Escape the everyday and face yourself. Start a dialogue with nature in just 3 hours.
I'm Tsukui, and I run a cafe in Shimokitazawa that's styled like a campsite. I usually share information for camping beginners, but today, I want to shift perspective a bit and talk about "camping" in a broader sense.
One of my favorite words is "design." When asked what design is, many people might think of visual beauty or coolness. However, the way I see design, it's a method for solving problems. For example, chair design was born to solve the problem of people sitting safely.
Similarly, I believe "camping" is also a design that solves problems we face. So, what problem does camping solve?
Setting up a tent, making a fire, cooking a meal. Certainly, those are some of the joys of camping. But what we truly seek, isn't it the extraordinary feeling, the liberation of the mind, that we can't experience in our daily lives? With busy days, accumulated stress, and rigid thinking, you might get exhausted just preparing for camping.
That's why I propose starting a "dialogue with nature" in just 3 hours. You don't need any equipment. All you need is the desire to feel nature.
I recommend "Hossawa Falls," about an hour's drive from central Tokyo. It's a hidden gem of a healing spot that I frequent from my home in Setagaya. Drive on the Chuo Expressway, then take the Ken-O Expressway from Hachioji Junction. Exit at Hinode Interchange and head towards Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the general road. After about 20 minutes of driving, you'll find a parking lot.
From the parking lot, walk along the promenade for about 15 minutes, and you'll be greeted by the magnificent waterfall, approximately 60 meters high. In winter, its appearance completely changes. The entire waterfall transforms into a majestic work of ice art, as if time has stood still.
The cold air instantly freezes the spray of the waterfall, creating a giant ice sculpture. The sparkling ice wall bathed in light, the frozen waterfall flow that seems to cut through the silence. It is truly a mysterious sight created by nature.
The sound of the waterfall freezes, enveloped in silence. Forgetting the usual hustle and bustle, you simply gasp at the scene before your eyes. You can experience such a special moment at Hossawa Falls if you visit in winter.
Just stand in front of the waterfall. Sometimes, close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature. The singing of birds, the sound of the wind, the rustling of trees. As you experience nature through your five senses, you'll feel your heart filled.
When you contemplate worries and anxieties in a different setting, you might find new solutions. Spending time away from daily life, immersed in nature. It gives us healing and vitality.
Camping is freer and more accessible. While full-fledged camping with meticulous preparations is appealing, even a casual contact with nature is enough to refresh you.
While spending holidays at home is nice, try making just 3 hours to immerse yourself in nature. Drive, walk to a waterfall, and take a deep breath in nature. Just doing that will lighten your heart remarkably.
People who love camping surely value their time spent in nature. Gathering equipment, making preparations. That's also one way to enjoy camping, but at its root, isn't it the desire to get away from daily life and refresh oneself?
If you've been feeling tired lately, I highly recommend visiting Hossawa Falls. Especially the frozen waterfall in winter will surely give you an indescribable感動 (deep emotion). In just 3 hours, your mind and body will feel remarkably refreshed.
I hope this story can add a little color to your daily life.
