11/05/2026 / Last updated : 11/05/2026 d.d Shikoku region

Chikurinji & The Makino Botanical Garden 　竹林寺、牧野植物園

Nov. 10th. 2025 Michi no eki Mima no sato　みまの里 Mima no Sato is a good place to stay. Parking is flat and the toilets are modern if a little small for the size of the place. A lot of available space is taken up with special kids’ toilets and so on. There is also a dog run but it is not free which surprised me. There are no rubbish bins which no longer does. Chikurinji We leave heading for Kochi to visit a temple or two. In the event we visit Chikurinji. Henro number 31. This is high on a mountain, Godaisan, and a twisty, one way road leads to […]

06/05/2026 / Last updated : 06/05/2026 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Yashimaji Temple & Yashimaru　屋島寺、やしまーる

Nov. 9th. 2025 Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen A wet but warm night at Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen. The name stems from the blocks of stone that were surplus to requirements in the building of Osaka Castle. This being the area where they were quarried and dressed. I wonder if anyone got paid? This small michi no eki is very good for an overnight stay. Few visitors, good toilets, flat and quiet. It also has a small museum dedicated to quarrying. The best place to stay on Shodoshima, in my opinion. Ferry to Takamatsu We set off for Tonosho and the ferry port. Here we take Shodoshima ferry to Takamatsu. We […]

11/08/2024 / Last updated : 11/08/2024 d.d Shikoku region

Kamiyama, weeping cherry town　神山町

April 4th. 2024 Kamiyama Onsen michi no eki is very quiet during the night but comes alive early in the morning. Perhaps it is a meeting point for construction crews. We set off for Shosan-ji temple, number 12 on the Henro trail and the second highest (938m). On the way, we stop to take pictures of Shidare Sakura (weeping cherry) this is Kamiyama after all. Shosan-ji temple　焼山寺 The temple is reached by a tortuous, narrow lane necessitating the odd reverse to accommodate oncoming traffic. At the top, is a large car park from which you follow a track with a steep cliff face on one side and views over the […]

29/07/2024 / Last updated : 29/07/2024 d.d Shikoku region

Henro Trail Ryozenji temple　霊山寺

April 3rd. 2024 The rain in the night at michi no eki Itano was of little consequence, stopping and starting in an opportune manner but the day ahead is a wet prospect. We set off to a coin laundry so as not to waste a fine day. Ryozenji temple After the laundry, we go to see temple number 1 of the Henro trail, Ryozenji. This temple is of some interest. It has a solid wooden gate not large but elegant and immediately inside a pond across which is a view of a hall topped with gold ornamentation. The pagoda is of particular interest having a rounded mid-section. I am sure […]

29/07/2024 / Last updated : 29/07/2024 d.d Shikoku region

Negoroji (Henro 82) and Ritsurin Koen　根香寺、栗林公園

April 2nd. 2024 A second night at Takarada no Sato is uneventful but we linger and explore the shop when it opens. It has an impressive selection of local veg. The asparagus and shiitake being particularly tempting but useless to us. The bonsai were interesting, and we did buy bread from the bakery for tonight’s dinner. It has the seal of approval. Negoroji temple From the michi no eki we went to Negoroji Temple, Henro number 82. This was a well-maintained place with interesting and unusual features. Notably, a kind of rectangular corridor housing thousands of small figures dimly lit by ornate lanterns. I have never seen anything similar. There […]

22/07/2024 / Last updated : 22/07/2024 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Iya-kei, the remote gorge beyond Kazura bashi, to Unpeiji temple　祖谷渓から雲辺寺

March 31st. 2024 Early on Sunday morning michi no eki Konoka becomes decidedly less quiet. Numerous people arrive to use the facilities, hikers, bikers, and families. The Radio Taiso (calisthenics) was also something of a shock. A good place that has, nevertheless, withstood the test of a second visit. Nikobuchi　にこ淵 As usual, we are the last of the overnighters to leave as we set off for Nikobuchi. This is a waterfall and blue pool. It has become more well known of late, but the parking is still haphazard at the top of the usual narrow, winding road. There is now a set of prefabricated steps to take you down to […]

17/07/2024 / Last updated : 14/08/2024 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Matsuyama Castle, an original castle tower. 松山城

March 30th. 2024 Michi no eki Nakayama is very busy from early morning. I can only ascribe this to the excellent facilities. The day is warm and hazy as we set off for Matsuyama Castle by way of Unozaki Toge (Pass) and Tobe town(PR53). The pass provides an interesting, narrow, winding drive with typical Shikoku steep mountainsides and narrow valleys. We were hoping for spectacular views from the top of the pass but were hemmed in by trees. Nevertheless, a good route to choose. Dropping down into Tobe town we were expecting a village, but it is quite a substantial place warranting a dual carriageway. The central meridian decorated with […]

31/08/2019 / Last updated : 11/05/2026 d.d Hiking / Walking

Omogo Gorge and Iwaya-ji 面河渓、岩屋寺

October 2018, & November 2025 Imabari Yunoura Onsen michi no eki Imabari Yunoura onsen michi no eki is noisy, being on the main road, but I sleep well regardless. In the morning, I discover it doesn’t have an onsen, but it does have a Fog Machine. This is a dome of large, rough stones that intermittently puffs out steam. To invoke the spirit of an onsen, perhaps? Omogo Gorge 面河渓 Today our plan is to visit Iwaya-ji, a Henro Trail temple (no.45), but first we drive to Omogo-kei or Omogo Gorge. The gorge is very fine and it is an access point for climbing mountains. Consequently, it provides a walk […]