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The Best Memory of This Summer Spent at the Mountain Stream Takafumi Sekine
Designer, meagratia

For me, fishing in Hokkaido is something special, especially lure fishing in mountain streams. It’s a reward I give myself a few times each year. The mountain streams in Hokkaido are known for their clear waters and rich ecosystems, but above all, the chances of encountering large trout are, without a doubt, the highest in Japan.

Time spent in nature clears my mind. It’s an important and essential time in my life.

This time, due to the increased water levels after the rain, I couldn’t fish in the main Ishikari River as planned. However, I had a great time fishing in several tributaries, catching and releasing many rainbow trout, including some good-sized ones.

The excitement and sense of achievement unique to fishing were truly enjoyable. Escaping the scorching summer heat of Tokyo, I walked through the cool winds and green forests, wading through the cold streams, and played with the mountain fish. It became the best memory of my summer.

After fishing, I checked in about an hour later than planned. I was surprised to find that Hotel Taisetsu Onsen & Canyon Resort had three different hot spring baths – one on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th floors. Each had a unique atmosphere, and all were wonderful. As soon as I checked in, I headed straight to the bath to relax, and while soaking, I enjoyed the stunning view of the canyon at dusk. My mind and body were relaxed, and not just the fatigue of the day, but even the daily stresses seemed to melt away instantly.

Meals are also one of the joys of traveling. After soaking in the hot springs, I put on a crisp yukata and dined at a private restaurant called Inankur. The dishes, made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients, were vibrant and a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

The meal, paired with the pleasant fatigue of walking the river all day and the hunger that came with it, was truly a moment of bliss. As I don’t drink alcohol, I ordered grape juice as a substitute for red wine. It was surprisingly delicious, and I was able to enjoy a vibrant pairing without alcohol.

The menu featured only the freshest ingredients from the sea, mountains, and land of Hokkaido, and I was thoroughly satisfied. The conversation with my fishing friends was lively, and the dinner turned out to be even more enjoyable and delicious than I had expected.

After dinner, I returned to the hot springs for another relaxing soak and enjoyed a slow, peaceful time. The spacious room was also very comfortable, and the view of the Sounkyo Canyon from the window was magnificent. I could truly savor the feeling of happiness.

This journey, away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and surrounded by the great nature of Hokkaido, provided me with invaluable moments of inspiration and relaxation. The beauty of nature, the comfortable service, the delicious food, and the amazing hot springs. I was able to reset both my body and mind, gaining new ideas, design inspiration, and motivation. It became a fulfilling and unforgettable trip.

Next time, I hope to stay even longer and have more experiences. I’ve heard that in the nearby river, there’s a species of fish called Oshorokoma, a type of char that can only be found in Hokkaido.

I’m already thinking about my next stay, wondering when to return and try fishing for the Oshorokoma.

＊Message from Takafumi Sekine:

I was deeply moved by the view of the Ishikari River flowing through Sounkyo Canyon from my room. As a designer who often incorporates landscapes into my work, I would love to one day create something inspired by this view.

Upon reflection, I thought about the hotel’s various elements—its architecture, interiors, hot springs, cuisine, and hospitality. These elements each express Hotel Taisetsu's unique personality, and together, they create the essence of the hotel. In my work as a designer, the outerwear, tops, and bottoms all express the identity of meagratia, and when coordinated together, the distinctiveness of meagratia becomes even more prominent. In other words, no single element, no matter how small, should be neglected. As I reflected on why Hotel Taisetsu has been so well-loved for so long, I found myself thinking about these details.

I reflected on these thoughts while on a business trip to Kagawa.

Flowers are born and wither away. They change with the flow of time, revealing different expressions. In their brief moments of brilliance, they possess a beautiful resilience. When history and the present merge, a new sense of dissonance is born. The excitement felt in the warmth born from emotions. When all elements harmonize and intersect, the richness worn by the people gently envelops them. This is the concept of meagratia. In 2024, we will also start our own sewing factory. Please stay tuned for the new developments of meagratia.

https://ec.meagratia.com/