The Minamiaso area, known for its pristine air and tranquil spots scattered throughout, is nature’s haven. In the four municipalities of Minamiaso, Takamori, Yamato, and Nishihara, there’s a concerted effort under the banner “Take a Deep Breath in Minamiaso!” promoting deep breathing exercises. Thus, I set out to visit healing spots across these towns, checking my blood pressure along the way.

Deep Breaths for High Blood Pressure

I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure during a regular check-up.

Whenever blood pressure is measured, you’re always told to “take a deep breath.” Deep breathing helps regain calmness and normalize blood pressure, and it’s also crucial for people managing high blood pressure.

That’s when I came across a poster encouraging “Breathe Deeply in Minamiaso!”

I decided to immerse myself in the natural beauty and breathe in the clean air of Minamiaso, Takamori, Yamato, and Nishihara, in the hopes of lowering my blood pressure.

Disclaimer: Please note this is not based on medical evidence, nor is the measurement method scientifically accurate, so do not take this as medical advice.

 First up on my Minamiaso deep-breathing tour was Shiraito Falls in Nishihara Village. With a name like “Shiraito,” which means “white threads,” I expected a gentle trickle, but I was greeted with a roaring cascade. I was told that this is actually a result of increased precipitation in recent years.

 So, I took a deep breath and measured my blood pressure…

Systolic at 171, diastolic at 116, with a pulse of 106. Wow, those numbers are off the charts, possibly a personal best, despite my relaxed deep breathing in nature.

Given the haphazard measurement method, the accuracy is dubious. And don’t worry, I’m under medical care.

But, here I was, hoping to write about how deep breathing in Minamiaso lowered my blood pressure, and I’ve gone and hit a new systolic high right from the get-go.

At this point, my Editor-in-Chief and photographer Muto-san, made a suggestion.

“Why don’t you try going into the water? That might lower your blood pressure.”

I wanted to refuse outright. However, having trained to respond to my Editor-in-Chief only with “Yes ma’am,” I reluctantly checked if entering the water safe at the nearby information center.

“Too dangerous,” they said, sparing me the ordeal.

Yet somehow, I ended up soaking wet.

Muto-san told me it was safe to go in the water further downstream, so I obediently went for a dip, only to find she’d vanished in search of a vending machine. 

She returned not with photos but with hot drinks, saying, “Thought you’d be cold after.” Hard to complain after that.

Did it affect my blood pressure?

It dropped, ever so slightly. Still in the high blood pressure zone, but let’s say it was worth a shot.

Disclaimer: Once again, there’s no medical basis for this, nor was the measurement method rigorous. Please, don’t take this as medical advice.

Deep Breathing atop Tsujunkyo Bridge, Embraced by Nature

 Next on my journey was Tsujunkyo Bridge in Yamato Town.

To be honest, it was quite a disaster to fall into the water from the first spot when we were supposed to visit four places. I’m exhausted.

After the unexpected plunge at the first stop, I was bracing myself for what I feared might be a ritual waterfall bath under Tsujunkyo Bridge. Thankfully, it wasn’t a water discharge day. Dodged a bullet there.

 This time, I opted for a health boost with locally-made tomato juice from the Tsujunkyo Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station). Rich in blood pressure-friendly nutrients and perfect for accompanying my deep nature breathing.

 The tomato juice was surprisingly smooth and easy to drink, possibly my first time trying not-from-concentrate, additive-free, and sodium-free juice. Safe for a high blood pressure diet.

Having been granted special permission, I climbed the stairs to the top of Tsujunkyo Bridge to take some deep breaths and measure my blood pressure after some deep breaths.

 Gasping by the time I reached the base of the bridge, I finally made it atop Tsujunkyo.

 The lack of railings or barriers—due to its status as an Important Cultural Property—made it genuinely terrifying. Normally, access is restricted to specific times before or after water discharge events, and an entry fee applies, so remember, no sneaking in.

 Taking a moment to absorb the history of Tsujunkyo and the natural beauty of Yamato Town, I took a deep breath.

And there it was, a new record. But, given the climb and my breathlessness, it was to be expected, right?

