#10

Stepping away from the daily grind of training: a Taisetsu journey where flowers and hot springs restore the soul Motoyoshi Sugawara
Owner and head trainer, Personal Fitness Gym “fact”; Advisor, Best Body Japan Contest

Leaving Takikawa, my first stop was Taisetsu Mori-no Garden (Kamikawa). As a gardening enthusiast, I’d longed to visit, and it did not disappoint. The vast grounds are planted with seasonal flowers in a masterful design that lets you enjoy the garden from spring through fall—meticulously planned and beautifully maintained. Guided by Ms. Izumi Iwaki of Taisetsu Mori-no Garden, I learned a great deal and even came across the rare Himalayan blue poppy. I also met an adorable chipmunk along the way. Benches are placed throughout, with photo spots, swings, and areas where children can play—so many thoughtful touches. I spent a truly fulfilling time, moved and impressed in equal measure. And the cold soft-serve after my walk tasted especially wonderful under the summer sun.

For lunch, I tried the house curry at KINUBARI COFFEE (Kamikawa), a place that caught my eye online. Kamikawa has other stylish cafés and shops as well; I’d love to come back and explore more.

After a pleasant drive, I arrived at Sounkyo’s Ginga and Ryusei Falls. From cliffs high above, clear water plunges down in white spray, and the cool mist felt invigorating. Surrounded by abundant greenery, it was the perfect forest-bathing reset. This area is also famed as a spiritual “power spot.” After being soothed by the falls and the forest, I felt thoroughly recharged—strength welling up through my whole body.

With body and spirit reset and refueled, I headed to the day’s goal: Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT. I slipped into the large bath, Taisetsu-no-Yu, first. The indoor bath overlooks a grand canyon; the water is silky and just the right temperature. From the open-air bath, the rugged ridgeline leading to Mt. Kurodake unfolds in view. I was utterly taken not only with the water, but with the scenery as well. The sauna was excellent too—spotlessly clean—and I enjoyed three rounds. I couldn’t help but smile at the cold-water feature where, at the push of a button, a waterfall-like cascade comes down.

After my bath, I savored a cold beer in my room. Dinner at HINNA no Mori was a delight—craft beers, sake, and wine to my heart’s content. The dishes were plentiful and delicious across the board. With free-flow drinks, both palate and spirit were thoroughly satisfied. Before turning in, I soaked again in the in-room hot spring and slept like a log. The bed was wonderfully comfortable.

Outside, I encountered a deer and her fawn. At the Nature Center, I found myself face to face with an enormous brown bear display. It was a time that deepened my sense of nature’s workings and its preciousness—full of learning.

On the way home, I got caught in a sudden rainstorm, but I stopped at Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery (Kamikawa) to pick up sake, sake lees, and miso made with sake lees. Then in Higashikawa, I enjoyed the signature chicken tempura bukkake udon noodle at the popular shop Sanuki Udon Chiyuki. The chewy noodles and freshly fried chicken tempura were a perfect match—deeply satisfying.

My last stop was Ebeotsu (Takikawa), where I checked out two newly opened guesthouses, Orange House and Yuzansou, and visited Gallery & Garden Concerto to admire its lovely garden.

Gardens and flowers, muscles and hot springs—each is a vital thread that colors my life. This trip tied them all together and gave me time that felt truly rich.