Wandering Around on Google Maps
I wanted to go for a bike ride on the weekend, also to test out an eBike app. While my usual Lake Hamana cycling route is nice, I wanted to try somewhere new. So, as I always do, I started browsing the Google Maps app to see if any interesting spots popped up. That’s when I discovered Sengan Waterfall (Sengan no Taki). It’s surprisingly close to the center of Hamamatsu, yet it boasts an impressive deep emerald waterfall basin. I knew I had to go!
Sengan Waterfall
Sengan Waterfall, located in Miyakoda, north of Hamamatsu, is about 7 meters high with a basin approximately 3 meters deep. It’s said that the waterfall is also called “Ushibuchi” (Cow Abyss) because of a legend: a farmer was walking his ox beside this beautiful waterfall when the ox suddenly broke free, plunged into the basin, and died.
It’s less than a 10-minute walk along a trail from the small parking lot to the waterfall. However, it felt quite cool as I walked through the dense forest, giving me a slightly eerie, goosebump-inducing feeling when I was alone.
After a short walk, the beautiful waterfall appeared before me. I was a bit surprised to find such a stunning view less than an hour’s bike ride from Hamamatsu city center. I spent some time enjoying the scenery all by myself that day. There was only one family playing in the gentle currents below the basin, so it wasn’t crowded at all. It seems like a peaceful spot where you can enjoy this magnificent view almost anytime.
Speaking of Miyakoda, it’s Dlofres Campus!
When I think of Miyakoda, where Sengan Waterfall is located, I immediately remember Miyakoda Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad, which I visited recently. That’s because Miyakoda Station is adorned with Marimekko fabrics, making it a special spot for anyone who loves Nordic design.
During my last visit to Miyakoda Station, I learned that there’s an area nearby called Dlofres Campus, which is a collection of shops and facilities featuring Nordic design. I’d been wanting to check it out ever since, so I decided to stop by on my way back from the waterfall.
Several Nordic-related facilities
This is the tiny, tiny Nordic Art Archive, created by renovating a decaying hut. Inside, you’ll find photographs from various Nordic countries and books related to Nordic culture.
This is Dlofres Cafe. It’s a cafe renovated from an old traditional house, featuring Nordic furniture inside and offering delicious-looking lunch menus. However, when I’m alone, places like this can feel a bit hard to enter, so I quickly slipped out.
Near the cafe, there are some lovely art installations outdoors, free for anyone to enjoy.
Dlofres Cafe was packed with groups of women and couples, so it didn’t feel like the right place for me to go in alone. Instead, I opted for a light lunch at Nordic Deli. I ordered a delicious shrimp bisque soup with some tasty bread, along with a lightly sparkling blood orange juice. It’s been ages since I had such a stylish lunch!
As I wandered around town, I kept finding interesting things everywhere. What really caught my eye was the “Floating Sauna Hut” in the fourth photo. To the right of that picture, there’s an accommodation called Shiro no MINKA, which blends Nordic design with Japanese modern aesthetics. Apparently, you can enjoy a sauna there while gazing at Miyakoda’s tranquil scenery. Plus, there was a wine tasting event at the restaurant next to Shiro no MINKA that day, but since I was on my bike, I unfortunately had to pass on it.
At Dlofres Fabric, they have an astonishing variety of Nordic design fabrics, including Marimekko. I think anyone who loves these designs would be thrilled just to browse. You can buy these fabrics to make curtains, sofa covers, fabric boards, and all sorts of other things. They even seem to offer support for these projects, so I highly recommend checking it out!
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