Last updated:
Nov 20, 2020
About the writer:
Nagato Tourism Convention Association
On Saturday, November 14, the 6th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato Tawarayama Hot Springs was held in the Tawarayama area of Nagato City.
Approximately 120 participants, many from within the prefecture, attended the event. No opening ceremony was held at this time, and temperature checks and hand sanitizing were conducted at the starting point.
In order to avoid crowding, the participants were divided into seven groups in advance and started sequentially at different times, cued by the beating of drums.
First, you will hear about the history and benefits of Tawarayama Onsen as you make your way through the nostalgic hot spring town.
Arrive at the first point, Kawachiyu Souce of Spring.
This is the only naturally gushing source that can be visited in Tawarayama Onsen, and is utilized in the " Hakusaru no Yu" day spa.
For more information, please see " The "Onsen Power" of Tawarayama Onsen, the Yokozuna of the West, is its "Reducing Power" and "Hydrogen Power".
After parting with their guides, participants proceeded to ribbons and signs tied to young bamboo.
I was immediately greeted by a large ginkgo tree that was just at its best.
The participants were in awe and were soothed by the very peaceful autumn scenery.
When we were hungry, we arrived at the second point.
Alcohol sanitizers were installed at each point, and all staff members wore masks and gloves to ensure that infection control measures were in place.
At this point, visitors can savor the food while viewing the sake rice fields and beautiful satoyama.
After finishing eating, we experienced "yoga" which was prepared as a surprise.
The course is 8 km long and prepares the body for the completion of the course.
From those who have prepared their bodies, we set out for the next point.
With temperatures reaching over 20 degrees Celsius that day, many participants were seen walking around with their jackets off.
With the swaying of silver grass at our side, we arrived at the third point.
The smoke was rising and smoky, and it smelled good as we approached.
At this point, we are in the midst of the autumn flavors.
The sake chosen as the accompaniment was Mukatsuku, a locally brewed sake popular for its fruity flavor.
The staff explained in detail to the curious participants, who said, "I've never had this before."
A photo of a participant's plate, which was beautifully prepared.
They spent a relaxing time while enjoying the taste of autumn.
From here, we will climb up the slope toward the summit.
On the way, we found a rental office for handmade walking sticks.
Some people get it, some don't and make the last spurt.
We keep going and going and going, enjoying the view of the summit.
The summit of Mt. Kirihage is finally reached. A spectacular view unfolds before the eyes of the participants who have completed the climb.
Mount Kirihage" is a common name.
Here, "Yuzu Juice" is prepared as a surprise.
After walking about half of the course, participants rested their feet on benches while taking in the spectacular views.
After a thirst-quenching break, the staff asked the participants, "Would you like to participate in the takkel competition? Come join us for a takkel competition, and there will be prizes for the winners.
*"Tattekkeru" means "to shout or scream" in dialect.
The subject was, "If the corona were to converge right now, what would you want to do?"
The participants who wished to join the party were saying, "I want to go to karaoke! I want to have dinner with everyone! I want to go on a gastro tour of Taiwan! and "I want to go on a gastro-tour of Taiwan!
Who will win the prize?
Those who were able to take a break, those who finished shouting, and those who were able to get to the next point, descended Mount Kirihage to the next point.
After crossing one mountain, we arrived at the fifth point, where the famous "Tawarayama Gastro Plate" awaited us.
For those who have attended many times, this is a specialty they look forward to.
This time, "wild boar sausage" was added to the menu, and participants enjoyed the taste of autumn and gibier cuisine.
Once their stomachs were full, a few of them began to unfold the map.
We were confirming the course and food for the rest of the day.
At every point, the staff says, "Have a good day! by the staff and "Ittekimasu! by the participants in response to the staff's "I'm off!
Although it was difficult to see smiles on their faces this time because they were wearing masks, I felt the warmth of communication through such interactions.
The road to the next point is flat.
We will walk slowly, remembering the dishes we have cooked so far and taking in the autumn scenery.
Then we arrived at the sixth point, the "Bamboo Forest Spot.
The empty space is surrounded by a bamboo grove, a silent, otherworldly space.
They were impressed by the space, which they do not often see, and enjoyed taking pictures.
After being soothed by the serenity of the space, we went to the last meal point.
Here, too, we were greeted by a large ginkgo tree and a hearty meal was served.
First, the drinks. Three types of local sake were available.
Next comes the shishi-jiru. The moment when it is served from the big pot is very luxurious.
In addition, chestnut sushi. Participants' hands are full. Once it is carried to the table.
At the end of the day, we will have "Yakitori" and "Ayu fish" at the charcoal buffet.
The participants were surprised at this volume.
We enjoyed our last meal under the ginkgo tree, savoring it carefully.
After finishing our meal, we were led to an unpaved road.
As they proceeded, a spectacular spot of autumn foliage appeared before them, and participants pointed their cameras at it.
I arrived at "Godan-no-taki," a spot with a hole in the ground for viewing the autumn foliage.
It was still green with green leaves, but the gradation was also beautiful and impressive.
With the prepared dessert in hand, it is now time to enjoy the autumn leaves.
The participants seemed to be very satisfied with the goal, having enjoyed all the autumn scenery, foliage, and food.
At the finish line, participants were handed tickets to the Tawarayama Onsen hot springs.
Afterwards, visitors can experience Nagato Yuzukichi, Yamaguchi Prefecture's original citrus fruit.
We had it for a post-goal drink.
And the winners of the "Tattekuru Competition" are interesting.
The first place winner was the one who exclaimed, "I can't wait to take off my mask, put on lipstick, and get my woman back~!!!!" shouted the winner. She liked the unique and positive content.
Each of the winners was handed a prize.
The prize is a leather product made by Mr. Nakano, a Tawarayama hunter. The idea of "taking all of life" is expressed in these products.
The 6th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato/Tawarayama Hot Springs" was blessed with fine weather as in the previous event.
Although the course included one difficult mountain crossing, the participants were able to "go around" at their own pace, "eat" local delicacies, and "bathe" in the hot springs at the end of the course.
Next year's event has not yet been decided, but the organizer commented, "We would like to make this an ongoing effort to communicate the appeal of Tawarayama.
We look forward to seeing you again next time, just as we saw last year's participants again this year.