tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71469891020821524392023-12-12T23:55:17.485+09:00This Piece of Rock......or what is known as Planet Earth.Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-21835415748626236092019-04-26T09:11:00.000+09:002019-04-26T09:11:07.387+09:00Back on my feet again.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1m-BJrufNo/XLhxVihaqeI/AAAAAAAA5Wc/RG60cBW1PIIgcdCDgGzEV87xJkGLS1jlQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_114241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1m-BJrufNo/XLhxVihaqeI/AAAAAAAA5Wc/RG60cBW1PIIgcdCDgGzEV87xJkGLS1jlQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180420_114241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFzJSU6TZgI/XLhz-TD37mI/AAAAAAAA5Ws/6OEL7ygt58UK6N4mTy1vaMLZUSuh7CGKACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_103913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFzJSU6TZgI/XLhz-TD37mI/AAAAAAAA5Ws/6OEL7ygt58UK6N4mTy1vaMLZUSuh7CGKACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180420_103913.jpg" width="240" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> May 2018, and I was out hiking the hills on the Eastern border of Kyoto Prefecture, in an area known as <a href="https://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2018/05/no-plan-getting-lost-in-hino-no-satoyama.html" target="_blank">Hino-no Satoyama</a>. It was a clear, calm & fine day, perfect conditions for hiking. I remember arriving home feeling elated, although, in saying that, I experience that emotion most times I return home from a days hiking.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Over the coming weeks my joy would be shattered when I began to feel some discomfort with my left knee. After applying a salve and strapping to the area, all to no avail, I headed-off to the doctor. The diagnosis was the cartilage over the said knee was the cause of my problem and I needed to rest-up until it healed. I thought my life had come to an end. But the news wasn't all bad. Cycling was okay, and beneficial to the healing process. Now, almost a year after that near-fateful day, I feel I can get my gear out of storage, and go hiking again. </i></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75FrbBWxnrg/XLcNd3uW4-I/AAAAAAAA5VA/rW_svF-puWIyBLGSW-JYax2QwMCljurCACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190123_093805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75FrbBWxnrg/XLcNd3uW4-I/AAAAAAAA5VA/rW_svF-puWIyBLGSW-JYax2QwMCljurCACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20190123_093805.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/dKr6zTkkfbDqfDxt7" target="_blank">Map location.</a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I have a couple of big hikes I want to do but, to be on the safe side, I want to do a warm-up hike before I attempt either. So I have chosen an area around the periphery of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha" target="_blank">Fushimi Inari-taisha</a>, in Kyoto City. It was the chance discovery of this concrete Torii on the Daigo-michi Road - a hilly road that connects the wards of Higashiyama & Yamashina - that alerted me to a network of tracks around the base of (Mt)Inariyama. I did a couple of exploratory bike-rides into the area and bookmarked the area for when the problem with my knee was sorted-out. Well, the time has come. Will my knee be up to it? My plan is to enter the area from the Higashiyama side, after arriving at the Keihan Tobakaido Station.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDTWDjr9qvU/XLq6KdiYZaI/AAAAAAAA5es/j9CNIPhdX4AhsqIqfW4_FRimyXbhA2NDQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_090554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="1376" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDTWDjr9qvU/XLq6KdiYZaI/AAAAAAAA5es/j9CNIPhdX4AhsqIqfW4_FRimyXbhA2NDQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20190420_090554.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PimHZZ5oeHF1en457" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I arrived at the station just on 9am and was eager to be on my way but, in the back of my mind, I was feeling some apprehension as to how my knee would respond. The conditions couldn't be more perfect - clear, calm, fine & warm. My first stop was at the southern entrance to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dfuku-ji" target="_blank">Tokufu-ji Temple</a> - this is an enormous complex and is a day-tour in itself. As seen in this <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/s13TMnQBDGGxCSgK6" target="_blank">satellite image</a>.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuC6O-N7Tjk/XLr4JFJhO_I/AAAAAAAA5fk/GrUugr6Yi5Uz3tnC53MOPCQkfQsp9v_XgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_091653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1256" height="167" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuC6O-N7Tjk/XLr4JFJhO_I/AAAAAAAA5fk/GrUugr6Yi5Uz3tnC53MOPCQkfQsp9v_XgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_091653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apQcaZloYm8/XLr4STvxKAI/AAAAAAAA5fo/7FLQ2ke6XysyuTN9CyORG2YFDWnVKlhbwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_091453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apQcaZloYm8/XLr4STvxKAI/AAAAAAAA5fo/7FLQ2ke6XysyuTN9CyORG2YFDWnVKlhbwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_091453.