Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share an experience I had during a visit to Toki Onsen KAMABA in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture — a moment that reminded me of my roots as a sushi chef and the meaning of “resetting” or “centering” oneself.

Discovering a Place Where Pottery Takes Center Stage

That day, I happened to stop in front of an onsen whose exterior caught my eye. The walls were covered with countless pieces of pottery — each one different in color, size, and pattern, yet somehow creating a strange sense of harmony.

As a sushi chef, I use pottery every day. It’s not just a tool to hold the sushi I make, but something that gently complements the customer’s experience of “deliciousness.” Encountering a place where these vessels were the stars moved my heart in an unexpected way.

Learning About the Time to “Reset” in the Hot Springs

After being moved by the pottery display, I headed to the onsen. The baths at Toki Onsen KAMABA are sodium chloride springs, known for their smooth, skin-friendly feel. With outdoor baths, carbonated baths, reclining baths, saunas, cold baths, and stone saunas, the facility was so well-equipped that you could easily spend an entire day there without getting bored.

After sweating it out thoroughly in the stone sauna, I plunged into a 13°C cold bath. In that instant, I felt my mind sharpen. As I looked up at the sky from the infinity chair in the outdoor lounge area, I felt like I finally understood the meaning of “resetting” or “centering”.

The Importance of Creating Space for Sensitivity

The work of a sushi chef is a constant battle of the senses — the freshness of the fish, the temperature of the hands, the expressions of customers, the pauses in conversation. To notice the smallest changes, your own inner state needs to be properly aligned.

Yet in the busyness of daily life, we often push aside the need to “reset our senses.” It’s only through moments like soaking in a hot spring, touching beautiful pottery, and immersing yourself in a quiet space that you can reclaim that balance — that’s what I realized this time.

Pottery That Brought Me Back to My Roots

As I gazed at the pottery lined up on the wall, I suddenly remembered my farming days. When I used to deliver vegetables to a restaurant in Tajimi, Gifu, seeing the dishes presented on Mino ware made me think, “The power of a vessel is incredible.” I think that was my first profound experience with it.

From farming to sushi — the path has shifted dramatically, but my desire to deliver moments that leave a lasting memory at people’s tables has never changed. This trip allowed me to return once again to that original feeling.

Do You Make Time to Reset Yourself?

In the rush of daily life, it’s hard to carve out space to reflect on your own feelings. But simply being moved by pottery or looking up at the sky from a warm bath can gently soften your heart in mysterious ways.

I encourage you to visit Toki to experience its pottery and hot springs. You may discover something there that quietly awakens an important sensitivity within you.

For Those Wanting to Experience Authentic Edomae Sushi in Tokyo

I, Sushi Hatake, am currently continuing my training at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka while offering sushi catering services and sushi-making experiences based in Tokyo. We provide English-language support, so even international guests can comfortably enjoy Japanese food culture.

If you’re looking for sushi catering or sushi-making experiences in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake! Please feel free to reach out through the contact form.