23/02/2025 / Last updated : 23/02/2025 d.d Temple / Shrine

Aoi Aso jinja　青井阿蘇神社

November 26th. 2024 Michi no eki Nishiki The covered walkway to the toilets at michi no eki Nishiki proved invaluable as torrential rain hit during the night. The toilets themselves are very new and modern with what appears to be a new michi no eki standard. We have noted the same pattern in newly refurbished toilets elsewhere. There are specific toilets for children and baby changing rooms. Admirable, but a massive use of space that limits other areas. Aoi Aso Shrine We set off in the rain to Aoi Aso Jinja. This is an interesting shrine and one of the national treasures in Kyushu, apparently. The main buildings are very […]

17/02/2025 / Last updated : 17/02/2025 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Cape Sata, view of East China Sea and Pacific Ocean　佐多岬

November 24th. 2024 Michi no eki Kinko Nishiki no Sato Kinko Nishiki no Sato was a good choice for an overnight. Even on a Saturday night there were only 2 other vehicles so the limited facilities were not an issue. It was very quiet and provides a splendid view. In the morning, it was busy with locals shopping as the michi no eki seems to fill the role of a local supermarket. There is also a Lawsons next door. From Kinko Nishiki no Sato our destination is Cape Sata, the southernmost tip of Kyushu. The road approaching the Cape is deserted and the nearer you get the more tropical the […]

23/01/2025 / Last updated : 23/01/2025 d.d Temple / Shrine

Harajiri waterfall to Amanoiwato shrine　原尻の滝から天岩戸神社

November 18th. 2024 Harajiri waterfall　原尻の滝 Left Taketa and made for Takachiho. On the way we stopped at Harajiri waterfall. We have been here before but it is a pleasant spot. The waterfall is unusual in that it is set in the middle of rice fields. There is a large torii gate in the water just above the falls. During a local festival, a Mikoshi or portable shrine is carried through the gate at night by scantily clad young men. This event had taken place just the night before and large fires were still smouldering. This is a popular place, many of the surrounding fields are given over to the cultivation […]

17/01/2025 / Last updated : 18/01/2025 d.d Hiking / Walking

Shimojo Ginko tree and Aso Oguni　下城の大銀杏と阿蘇小国

November 16th. 2024 Michi no eki Oguni　道の駅小国 Wake early in michi no eki Oguni. Very damp and misty morning, very warm too. We were too hot during the night. Michi no eki Oguni we have visited many times but this was the first time to overnight. The parking adjacent to the toilets is limited for such a popular spot. Most of it given over to spaces for large vehicles. However we note an increase in the number of camper vans, especially the oversized ones. The toilets are modern and clean, though rather too small for the amount of traffic. No rubbish bins are provided except for cans and pet bottles. […]

24/09/2024 / Last updated : 24/09/2024 d.d Temple / Shrine

Kibitsu Jinja & Korakuen Garden　吉備津神社、後楽園

April 15th. 2024 Michi no eki Kayo is reliable for a quiet night but the facilities are limited. It does provide rubbish bins. It is not a bad place though undermaintained. Kibitsu Jinja From the michi no eki we set off for Kibitsu Jinja (shrine). This is reputed to hold the second largest, wooden, shrine building in Japan. Only Yasaka Jinja in Kyoto is larger. Not just large, it is more interesting than the average shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Kibitsuhiko, who fought and defeated Ura who, myth suggests, was terrorizing the local people. Ura was considered a demon or Oni so his castle was Onigajo (Kinojo). Kibitsuhiko is […]

05/09/2024 / Last updated : 05/09/2024 d.d Hokuriku region

Dinosaur Day in Fukui　福井県勝山

April 11th. 2024 Michi no eki Katsuyama is a very practical spot for an overnight stay. The parking is flat and extensive. The facilities are very modern and clean and there are ample rubbish bins. Despite the dinosaur models, it is a characterless place, but it does have views of very distant, still snowy mountains. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum　福井県立恐竜博物館 We set off for the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. This is an excellent spot for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages and for anyone with a remote interest in how life on Earth evolved over millennia. The museum has changed since our first visit in 2017. It has clearly become more popular. […]

15/07/2023 / Last updated : 15/07/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Nara/ Kyoto border Kasagidera and Dragon Shrines　笠置寺、龍穴神社

April18th. 2023 Kasagidera Temple From the michi no eki Minami Yamashina we drive to Kasagidera. A large temple not on the usual tourist itinerary, outside autumn leaves season anyway. The access to Kasagidera is up a somewhat daunting lane that ends in a car park for perhaps 20 cars. No one is collecting parking fees earlyish on a Tuesday morning in Spring. From the car park, there is a walk of perhaps 200 metres, past an unlikely ryokan to the first temple building. Here a gentleman accepts 300-yen temple entrance fee and another 300 for D.’s Goshuin. We are then free to wander the mountaintop circuit (about 800m) of temple […]

02/07/2023 / Last updated : 04/07/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Haruna Jinja and Mitsumine Jinja　榛名神社、三峯神社

April 13th. 2023 Michi no eki Green Flower Bokujo Oogo Green Flower Bokujo Oogo proves to be an excellent choice for an overnight stay. The parking area behind the buildings is away from the main road, quiet, flat and spacious. As the facilities can be accessed from either side of the building this is the obvious choice. The facilities themselves are excellent and well maintained though, from a personal perspective, the choice of music I found detrimental to the overall experience. There is also a spacious park next door with tulips and a replica windmill. This park has an observation platform to view the expanse of the Kanto Heiya (plain) […]