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The street I have been walking along for the past ten-or-so minutes, suddenly ends and I descend down a flight of steps to a junction where three tracks converge. A post, placed there by the guardians of the 'Kyoto Trail', points me, in one direction, to Fushimi Inari-taisha,in another, to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senny%C5%AB-ji" target="_blank">Sennyu-ji Temple</a>, and the third to (Mt)Inariyama. My course is via the third route but, before I proceed, I take a short detour to Fushikura-Daijin Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5SS3xyEPnStHXtSB8" target="_blank">map location</a>). This complex has seen better days and, as one reviewer said - "This site has been returned to nature". My sentiments exactly. The shrine emits an eerie atmosphere, bordering on spooky.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0RuH-Mn_y4/XLr9ExVm4WI/AAAAAAAA5f0/Kf9inrUPOTMeYGfeG5cUCRPHiF-3ONllQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_092839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1072" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0RuH-Mn_y4/XLr9ExVm4WI/AAAAAAAA5f0/Kf9inrUPOTMeYGfeG5cUCRPHiF-3ONllQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_092839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Moving on from Fushikura-Daijin, I leave the sounds of the city behind and head-into a territory I enjoy so much, and my next junction. It's just on 9:30am and the sun is streaming in through the trees, illuminating the canopy of overhanging leaves.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FdDQGNWrWo/XLsGF9sNAII/AAAAAAAA5gw/jvLKC32YhpIzlkeneZALNGMZjLTfRjTIwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_093807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1057" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FdDQGNWrWo/XLsGF9sNAII/AAAAAAAA5gw/jvLKC32YhpIzlkeneZALNGMZjLTfRjTIwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_093807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I reach my next junction, where four tracks converge. Two of those tracks, in the left of the image, are part of a circuit that takes the hiker through to (Mt)Inariyama and ends-up back at this point. I take this track, but I don't plan to return here. Instead I hope to descend down to another shrine and make my way in the other direction. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Plxe2LhT4GA/XLsH7Dhv6YI/AAAAAAAA5hE/luFbzMftv1YTRkgTgl0IkPzWDKUZXZZdgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_094803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Plxe2LhT4GA/XLsH7Dhv6YI/AAAAAAAA5hE/luFbzMftv1YTRkgTgl0IkPzWDKUZXZZdgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_094803.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> It's not quite 10am, and already I am beginning to work-up a sweat. I reach a clearing and decide to take-a-break. Some of this section has required some steep climbing and, although my knee seems to be bearing-up, I don't want to risk aggravating the cartilage. A little further on and another junction. Here I can descend into Yamashina or proceed. Needless-to-say what option I take.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbeIOK3vj6o/XLsL0iWv4LI/AAAAAAAA5ho/qBm6JSXNhQ4ZW9KE1EOHVPMxLuiHaltZgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_095500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbeIOK3vj6o/XLsL0iWv4LI/AAAAAAAA5ho/qBm6JSXNhQ4ZW9KE1EOHVPMxLuiHaltZgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_095500.jpg" width="178" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLaWETUou5o/XLsLZPMm2CI/AAAAAAAA5hc/TFRqPwJjyXEQiDWpx7TSQW03X-puNl92wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_095244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLaWETUou5o/XLsLZPMm2CI/AAAAAAAA5hc/TFRqPwJjyXEQiDWpx7TSQW03X-puNl92wCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_095244.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Next stop is at this interesting collection monuments, small shrines and religious icons.</i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AgVXOCr928/XLsM6RUsKzI/AAAAAAAA5h4/Sl6SZuAQiHY8LXS4SRrC1b5GziE_WBcFQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_095631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1063" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AgVXOCr928/XLsM6RUsKzI/AAAAAAAA5h4/Sl6SZuAQiHY8LXS4SRrC1b5GziE_WBcFQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_095631.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKbWcOjf4ME/XLsMu90TfjI/AAAAAAAA5h0/6754cxU2vRAq1qG44pe1e-1DX-bB96ZrACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_095520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKbWcOjf4ME/XLsMu90TfjI/AAAAAAAA5h0/6754cxU2vRAq1qG44pe1e-1DX-bB96ZrACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_095520.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The 'Google Map' app' on my smartphone informs me I have arrived at Oiwa-Inari Shrine. Although this complex was on my itinerary, I didn't realize it extended this far up the hill. But there was more to come.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmw4GjrmKHg/XLvavOgWm1I/AAAAAAAA5jk/cT9mSIr8jhAADg040-1IF6J8H5aTDiThwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_100103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmw4GjrmKHg/XLvavOgWm1I/AAAAAAAA5jk/cT9mSIr8jhAADg040-1IF6J8H5aTDiThwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_100103.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> About now I wasn't quite sure exactly where I was, then this tree with attached sign relieved any anxieties I was beginning to have. I was still on course and proceeded.