On that day I did a morning set at my lodging, Shin Gifu Sauna, finished with spring water from the Nagara River, and checked out. I went from Gifu Station to Mino-Ota Station, where I transferred to a Tajimi-bound train and headed for Hime Station. The countryside and mountains of Gifu passed by the train window. Hime Station was an unattended station with nothing around it. There were no convenience stores, only a lone vending machine. From there I walked about 20 minutes uphill toward the mountains. Following a peaceful road, I finally saw the sign for Natural Hot Spring Mitsumine. The building had an appearance like a traditional inn. Passing through the entrance curtain, a well-maintained garden opened up. I stopped in my tracks at the purely Japanese atmosphere and garden setting. Even before entering the main bath, it was clear this facility was something special. I really liked the Japanese aesthetic combined with the garden. After checking in, I headed to the main bathing area. From the indoor bath I was captivated by the view of the outdoor bath. Beyond the large windows I could see maple and cherry trees, and beyond them a spreading forest. It was just the season when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. One large cherry tree was putting on a spectacular display. Reclining chairs were provided so you could lie back and enjoy the open-air rest while gazing at the blossoms. I thought that this facility would be beautiful in any season: cherry blossoms in spring, vivid greenery through summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter while soaking in the outdoor baths. If you want to experience Japan’s four seasons together with hot springs, this is the place to come. There was a wide variety of baths: a rock bath fed by free-flowing natural hot spring water, a silky bath, a carbonated spring, and more in the outdoor area, each offering beautiful views of nature from every angle. Regarding sauna and cold plunge baths, there were two dry saunas and two cold plunge baths, all spacious and very comfortable. After cleansing myself, I first sank into the outdoor rock bath fed by the natural spring. A free-flowing hot spring lets you receive the earth’s bounty directly. Not only was it pleasant, but there was special joy in knowing it was free-flowing. The power of the hot spring was remarkable and my body warmed up quickly. All right, off to the first dry sauna. First set. I entered a 90°C sauna using far-infrared heaters. Sitting on the top bench I noticed the seat angle was about 100°, designed so you can sit in a naturally relaxed posture. I appreciated that kind of attention to detail. The sauna room was roomy and I could sit comfortably. After warming my body thoroughly, I headed to a 17°C cold plunge bath fed by groundwater. It was also spacious, fitting about six people. The water circulation was excellent, keeping the water consistently clean. After cooling my body thoroughly, it was time for the outdoor cool-down while gazing at the cherry blossoms. Sitting back in a chair and looking up, the full-bloom cherry blossoms filled my view. Petals drifted down on the breeze. This is what an outdoor cool-down that lets you feel Japan’s four seasons directly is like. What a luxurious time. For the second set I went to the other sauna in the outdoor area. The large sauna stove was piled with many sauna stones and configured for löyly. It seemed an automatic löyly was performed every 30 minutes. From the sauna room’s window I could see the forest beyond the outdoor area. The humidity was high and I worked up a good sweat. After sufficiently warming my body and exiting the sauna, the second cold plunge bath was right in front of me. The flow between facilities was perfect. This cold plunge bath was deep and allowed full-body immersion. How wonderful it felt. I moved back to the outdoor rest area with a view of the cherry blossoms. The spring air brushed my skin. With my eyes closed, all I could hear were birdsong and the sound of flowing water. Third set. I began by immersing my body, still totonou from the outdoor cool-down, back into the natural hot spring. The process of the chilled body gradually warming up again felt absolutely sublime. Warm in the sauna, cool in the water, reheat in the hot spring. This cycle seems to reach deep into the body. From there I returned to the löyly sauna, finished with the groundwater cold plunge bath, and completed my morning sauna routine. Being surrounded by such beautiful nature makes you lose track of time. Just gazing at the scenery absentmindedly brings a feeling of happiness. Add the elements of hot springs and saunas, and it becomes an unforgettable treasure. The memory of getting totonou beneath the full-bloom cherry tree will stay with me forever.

After refueling with a meal at the facility restaurant, I returned to Hime Station, then went back to Gifu via Mino-Ota. I got off at Ginan Station and checked in at my hotel. I rested for a while while drinking coffee. At night a rather strong wind and rain were blowing. Normally, bad weather on a trip would put you in a negative mood. I’m different — the opposite, actually. When the weather is bad, fewer people go out, which means you can avoid the crowds at popular facilities. Regardless of the weather, I hopped in a taxi and headed to the next destination, Yudokoro Minori.