A Tranquil Journey at Sixty

At the age of 60, I decided to take a peaceful journey. I've visited Japan countless times, but for the first time, I didn't have any pre-trip planning, no shopping itinerary, and no food scouting. I stayed at the same hot spring hotel, Jozankei Kasho Gyoen, for five days and four nights. On check-in day, the hotel staff's warm welcome washed away the fatigue of the early morning flight. Entering the room, I was moved by the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a scene that could calm the soul and I gave myself a thumbs-up for this trip. 👍 The room also had 24-hour hot spring water running, allowing guests to enjoy the hot spring at the right temperature at any time. This thoughtfulness made me feel once again the touching service of the hotel. What impressed me most was the Italian dinner at Sho Gyoen, even in such a remote Jozankei hot spring area. The chef's superb skills, using seasonal ingredients, created a superb dish that amazed us all. The four-day dinner was amazing and I still miss it.😋 If I had any suggestions, I'd like to see some fruit served with the meals (it's such a shame I didn't get to try delicious Japanese fruit for five days). 😉

I also highly recommend staying at Matsu Gyoen. About five minutes from the hotel, there's a hiking trail called Musuganeyama. It's absolutely beautiful, flat and easy to walk, with fresh air and breathtaking scenery. There aren't many other attractions near Matsu Gyoen (besides taking the bus to Futami Jozan). After breakfast, you can fill up until the afternoon, stroll along the nearby trails, breathe in the fresh air, and finally head back to your room for a hot spring bath and a nap, waiting for dinner.
As dusk falls outside the lobby, enjoy a wonderful time under the starry sky, unpolluted by the light. ❤️

#Jozankei Matsu Gyoen
#SapporoOnsen
#JapanHokkaido #SapporoItinerary

Post by Tracy FORNG | Oct 6, 2025