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>From the junction my track proceeded along a plateau for a couple-of-hundred meters, before suddenly descending and emerging at a collection of Torii. </i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNmMmi8bOzI/XLvcwmUJyNI/AAAAAAAA5j8/XnnbT7v6R8QyXF8WcC0ydfMbeZKiq7i0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_100705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="781" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNmMmi8bOzI/XLvcwmUJyNI/AAAAAAAA5j8/XnnbT7v6R8QyXF8WcC0ydfMbeZKiq7i0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_100705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> At this site was a large platform constructed over a deep ravine, with a small shrine erected on top. Behind the shrine was a large rock-face with a collection of Torii of various shapes & sizes.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgkzKtZ44PI/XLveEXHpDHI/AAAAAAAA5kI/zp1dA_J5HjEVBuhU5kL8xFZdKdP15xSywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_100911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1037" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgkzKtZ44PI/XLveEXHpDHI/AAAAAAAA5kI/zp1dA_J5HjEVBuhU5kL8xFZdKdP15xSywCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190420_100911.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>From the platform my path descended down more steps to emerge . . . .</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XL2N1F-HhE/XLveykHfq-I/AAAAAAAA5kQ/JMMpvf7uKe4zTcsVEeSZ2cXG96wqwLmAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_101324.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="816" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XL2N1F-HhE/XLveykHfq-I/AAAAAAAA5kQ/JMMpvf7uKe4zTcsVEeSZ2cXG96wqwLmAQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_101324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>. . . . at another collection of Torii and religious icons. One would be forgiven for thinking they were actually at Fushimi-Inari. This, according to my map app', is Oiwa-Inari Shrine and is a very large complex. As seen on this <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZbgBDaviuj89PYXe6" target="_blank">satellite map</a>.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-481JsooBkDo/XLvgiSQsqCI/AAAAAAAA5kc/SQ0OsuXyABcFZUHXQvWwjL0PxZBAGbc4ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_101943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-481JsooBkDo/XLvgiSQsqCI/AAAAAAAA5kc/SQ0OsuXyABcFZUHXQvWwjL0PxZBAGbc4ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_101943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Emerging from Oiwa-Inari, I arrive at this junction. I have now joined the 'Kyoto Trail' - a 80km trail that partly circumnavigates Kyoto City - and, whereas the trail heads straight-ahead to my next destination, I turn left here, and take a shortcut through an industrial area, being careful not to be run-over by the many trucks carrying aggregate.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> My course takes me under the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meishin_Expressway" target="_blank">Meishin Expressway</a> then across a busy road, before re-entering another forest and onto my next stop.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Oiwa-jinja Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/DkUc5GUZAYrEHHdAA" target="_blank">map location</a>) is located on the highest peak of Mt Fukakusa, Mt Oiwa. The name means 'Honorable Grass', as it provided feed for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Ieyasu" target="_blank">Tokugawa Ieyasu's</a> horse when he rested here on his way to Kyoto. The shrine is famous for it's male & female deities, which are believed to reside in the two Iwa (boulders) near the peak.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I emerge from the forest onto a gravel road and arrive at the (Mt)Oiwayama observation platform, and my first break for the day. Although I have only been on the trail for two-hours, it's been quite a strenuous journey so far. Sitting here, in front and below me is an awesome view.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDQfT0ZHgkA/XLvopCBbyYI/AAAAAAAA5lE/dfEkzwKEp3oCqXqPL8_GVKjfMCMLOxfEgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_110620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDQfT0ZHgkA/XLvopCBbyYI/AAAAAAAA5lE/dfEkzwKEp3oCqXqPL8_GVKjfMCMLOxfEgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20190420_110620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> And this is the view. To my far left I can see the skyscrapers of Osaka City. Just in front of me is Fushi Momoyama Castle (on the treeline on the left), my next destination. And Kyoto City makes-up the remainder of my panorama. What a view, and what a glorious day to appreciate it while having lunch.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Lunch over, I make a beeline for Fushimi Kitabori Park and onto my next stop . . . .</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>. . . . <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Castle" target="_blank">Fushimi Momoyama Castle</a>.</i></b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-EMc2hDfKI/XLxBzEpKzeI/AAAAAAAA5mM/Tn__H2zi0CgcJdy92fHsbg7RFlWZCnjsgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_115241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-EMc2hDfKI/XLxBzEpKzeI/AAAAAAAA5mM/Tn__H2zi0CgcJdy92fHsbg7RFlWZCnjsgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20190420_115241.