The encounter came by chance.
After relaxing at Yurara no Yu Oshikuma in Nara Prefecture, I was suddenly struck by the urge to go watch the summer Koshien tournament. The weather was cloudy with rain on the way, and temperatures were unusually low for the season. Even the skies seemed to be on my side. Feeling almost godlike, I headed to Koshien Stadium. I parked near the stadium and walked up to the ticket booth to buy a same-day ticket. The words "sold out" stared back at me. My heart sank. I called out to a nearby staff member and asked, "So... does this mean I can't get in today?" "That's exactly right," they said. I thought the outfield might still be free, so I tried again. "The outfield requires a paid ticket as well," came the reply. Of course. Another change of plans.
It was 4 p.m. — a little early for sauna. When hopping between saunas, I need at least a six-hour gap. I got back in the car and thought things through. Part of me considered just heading home to Naruto. But ending the trip with a bad beat like a sold-out stadium felt hollow. A journey should end on a high note — something refreshing and satisfying. I closed my eyes and listened to what my body was telling me. What I needed in that moment was a natural hot spring. That's how I found my way to Arima Kaido Onsen Suzuran no Yu.
After checking in and washing up, I eased myself into the indoor bath. It's an Arima-style natural hot spring. The tension drained from my entire body. Slowly, a gentle warmth spread through me. When I started to sweat, I slipped into the cold plunge bath — and in that instant, I was stunned by how good it felt. The water was soft and silky; I could have stayed in forever. Looking more closely, I noticed it was a flow-through system using Miyamizu, one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters. An Arima-source spring paired with legendary mineral water — I was impressed. The water temperature was 17°C even in the height of summer, which was wonderful.
Still savoring the afterglow of the cold plunge, I made my way to the outdoor bath. This outdoor area is, without a doubt, the greatest appeal of Suzuran no Yu. A garden has been created within the forest, housing a source-fed open-air bath, a hinoki cypress bath, tub baths, a löyly sauna, a cold plunge bath, and a relaxation space. There are plenty of reclining chairs, so there's no danger of wandering around lost looking for somewhere to totonou. Moved by the atmosphere of forest and garden, I headed into the löyly sauna. A vihta was placed at the entrance — clearly, they take their sauna seriously. Stepping inside, I was enveloped in the scent of hinoki cypress. I moved up to the top bench, slowly closed my eyes, and breathed deeply, filling my lungs with that fragrance. My heart rate climbed. I was nearing my limit.
I stepped out of the sauna and headed for the hinoki cold plunge. An extraordinary wave of pleasure washed over me. I closed my eyes and focused on the sounds of nature. The forest had a scent. Even the cold water seemed to breathe. My consciousness nearly slipped away. I somehow made it to the relaxation chairs and let every muscle go limp. Once again, the sounds and scents of nature wrapped around me. Before I knew it, I had finished five sets. Enjoying hot springs and sauna together with nature. Letting yourself go free in the outdoors. I was moved — I hadn't known anything could feel this good. And once again, I had stumbled upon a truly wonderful place. What's more, this bliss came at the very end of my journey. It was almost too much to bear.
And with that, this trip came to a close. I wasn't tired at all — if anything, I felt fully recharged. What kind of journey should I take next? Where should I go? Turning these thoughts over in my mind, I drove back home to Naruto.
