A trip to enjoy chatting with lovely shop owners at Hiruzen Kogen Highlands, Okayama.
The best season for enjoying outdoors had come. At that time, my mother's birthday was coming up and I thought it would be nice for the two of us to refresh our minds and recharge our batteries in nature. So, I invited her to go on a trip to Hiruzen Kogen Highlands in Okayama. I told her, "Apparently, there are some quite unique shops there. I will check them out in advance!" Knowing each other’s preferences very well, we were able to plan our mother and daughter trip rather quickly.
Having a pleasant conversation with the owner in a cute retro coffee shop in a hot spring town.
An approximately 2.5-hour drive from Osaka to Hiruzen would not be a big deal for this easy-going two-person trip. But I have already found a place to have a short break in Yubara Onsen located near Hiruzen. We decided to stop at Yubara Onsen town, located near Hiruzen, as we wanted to start with a place where we could relax and unwind.
We parked our car in a parking lot in the hot spring town and headed to Cafe Saboten. As we entered the shop, the owner, Shin, greeted us with a bright, clear voice, saying, "Welcome!"
After efficiently taking our order, he sat down near us and started to chat with my mother.
After efficiently taking our order, he sat down near us and started to chat with my mother.
We asked him about the story behind the shop's name. He answered, "My father, who started this shop, had over 1,000 potted cacti, so he was called the 'Dr. Cactus.' I also love plants, by the way." He happily recounted the history of the shop, saying, "When Emperor Showa stayed at Yubara Onsen about 60 years ago, my father served a cup of dripped coffee to His Majesty. Here's a photo from that time." He also talked about his wide range of interests, including music, pottery, and history, and our conversation went on and on.
In the shop decorated with various plants, he plays his favorite music, collects his favorite cups, and chats with customers whenever he has free time. When he said, "Talking with customers is what I live for," he looked radiant. We got motivated by the owner and left the shop, asking each other, "Shall we also enjoy new encounters like the owner?"
After arriving at Hiruzen, we went to the terrace and toasted with a bottle of local lemon sour that we bought at a Michi-no-Eki (roadside station). With the pleasant evening breeze, I got to have a long conversation with my mother. We ended the first day with high expectations for our schedule the next day.
An artisan cheese maker who attracts buyers from all over Japan.
On the second day, we visited Hiruzen Latte Bambino Cheese, a cheese factory that was recommended by our hotel.
The owner, Kawai, appeared from the back of his workshop, looking like an artisan who accepts no compromise when it comes to his craft. Unlike me, who felt intimidated, my mother asked many questions. She asked, "I've never seen so many cheeses before! How many different cheeses do you have? You made them all by yourself?" With a smile, he replied, "My priority is farming. I taught myself cheese making. I just make whatever I feel like making, so availability may vary." He asked us to try his cheeses and offered us slices of cheese one after another.
The owner, Kawai, appeared from the back of his workshop, looking like an artisan who accepts no compromise when it comes to his craft. Unlike me, who felt intimidated, my mother asked many questions. She asked, "I've never seen so many cheeses before! How many different cheeses do you have? You made them all by yourself?" With a smile, he replied, "My priority is farming. I taught myself cheese making. I just make whatever I feel like making, so availability may vary." He asked us to try his cheeses and offered us slices of cheese one after another.
There are cheeses from Italy, France, America, and other countries, including some that I've never heard of before. The cheese made from milk produced in the farm tastes fresh and rich, unlike anything I've ever tasted before! I told him I found it hard to believe that he was self-taught. He then said, "This is nothing, you know. If you have the will, you can do anything." He was right, those who pursue their own path have faith. And meeting with Kawai was an encounter that inspired me.
Enjoy the owner’s most favorite forest together. A café and guesthouse run by a nature-loving owner.
While driving, I spotted an interesting café name on the map – Morikurasu. When we arrived at Morikurasu that was surrounded by large cedar trees, we were blown away by its location! The café was built using timbers and has a view of the lush greenery outside, making it a cozy place that will make you feel as if you are actually in the woods.
The owner, Ueki, is a nature lover and started this café and guesthouse by making use of the woods where he played in his childhood. His wish is that people would be able to relax in this place away from the main area of Hiruzen.
The owner, Ueki, is a nature lover and started this café and guesthouse by making use of the woods where he played in his childhood. His wish is that people would be able to relax in this place away from the main area of Hiruzen.
When we spoke to the elderly couple in the café, they said they liked this café and looked forward to coming here every week. They looked very relaxed. The retro interior decorations and tableware also looked lovely, and when we mentioned that to Ueki, he smiled and happily said, "Aren't they cute? They are my collection. Some of them were given by the locals. Sometimes, they would even bring tableware they apparently found in their basement." We could tell how much the people there loved the cafe and its owner.
So, we strolled in the woods and asked Ueki about his guesthouse and the seasonal highlights of the place, and before we knew it, we had already stayed there for a long time. When I apologized for staying too long, he replied, "Everyone enjoys a relaxing time here. Everyone looks so content when they leave. I think this place makes people feel very happy." My mother and I were no exception, and we left Morikurasu in a happy mood.
"Those who are immersed in what they love look really happy. The owners we met were also such wonderful people," said my mother, basking in the afterglow of the trip. I couldn't agree more. People who are extremely happy make those around them feel happy too. With her bright smile, my mother had this to say, "When you become fond of someone, you also become fond of the town where that person lives. Now, I have become a fan of Hiruzen." I made up my mind to revisit this place with my mother.