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RhtsijxeoJ5g8rk68" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSPts0OLo2s/XLxCR1OKTVI/AAAAAAAA5mU/22utB2JfbjgoqdBQhb-OeQ2jfv8DidAkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_115320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSPts0OLo2s/XLxCR1OKTVI/AAAAAAAA5mU/22utB2JfbjgoqdBQhb-OeQ2jfv8DidAkQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_115320.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The current structure is a 1964 replica of the one built by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi" target="_blank">Toyotomi Hideyoshi</a>, the original built in 1594. The castle is rarely open to the public, which is a pity, as the view from the upper <a href="http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid1/student_projects97/castles/building/page2.html#donjons" target="_blank">Tenshu</a> would be awesome. I have visited this site many times over the years and never tire of coming here. The grounds are abound with many <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom" target="_blank">Sakura</a> and is a popular destination for those wanting a quiet location to celebrate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami" target="_blank">Hanami</a>, as I did on one occasion. The grounds, that the castle is sited, is very large, as can be seen in this <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/VvwcDUagP3sAoMqw9" target="_blank">satellite map</a>, and is rich in history. Many Japanese come here to pay to homage to Emperors who are entombed here. In one area is the Tomb of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Kanmu" target="_blank">Emperor Kanmu</a> and, in another area, is the Tomb of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Meiji" target="_blank">Emperor Meiji</a>.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> From the castle I make my way to the Keihan Fushimi Momoyama Station and home. But, before I catch my train, I treat myself to a celebratory can-of-beer and reflect on the past three-and-a-half hours. Because of the joy to be out hiking again, plus the great scenery I have experienced, I had forgotten all about my knee. But I'm not going allow myself to become too complacent. If any harm has been done, it won't be until the following day before any symptoms emerge. I wake the next morning, my legs feel a bit stiff, which is normal after a hike, and I test my luck by heading-out for a short bike-ride. I return feeling elated that my knee has passed the test. So now I can go-ahead and plan a more substantial hike. And that, I hope, will be another story.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As always, thank-you for reading and, until next time,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Video of hike - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqxcqfN1Umc&t=3s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqxcqfN1Umc&t=3s</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2303372709" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2303372709</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com020-chōme-80 Fukuineshimotakamatsuchō, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0982, Japan34.973033237444433 135.7701041541873834.972829737444435 135.76978915418738 34.973236737444431 135.77041915418738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-18340616872082746102019-04-21T11:30:00.000+09:002019-04-21T11:30:04.910+09:00Nishigamo, Kyoto City - revisited.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eu17BMBARqs/XLAtqKqmlvI/AAAAAAAA5Go/dDvw73wMh74C0gz8_OuZWYNigwLuqp0xACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190412_085727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1099" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eu17BMBARqs/XLAtqKqmlvI/AAAAAAAA5Go/dDvw73wMh74C0gz8_OuZWYNigwLuqp0xACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20190412_085727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1pNjlCNc_c/XLAt0jrRgUI/AAAAAAAA5Gs/ybFY0dG1i7Y6isv7yQdNuvNNiyWUzEXbgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190412_084916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1pNjlCNc_c/XLAt0jrRgUI/AAAAAAAA5Gs/ybFY0dG1i7Y6isv7yQdNuvNNiyWUzEXbgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190412_084916.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The purpose of this revisit to Nishigamo was to check-out the track I missed on my previous excursion - '<a href="https://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2019/04/nishigamo-kyoto-city-return.html" target="_blank">Nishigamo, Kyoto City - the return</a>'. If successful, then all going well I would decide where to go from there - I had a few ideas in my head, but all depended on where/if this track emerged.</i></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> This is a good time of year to be in Japan - actually, any time of year is a good time to be in Japan - as many of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom" target="_blank">Sakura</a> would still be in bloom. And I wasn't to be disappointed, as I was to witness as I made my way along the Kamogawa River through Kyoto City. As this is a busy thoroughfare, both with cyclists & walkers, care is needed if one wants to admire the surroundings, and the best course-of-action, is to stop. </i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcHdFm9yoaY/XLBtJQmd0II/AAAAAAAA5Hc/AAwdHvkYrZ4KZiHFFsl_uzRhcEWxvyaIgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190412_093258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1446" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcHdFm9yoaY/XLBtJQmd0II/AAAAAAAA5Hc/AAwdHvkYrZ4KZiHFFsl_uzRhcEWxvyaIgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190412_093258.