On a weekend when my wife took Tarou back home, we went on a drive starting from Kamiikotan and passing through Route 4 to Ashibetsu City. We passed through Akabira City and Utashinai City before reaching Kamisunagawa Town. Kamisunagawa Town, in my subjective opinion, is one of the more minor municipalities in Hokkaido. However, during the Heisei era's major consolidation, I wonder why it didn't merge with Sanda City? I don't know if there was no discussion at all or if there was a discussion but no agreement was reached. Despite being a lesser-known town, Kamisunagawa Town is famous as the model for the drama "Yesterday in Hibetsu." I personally haven't seen this drama because it aired in 1984, before I was of the age to watch such shows. Nevertheless, I visited the station building that served as the model for the drama, called Hibetsu Station (formerly Kamisunagawa Station). I visited the "Pankenoyu" shop. Located at the end of Route 115 between Ashibetsu and Sunagawa, this hot spring facility offers a sodium bicarbonate cold mineral spring. The bath is refreshing, and the washing area is clean. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor bath, likely due to the location in the mountains where insects would be a problem. Returning to Pankenoyu, I tried to purchase their unique "Nijimasu soy sauce," but it was out of stock due to the off-season. Instead, I bought their "Nijimasu smoked fish" for 600 yen (tax included). The fish was well-smoked, tender, and delicious, making it a perfect accompaniment for alcohol.

Located in Kamisunagawa, Hokkaido, the hot spring facility "Pankenoyu" is at the end of a road that is closed to traffic. The hot spring has a large indoor bath with hot water. Upon entering, there is a shop on the right where you can purchase local snacks and souvenirs. I bought the perfect souvenir, "yomogi mochi," a chewy treat with a hint of mugwort flavor. I also bought locally grown tomatoes from Sandokawa Town. They were bright red and delicious. The staff at the front desk were very kind and friendly.