The Earliest Blooming In Takamori?! The Cherry Tree Behind Takamori Aso Shrine

My journey next led me to Takamori Town’s Takamori Aso Shrine. It was the beginning of March at my time of visit, at which point cherry trees are still forming their buds. Yet, I’d heard tales of an exceptionally early bloomer hidden here and decided to seek it out for a refreshing deep breath.

Venturing behind the shrine, guided by a sign…

I was met with a mountain path!!! I feel like I’ve been in the mountains all day today. For someone like me who usually lacks exercise, this is nothing but hardship. After what feels like an hour (actually 10 to 15 minutes) of trekking…

 …I hit a dead-end. Why, when the path had been straight all this time…

 Turning around, there stood a magnificent cherry tree, yet to bloom, unfortunately. Believed to be over 400 years old, it’s said to be the earliest bloomer in this region.

No blooms yet, but to make the most of the situation I treated myself to some fried chicken from Marufuku Takamori Store, a favorite stop of mine in Takamori Town, and enjoyed the view.

After eating, I take a deep breath…

And began the measurement!!

This is hopeless.

 However, the trek to Takamori Aso Shrine’s cherry tree was surprisingly pleasant, filled with the refreshing air of nature, making for a delightful walk!

Concluding with Deep Breathing in Minamiaso Village

Next, to Minamiaso Village. Having never visited the famous luck-enhancing Men-no-Ishi, I decided that would be the perfect spot for a deep breath! So, off I went to the Activity Center Minamiaso at Asobo no Sato Kugino to register.

Upon paying the admission fee, you will receive a towel and a map.

To the trailhead leading to the  “Men-no-Ishi”.

Once again, it’s a mountain trail! 

I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of despair. At registration, they said, “It’s about an hour’s trek if you walk briskly,” but that briskness probably applies to those who enjoy regular trekking. Considering my already weary state from earlier aquatic adventures and mountain treks, on top of my being out of shape to begin with, I wondered what awaited me.

By the way, I found this “Kumamoto Tomato Cola” at Asobo no Sato and couldn’t resist buying it. The power of tomatoes is not to be underestimated.

Halfway through, upon encountering a massive rock exuding a refreshing vibe, I took a moment to enjoy my tomato cola. Despite being cola, it had a healthy sweetness thanks to the abundant tomato content.

Later on, at a point that seemed like we might be halfway up the mountain, we stumbled upon a sign that read “← Men-no-Ishi Climbing Entrance.” At that time, we realized that we hadn’t even reached the entrance yet. Unbelievable.

I want to go home.

Directly across from the entrance, I found “Tori no Kozuka Park”, another splendid spot for a deep breath, complete with a miniature version of Men-no-Ishi. So, I chose to take my deep breaths there.

Surely, thanks to this magnificent view, my blood pressure will surely drop.

 Look at that!!!!!

 Disclaimer: Again, I must emphasize that there’s no medical basis for this, and the measurement method was quite arbitrary. Please, do not take this as medical advice.

 While in the area, I also visited the Kannon Sakura Observation Deck. It was a bit early in the season, but I anticipated that soon the area would be a sea of cherry blossoms.

 As this was my final stop for the day…

Take a deep breath and…

It’s time for the culmination of the day: measuring my blood pressure. Despite starting with falling into the water, climbing to high places, and trekking up mountains, it’s been quite a challenging day. But if my blood pressure turns out well, then all’s well that ends well.

My highest blood pressure was 140, my lowest was 91, and my pulse was 121. I’ve recorded the lowest blood pressure of the day!!!

Deep breathing really does make a difference!!!

Disclaimer: One last time, remember, there’s no medical basis for this and the measurement method was quite arbitrary. Please, take this as a lighthearted adventure, not medical advice.

Let’s Breathe Deeply in Minamiaso!

So, I spent a day touring Minamiaso Village, Takamori Town, Yamato Town, and Nishihara Village, taking deep breaths in the midst of nature. Blood pressure readings can vary depending on the environment, so please take them as a reference only, but I certainly felt relaxed. It’s surprising how we can fully explore Minamiaso in just one day.

In this busy season at the end of the fiscal year, why not take a moment to slow down and breathe deeply in the embrace of nature?