Myself Yuko Matsumoto
Medical Anchor/Journalist, President of WELLyou Inc.

In my 50s, right at the heart of menopause, there are days when my mind and body don't quite sync. Yet, I throw myself into both work and household tasks with dedication.
I decided to give myself a rare gift—a little "me time"—and embarked on a "Love Yourself" journey. My destination was the "Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT" located in Sounkyo, Hokkaido.
"Follow your heart and do what you love!"
The journey began at a café in Higashikawa Town. I visited "Okashi Kissa Miura," a place I found on social media and had secretly been looking forward to visiting. Resembling a patisserie on a Parisian street corner, the showcase was filled with beautifully arranged pastries. I chose a pistachio and raspberry Victoria cake and my favorite, a lemon cake. With just one bite, I couldn't help but smile at the refined yet rich flavors crafted with ingredients nurtured by the abundant nature of Higashikawa Town. Outside the window, the rural landscape spread like a pice of art.

Okashi Kissa Miura

My next stop was "HIGASHIKAWA STYLE CAFE Zen," where I ordered the "Higashikawa Rice Plate" featuring locally sourced rice and vegetables, with soy meat and root vegetable chili con carne as the main dish. Despite intending to save room for the luxurious dinner at the hotel, I couldn't stop eating, my chopsticks moving to the rhythm of the rain outside. "Such a healthy lunch for just 1,000 yen is a bargain!" Amidst rising prices, I couldn't help but check prices, feeling a natural gratitude toward local farmers.
Satisfied both in body and spirit by the richness of Higashikawa Town, I headed to my ultimate destination, the Sounkyo Onsen.

HIGASHIKAWA STYLE CAFE Zen

The rain from earlier had quietly turned into moist snow. I arrived at "Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT," nestled in the great outdoors of Sounkyo, feeling as if I'd wandered into another world through a secret exit from everyday life. The long-established inn, celebrating its 70th anniversary last year, was a comfortable blend of modern renovated spaces and nostalgic atmosphere, giving an uncanny sense of familiarity. Unlike my usual hectic days, time leisurely flowed in this extraordinary environment.

Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT

I stayed in a room with an open-air bath showcasing panoramic views. Upon entering the room, I was welcomed with matcha and sweets, and after a brief rest, I headed to the open-air bath. As I soaked in the bath with a view of the grand canyon, where remnants of snow delicately fell, the tension that normally filled my shoulders gently dissipated. In my daily busy life, I often feel my breathing becoming shallow. So, I opened the window slightly, filling my lungs with the breeze from Kamui Mintara (meaning "The Playground of the Gods" in the Ainu language), taking a deep breath that untied the knots deep within my heart and body.

On this "Love Yourself" journey, I brought along a bounty of beauty products, including a facial device, face masks, and body cream. The room was well-equipped with the hotel's original hair care amenities and a popular hairdryer, which were delightful allies in my self-care routine. Taking my time to meticulously tend to my skin and body care, which I usually rush through—what a luxurious experience!

open-air bath showcasing panoramic views

Dinner featured a seasonal course menu made with carefully selected Hokkaido ingredients. Every dish, from appetizers to dessert, was delicate and beautiful. The marriage with Hokkaido wine was exquisite, enhancing the umami of the ingredients. In the relaxed Japanese setting, the atmosphere naturally eased conversation.
After dinner, I visited the panoramic top-floor bath. Letting my thoughts drift away, I soaked in the warmth, watching steam rise to the ceiling as the daily hustle slowly faded from memory. The significance of "doing nothing, thinking nothing" became crystal clear, something I may have overlooked in my 50s.
As night quietly deepened, a gentle, deep sleep enveloped my post-bath body—a precious reward for someone accustomed to sacrificing sleep in recent years.

The next morning, I awoke to the soft light streaming from the snowy canyon into my room. Leaving Hotel Taisetsu behind, I stopped at "BLACK MOUNTAIN COFFEE" at the Kurodake Ropeway Station for a cafe latte. The view of the mountains through large windows and the fragrance of the coffee gently encouraged the continuation of my journey. A spontaneous stop at Sounkyo Shrine next, I found myself naturally straightening my back in the crisp air as snowflakes danced around. With the mountain deities watching over, I quietly offered my prayer. In the town of Kamikawa, I visited "ANSHINDO," a complex in a renovated old pharmacy. I took a moment to relax with chewy bagels and herbal tea. Next, I wanted to take a slow walk, holding in hand a handmade map created by the townspeople.

My final stop was "Kazenobi" in Shin-Totsukawa Town. The former Yoshino Elementary School, closed after 103 years, was reborn as the studio and gallery of the sculptor Takenobu Igarashi.
Though Mr. Igarashi passed away this February, and his efforts in the atelier can no longer be witnessed firsthand, his works continue to live with people's lives in Hokkaido, Japan, and across the world.