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2mW2dKTTdE92" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> From Demachiyanagi, where the Takanogawa & Kamogawa Rivers converge, there are thirteen bridges that cross the river. I needed to exit the path at bridge seven; take the wrong exit, and god-knows where I would end up. Thankfully my counting skills were still in working order. From here I made a bee-line for Akiba-jinja. This is where I emerged on my previous trip into the area.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Adc5g31Exbg/XLBuk-BdAUI/AAAAAAAA5Ho/C7UMNxhyyUMIwE6QramMrCRgg8TISk01QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190412_092337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1072" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Adc5g31Exbg/XLBuk-BdAUI/AAAAAAAA5Ho/C7UMNxhyyUMIwE6QramMrCRgg8TISk01QCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190412_092337.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> A few hundred meters before Akiba-jinja, partly camouflaged by trees, was Shoryu Benzaiten-sha Shrine. As I was in touring mode, and in no particular hurry, I stopped to check-out the site.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> By the time I reached Akiba-jinja the day was beginning to heat-up. To this point I had already cycled 36km, and it had been three hours since breakfast. So a banana was the order of the moment, along with posing for the obligatory photo, before proceeding.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The track from this point changed dramatically, to become rocky and, at times dangerous. I needed to weave my way between large rocks, making sure I didn't slip & fall, or end-up in the stream below, all the while taking-in the awesome scenery one would come to expect in this type of terrain. The fact that the track wasn't a steep ascent went in my favour. I did notice, as I made my way, a couple of other tracks branching-off the one I was on. As there were no signposts indicating where they led to, I stayed on my course.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The euphoria I was feeling at this point was about to be sorely tested - </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> - when I arrived at this junction.There was another track branching-off at this point but, as it didn't look anything, I proceeded ahead (also the sign that was nailed to the tree said 'Kyomi-toge' straight ahead).</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> To describe the next section of track, the words 'very steep' would be an understatement, to say the least. For the next 1km I would climb nearly one-hundred meters, up a narrow path pushing my bike in front of me (as in the image on the right) using my brakes as anchors. As I had no idea where I was, in relation to where I hoped to emerge, I can't express enough how I felt when I heard the sound of a motorbike passing nearby.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I was so relieved when I emerged onto route-31, just opposite the junction with the Kodo Nagasaka-michi Road (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BwNKKDe7sm52" target="_blank">map location</a>). In a way I was pleased I missed this track on my previous visit, because descending this section would have been tempting fate. Experiencing the same exhilaration as I did on my first two ventures into the area, I made the decision to proceed through the Kyomi-toge to the Himura-michi road, and check-out another track.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> My next stop, and respite from my recent struggle, was at Himura-jinja (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nmRC1MVdVXG2" target="_blank">map location</a>). Himura, translated into English, means 'Ice House'. It is believed a shrine was established here in the 17th Century, when Kyoto was the Imperial Capitol. Ice was collected from nearby ponds, and stored here exclusively for the Imperial Palace. </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> A few hundred meters down the road from the shrine, and through some rice fields, is this monument. I had noticed this site on Google Maps when I was doing my research for this trip, and I was keen to check it out. Located here are the remains of the Hiuro's Ice Pits. A track, leading up behind the monument, took me to three small dents in the ground. </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> A mountain stream fed water into the dents and, when became frozen, were then carried to the nearby shrine, and eventually to the Imperial Capitol. In 1994 this site, and Himuro-jinja, were designated an 'Important Cultural Heritage Site of Kyoto'.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> From this point my track led past more rice fields and on into a forest. If my research was accurate, I should emerge back onto route-31. The track was well formed and soft. Shortly after entering the forest I happened-across this cemetery. What a serene location to spend eternity. Shortly after leaving the cemetery I arrived at a junction. My track now became a sealed lane and my first impression was that I had arrived at my intended destination. A quick check of my smartphone map told me I was still some distance from route-31. So I proceeded on, passing several derelict outbuildings and, as I turned a bend, there in front of me was my intended junction.