19/08/2019 / Last updated : 02/02/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Komo-jinja, Ao no doumon and fantastic Rakanji　青の洞門、羅漢寺

December 2017, Komo-jinja and Ao no doumon　薦神社、青の洞門 Our first stop of the day is Komo-jinjya not far from the michi-no-eki Nakatsu. The shrine is not very interesting but we enjoy a walk by the large pond in pleasant morning sunshine though it is still cold in the shade. The pond is the object of worship of the shrine. After walking by the pond, we drive to Ao no doumon to walk through the tunnel. Zenkai, an early 18th. century monk hand dug this tunnel to ease movement for local people. Little of this original remains, as a much larger excavation carried out in the Meiji period destroyed most of Zenkai’s […]

06/08/2019 / Last updated : 01/02/2023 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Iwami Ginzan, an old silver mining village 　石見銀山

October 2017, Relentless rain all night and no let up this morning. We are planning a trip to Iwami Ginzan, a pre-Edo era silver mine that was still operating in the early Showa period. We know this involves a 45-minute walk, so are reluctant to go there until the weather improves; as the forecast promises. Finally, we set off in the opposite direction and drive along the coast towards Izumo Taisha though we have no intent to visit that place again. We just want to view the coastline. Reaching the Taisha, we turn around and head back the same way we have come. The sky, out over the sea, is […]

06/07/2019 / Last updated : 31/01/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Hiking on Mt. Tateyama　立山

October 2017, When we get up around am 6.45, after a very wet night, it is overcast but dry and much brighter over Mt. Tateyama. After our usual breakfast, we walk 5 minutes to Tateyama station and buy round trip cable car and bus tickets. We wait, only about 10 minutes, and board the cable car at 8. 30am. As some bus groups have already arrived, it is fairly busy. Hiking Tateyama The cable car ride takes only 7 minutes and, after another short wait, we are riding a bus to Murodo. By now, the sun has strengthened and the morning is clear and bright. Mt. Tateyama stands out, starkly, […]

05/05/2019 / Last updated : 11/02/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Kyoto Miyama-Hanase-Kurama　美山、花背、鞍馬

Day 85, December 2016, We leave michi-no-eki Galleria Kameoka and follow Route 9, heading away from Kyoto. There is a solid line of traffic in both directions. Kameoka, seen from this perspective, consists of a line of Pachinko parlours, used car lots, fast food joints and petrol stations. This is lucky, as we fill up with relatively cheap fuel and head off towards Obama and Miyama. Miyama This area of Kyoto prefecture is unfamiliar to me with its pretty streams, in the wide valley bottoms, and the picturesque villages, hugging the hills that rise out of them. We discover our intended onsen of the night before – a very long […]

29/03/2019 / Last updated : 11/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi – Kumano Hongu Taisha　熊野古道中辺路

Day 79, November 2016, A quiet night but a chilly morning. The sun is up but, shining on the front of the building we are behind. We set off in search of a coin laundry and find one conveniently located next to a supermarket, where we buy food. Heading deep into the mountains finding supplies is always a problem. The choice is limited but, I am not feeling my best, so my interest in food is scarce. Kumano Kodo Nakahechi After picking up the washing we head to Kumano Kodo michi no eki Nakahechi where we have lunch. This is a small road station but it has a restaurant and […]

17/03/2019 / Last updated : 11/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Magose Toge, Kumano Kodo Iseji　熊野古道伊勢路

Day 76、November 2016, Kiinagashima Manbo michi no eki Wake on a dry morning in, Kiinagashima Manbo michi no eki which has rather pleasant grounds. There is large pond/sea inlet? with a wooden bridge and, on the walkway around the water, spotted a couple of Jobitaki, some Mejiro and grey wagtails. Not surprising, but pleasant on an early morning walk in T-shirt weather. Miyama michi no eki After a drive of around an hour, we pull in to another road station where one of the Kumano Kodo (Ise-ji) trails begins. At the road station (michi no eki Miyama), they make onigiri for us and provide boiled eggs and tea. Thus provisioned, […]

13/01/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Shiraito no taki and Aokigahara　白糸の滝、青木ヶ原

Day 68, November 2016, Asagirikogen michi-no-eki Despite being 900 meters high in November, it was a warm night. Fujisan looks grey and ominous this morning. The michi-no-eki Asagirikogen is busy though it is before 7am. Even tour busses are pulling in to unload, mainly elderly, passengers to use the toilets. What time did they leave their hotels? We head out early, though clearly, not as early as some. Shiraito no taki – Shiraito Waterfall D. is anxious to get to Shiraito no taki before the crowds as it is a very famous spot. We succeed in this and get to the parking area before the attendants so, free parking for a […]

08/01/2019 / Last updated : 22/03/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Oze wetland hiking　尾瀬

Summer 2018, Hatomachi Touge　鳩待峠 From michi-no-eki Shirasawa, we drive to Hatomachi touge (Pass) to begin our walk. The road, to the trail entrance, is open so we don’t need to take the expected shuttle bus but pay the unexpected 2500 yen parking fee. We have to wait about 15 minutes for a parking space. The attendant assures us one will soon become vacant. How he knows this is a mystery. A bluff based on experience? While we wait, we watch a construction company helicopter take off, perhaps 20 meters from us. We are advised to close all windows as the construction workers hose down the area to lay the dust. […]