"Plantasia Studio," a running community based in Tokyo, held a three-day experiential project called "MORTION TRIALS" from Sunday, October 4, through Tuesday, October 6. This was a community road trip that combined travel with running, designed to allow participants to enjoy the journey together while taking on new challenges. Their destination was Tsubame Onsen in Niigata Prefecture. To reach the open-air hot springs—perfect for recovery—the group ran across the Kanto and Chubu regions! Here, we recount the entire adventure, in which the members banded together to run a distance of approximately 255 km, along with the scenery they encountered along the way.
Photo by Taisuke Nakano
Text & Edit_Amane Yasuda
PROFILE
Work as a modelOrainaAn outdoor community centered around running, organized by [Name]. Several times a month, they recruit participants via social media and hold events. The community places great importance on providing opportunities not only to explore the city but also to connect with nature, as well as on helping people make exercise a habit and part of their lifestyle—and on creating a gateway for those trying it for the first time. Community events are open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or running ability.@plantasia__studio
The distance is about 255 km. A grand adventure from “Plantasia Studio,” where you travel and run alongside your friends.
"Plantasia Studio," led by model Oraina, is an outdoor community that designs environments and situations where exercise becomes a natural part of people’s lives. Through activities, culture, nature, and travel, it brings people together. A total of 14 people gathered for this “Motion Trials” event. The group consisted mainly of members who actively participate in “Plantasia Studio” events on a regular basis.
The route runs from Futako-Tamagawa in Tokyo to Myoko in Niigata. We’ll take turns with our teammates at each checkpoint as we make our way there. The entire team will complete their assigned section and then pass the baton to the other team.
The 14 participants consisted of runners, supporters, and drivers, each fulfilling their respective roles. They were divided into two teams: while one team ran to a checkpoint along a set section of the course, the other team drove ahead to that checkpoint. The running route was set at around 30 km, and the group traveled approximately 255 km over three days and two nights, from Futako-Tamagawa in Tokyo to Myoko in Niigata.
We’ll use the 〈Defender〉 camper van for travel and breaks.
Fueled by the cheers of my teammates, I run all the way to the next runner and pass the baton. While traveling by car, we’d eat or take a nap while waiting for the runners from the other team. Although our usual runs are sessions lasting a few hours, this was the first time we’d shared meals and slept together. As we chatted about everything from running to work, hobbies, and personal lives, our bonds naturally grew stronger.
Running itself is the true joy of the journey. The Fuinam editorial team is participating, too!
“Plantazia Studio” doesn’t view running merely as a sport; rather, it uses the experience of running to provide people with opportunities to take on new challenges. This “Motion Trials” event may be the one that best embodies the community’s philosophy. Two members of the Fuinam editorial team—Yamamoto and Yasuda—took part. This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Fuinam Running Club♡. Although we’ve been involved in all kinds of races and events over the years, running in a road trip format is a new experience for us.
Yamamoto: For me, running is, above all, just for fun. That’s exactly why I found so much to relate to in this project. To be honest, while I was participating, I often got frustrated by the poor organization (laughs), but I think that’s all part of the thrill of a road trip. “Motion Trials” expanded the possibilities of running as a form of play. Not just with this project, but I hope that anyone who resonates with it will explore and put into practice new ways to have fun.
Yasuda: By adopting a relay format, we developed a sense of purpose—to run toward where our teammates were waiting, for their sake. I felt that this was a fresh sensation that you can’t experience when running alone or even during a group run. Whether we were having fun or going through physically grueling moments, I think we could really feel our team bond growing stronger as we shared those experiences together. This project allowed us to rediscover the joy of running together while also experiencing the true essence of travel.
Clifton 11 GTX ¥25,300 *Photo taken by a participant*
And the driving force behind this project was the sports brand HOKA. This approach is characteristic of a brand that stays attuned to the current running scene while continuing to provide support through its consistently high-quality products.
All participants will be wearing HOKA’s “Clifton 11 GTX” road running shoes. Thanks to the thick midsole that cushions the impact of each step and the sole’s design that promotes a smooth transfer of body weight, you can run long distances in comfort. Although running during this season can be challenging due to unpredictable weather, you can rest assured knowing these all-weather shoes feature GORE-TEX®.
Having fulfilled the purpose of my journey, I saw what lay beyond.
Destination: "Tsubame Onsen Kogane-yu" *Photographed with special permission*
After safely completing their approximately 255-kilometer drive, the group headed to the open-air bath “Tsubame Onsen Kogane no Yu” in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, to cap off their trip. This hot spring combines the properties of sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and sulfate springs. Also known as the “Triple Beauty Spring,” it is said to not only promote beautiful skin but also relieve neuralgia and muscle pain while aiding in recovery from fatigue. (*Results may vary from person to person.)
Throughout this entire trip, each of us ran about 30 to 40 km. Even though we were running comfortably at our own pace, recovery is essential after long-distance runs that put more strain on the body than usual. We washed away the sweat and fully released the fatigue that had built up over the past two days. In this mystical setting nestled in nature, we surrendered ourselves to the soothing hot springs.
At the banquet held at the inn, we reflected on our journey while enjoying a barbecue. The runners shared that the encouragement from the drivers and supporters was their greatest source of energy. They said that because this project could only be accomplished through the cooperation of all participants, it fostered a sense of responsibility, allowing them to perform better than ever before.
Finally, here is a comment from Oraina, the founder of “Plantasia Studio,” which planned and organized this trip.
Oraina: I feel a real sense of accomplishment that everyone made it to the finish line—the hot springs at our destination—safely and while having fun. Since this was such a major undertaking, I did have some concerns, but the bonds we formed were born precisely because we overcame so many challenges together. Moving forward, “Plantasia Studio” hopes to take on new projects related to the outdoors and culture. This could include participating as a community in trail running races or holding retreats in places with beautiful scenery. We want to work toward providing some kind of inspiration to everyone who joins our community.
Movements like this one become formative experiences for people and enrich their lifestyles. Isn’t this the very ideal of the outdoor community? To start, learning about the initiatives of “Plantasia Studio” might open up new ways to enjoy running. I look forward to following their future activities.
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