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> From here I headed back in the direction of the Kyomi-toge Pass but, before that, was another stop.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> There is nothing more refreshing than to drink pure & clear spring mountain water and, at Funamizu-no Sugisaka (water of Kyomi-toge), one can do just that. I come-across these springs a lot during my travels and always take the opportunity to fill my bottles before moving-on. Some of these sites are very popular and, at times, one has to stand in line. I leave the spring well sated and proceed towards Kyoto, not knowing what course I will take. I arrive back at the junction of the Kodo Nagasaka-michi Road and made the decision to take this route and return home via Arashiyama. Having cycled this road once before, I was aware of it's steepness and extreme caution was the order-of-the-day; the 1km distance, from top-to-the-bottom, the road drops 200m.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> At the bottom I take another narrow mountain lane that will take me up-and-over the hill, thereby avoiding the crowds of tourists converging on Kinkaku-ji Temple - this is one of the top tourist sites in Kyoto and, trying to weave ones way through the throngs of people and vehicles, can be very frustrating.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The solitude and serenity of the past few hours is about to be broken, in a big way. At the plateau of this hill lies the '<a href="https://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-parks-gardens/haradani-en-garden-kyoto" target="_blank">Haradanien Gardens</a>' (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WFaxmtTHXbP2" target="_blank">map location</a>) and, with the Sakura in full bloom, thousands of people have converged here to take part in the annual <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami" target="_blank">Hanami</a> ritual. Here's me thinking I was being clever. </i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/HnuTZh8RZh62" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I soon emerged onto route-29 and make my way to Arshiyama, passing the Hirosawa Pond. Many of the Sakura overlooking the pond are still in bloom, and I stop to appreciate the very beautiful scenery.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> If I thought the area around the Haradanien Gardens was congested, then the main street through Arashiyama was chaotic. The footpaths on both sides of the street were totally redundant and traffic was restricted to a crawl. The 'Togetsu-kyo bridge' was no better. I did manage to find a bench overlooking the Katsuragawa River, where I could sit and take on some sustenance, before commencing on the last 32km trip home. It was good to be back on my own again and, with a good tail-wind to help me, I cruised home.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Ninety-one kilometers and six hours later, I arrived home. I was buzzing with joy at such a great day I had had.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> This brings to an end my exploration of Nishigamo, but I do plan to return to the area surrounding the settlement of Himuro. My 'Strava' connection has posted another route in the area I am keen to check-out. But that's another story.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> As always, thank-you for reading my blog and, until next time - </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2283430469" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2283430469</a> </i></b><br />
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com020 Nishigamo Himurocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8855, Japan35.084611997513974 135.7220398692762735.081363497513976 135.71699736927627 35.087860497513972 135.72708236927627tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-73635840981962693542019-04-12T19:30:00.000+09:002019-04-12T19:30:05.276+09:00Nishigamo, Kyoto City - the return.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_rhjD7OJkM/XJMESxtAUVI/AAAAAAAA4p4/NeNCSoo9JckJIL7iJHc25zjBrB6hDMNwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190320_094138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_rhjD7OJkM/XJMESxtAUVI/AAAAAAAA4p4/NeNCSoo9JckJIL7iJHc25zjBrB6hDMNwACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190320_094138.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/APad1mK7Apv" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>In my previous post in this series - '<a href="https://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2019/04/nishigamo-kyoto-city.html" target="_blank">Nishigamo, Kyoto City</a>' - I mentioned a second track I planned to explore but, because of the exhilaration I felt at the end of the first track,and the detour I took, I never got to carry-out my plan. So, this is that said track. On this occasion, all going well, I would emerge again at the Himuro-michi Road, then head for the Kyomi-toge pass and then take another track and emerge at the Funayama Golf Course. The inspiration for this track, again, came from one of my 'Strava' connections.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The start of this track was just a few-hundred meters along the road from the previous one. Upon commencing my course, I had an uneasy feeling I was on the wrong path. Across the stream from where I stopped, I could see another track. So I u-turned and went in search of the intended path. No problem, it was just a few meters away. This path was very narrow, unlike the first, which looked like a vehicular track, so I needed to take extreme care as there was a steep drop into a stream a couple-of-meters below. As can be seen in the image on the left.