Sange Sange in Hijiori Onsen

 On Jan.7th, Hijiori Onsen hosted a afmous "Sange Sange"ritual. 


These men in white clothes marched the street with the "Horagai" pipe, wishing for the good year without any trouble. 

 Luca from France, and Greg from Australia joined the event in the blizzard! I happened to meet them in Tokyo, and invited them to Hijiori Onsen :-)


They didn't plan to travel all the way to this remote mountain hot spring. But I think they loved it! It was so much fun to have them!


They helped us pound Mochi. We served mochi for 300 people~!


Later, Greg wrote a beautiful review about Hijiori onsen... Thank You Greg!!

Hi my name is Greg, Japan is an absolutely fabulous culture shock of wondrous things. Food, fashion, temples, gardens and trains.  The whole places moves to a beat like no other.  There is an intricate harmony about how a world marches as one.  A perpetual striving for efficiency that has become culture.  


So many elements of Japanese living tapper to the the one point. Like a well oiled and efficient machine. Which is fascinating to be swept along by it all.  When it comes time to step of the machine the Japanese know how to escape. Two words, gardens, Onsen.  


Hijori is one of places that you about and always wish you discover.  But you'll never find it in a guide book.  It is a place of mystery and authentic Japanese provence.  Like a sanctuary outside of the world of the everyday mainstream. 

 It's a beautiful oasis nestled in the mountains, almost trapped in yesterday.  Sometimes that is exactly what we need - to get far away from all that is familiar and live a little different for while.  To live, in simpler, uncomplicated times - where things are slow, easy and friendly. A place that welcomes you like home.  A place where time stands still and captures you in humble grandeur.  No phones, no TV, just Onsen, lazy days, great hospitality, endless feasts and time to unwind and lose yourself