Darilyn F.
Yelp
Throughout my childhood, my obachan taught me that the people of Japan respect nature. It's a spiritual bond. Their belief is living harmoniously with nature.
Like most things in Japan, it also has an artistic flair.
Nature, and specifically seasons, have been a favorite subject of Japanese art since its earliest days.
Their veneration for the natural world takes on deep meaning.
This is not an easy place to visit. You'll need to fly into Sapporo, then catch an hour flight from there to Aomori. Proceed via taxi from the airport to the train station, another 30 minutes away. Miraculously timing your arrival to catch the one complimentary daily resort bus. It is then, a 2 hour bus ride deep into the mountains. Your journey comes to an end at the tiny village of Yakeyama. The starting point for both the Oirase Gorge and a spectacular 8.5-mile trail that follows the stream through the forest to its source, Lake Towada.
After the long journey, I hoped that my 2nd visit would be as memorable as my 1st. Once in Sept and again this past Jan.
The landscape, food, activities and surroundings are artfully developed around the time of year. You'll find considerable snowfall, all part of the majestic beauty of visiting Japan during this time of the year. Here you'll find some of the best food, and find a whole new meaning to what, you may imagine as a winter wonderland.
After a unbelievably great breakfast, day activities include endless nature options. The nature center offers classes in handcrafting snowflakes , gourd lamp making, moss art & forging nature to create jewelry for ornamental use.
Other options offered both in the day and in the evenings are hikes. frozen waterfall visits, snowshoeing and long walks along the stream.
Provided are complimentary bus rides to visit the surrounding waterfall areas of Makadoriwa &
Kumoi, completed at Samidare stream. there are other stops, dependent on season & weather.
During the evening, after, yet, another great meal here, one of the main things you'll want to try is the onsen. A traditional Japanese spa, a natural hot spring soak. It offers the kind of relaxation that true vacations only dream to be. Here, you are offered, both indoor & outdoor options.
As you step in this outdoor onsen, you will understand the meaning of this long journey. The cold of winter, meets a warm hug from nature. It's life changing. There are few moments that you'll experience..like this one. Your epic adventure with nature. Look up, into the beautiful sky, into the stars, large flakes of snow will fall on you. Open your mouth to taste them. Take in your surroundings, what appears to be a huge Japanese maple tree, bare with leaves, covered in snow, sits in the middle of the outdoor onsen. Periodically, snow fluff plop down from the tree into the steaming hot onsen as it melts in front of you. Because of the silence, you hear everything. As you become one with your surroundings and gaze around, you'll slowly discover the forest area that surrounds you covered in smaller trees adorned by snow. You will hear and see the stream running in front of you. During different times of your visit you will see the beautiful differences in light. As you further explore this outdoor onsen in winter weather, you'll find it truly exhilarating. The winter temperature is generally below freezing. As you step out in the chill, and place your foot down in the very cold melted snow on the Towada stone, which is a natural absorbent (no mats necessary) and hold on to the chilling cold railing you will have doubts and may think about returning to the warmth of your tatami floor and futon in your room.
The beauty of the winter landscape here surpasses the dream of how beautiful, Japan can really be in the winter. Surrounded by ice glaciers, overlooking the stream it is beyond magical. The outdoor onsen , was definitely the highlight of the visit.
Over a dozen waterfalls cascade down into the stream all along its length from the walls of the gorge. After the onsen, enjoy an authentic shiatsu massage. Or stop in and listen by the fireplace, to one of many nature talks, presented to educate you of the surrounding area.
You don't need much as far as clothing here. Upon arrival, you are provided with a yukata. It is the only clothing you need. You can happily forget any clothing you may have brought, the yukata is worn all over the resort, at restaurants & activities. If you wish to go outdoors, they will even provide you with warm winter jackets & boots.
This is a resort so it is pricey but worth the memories. Costs differ depending on room type and season, but I'd definitely suggest a winter visit, in room 4510, which also offers a private room onsen.
This place is truly amazing, (guests here are mainly from Japan) a must visit in ones lifetime. Whatever the season, I can guarantee that you will never forget your experiences here.