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Now, I don't know about you, but I am a firm believer in '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy%27s_law" target="_blank">Murphy's Law</a>'. A hundred meters in, or thereabouts, I came to this stream crossing that emerged onto, yes, the original track. Now, if I stayed on that earlier track, I would have got lost. The track from this point became a matter of life-and-death and, when I look back at the terrain, I was quite foolish to have attempted this on my own. On two occasions I had to lug my bike down a steep bank, cross a stream, then lug it back up the other side. With my foothold very insecure.</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The above two images give you an idea of the terrain I had to endure. I appreciate the fact I have to, at times, push myself to achieve my goal, but I feel this was the limit I would go. If I was to have an accident and become incapacitated, trying to explain to the emergency services where exactly I was, would be near to impossible.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> As I turned to resume my journey, I was greeted by this sight. Views like this confirm my love & appreciation for the outdoors, and I stood here for a minute-or-two to take-in my surroundings. Just along from where this photo was taken was a collection of buildings inside a fenced-off area that resembled a lumber yard. The previous time I was in this area I remember seeing these buildings, but from a height, and I knew I was nearing the junction. And, a few-hundred meters further on, I was back in familiar territory. As I knew the terrain I was to expect, I slowed-down my pace a notch and quietly proceeded.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNEBGyXrKRA/XJMf7IDTANI/AAAAAAAA4qo/na04DbQC1OoVE6FuiB2WC0QPN7X2f5HOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190320_101624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNEBGyXrKRA/XJMf7IDTANI/AAAAAAAA4qo/na04DbQC1OoVE6FuiB2WC0QPN7X2f5HOwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190320_101624.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I soon arrived at another junction, when I discovered this tree, with a sign nailed to it giving directions. Referring to my map I wasn't able to determine exactly where the other track led to. Not to worry, this was one course I wasn't going to deviate from. And so I moved-on.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The Himura-michi Road wasn't far away, and I am soon back onto a sealed surface, albeit not for long. This section of the road, through to route-31, is in two parts. First there is a steep ascent, followed by a steep descent. At the junction I meet-up with a road cyclists; this area is very popular with cyclists, due to it's proximity to the city and the terrain is ideal for training.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6LZFqZ3wE2A2" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Before I knew it I have arrived at the plateau of the Kyomi-toge Pass. It is at this location I take another track and descend to the Funayama Golf Course. Searching around I discover this track but,before heading-off, I look around some more, in case this is a different track from the one I am suppose to take. I find nothing, so I decide to move on. The first hundred meters were quite steep and I soon begun to worry; was I going to have to abort? Thankfully my track leveled-out and became quite ride-able. I was still in dense forest, which was a pity, as the views would have been magnificent. By now it was getting hot.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/k6wd71U9ZdC2" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I soon arrive at a junction where three tracks converge. As there was no signpost giving directions, I take the logical step and proceed ahead. Not far away from this junction is this collection of <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml" target="_blank">Jizo</a>. There are six located here which, some may refer to as 'Rokujizo' (Roku = six). It always amazes me when I discover these is such an isolated place. But it's not uncommon.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Just down from the statues, another junction. Four tracks converge here and, on this occasion, there is a signpost. Consulting my map, I discover I am quite some distance away from my intended track. So, what do I do? I discard the two tracks behind me. The one in front takes me to (Mt)Funayama, which is where I don't want to go. So I turn to my right and head-off, I hope, to connect with my planned track. What I was about to encounter was hell. There had been very little clearing done since the storm of August and, the best way to describe it, was that it resembled an obstacle course designed to train Marines.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/sw9cp1FbhMH2" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> But I persevered, more out of pigheadedness; the idea of ascending back through that obstacle course would be too much to cope with. Just as I was questioning myself, regarding my sanity, or insanity, I arrived here - Akiba-jinja Shrine. I now knew exactly where I was, and I yelled a whoop-of-relief. The site has seen better days, but I didn't care.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a46QMLIgc30/XJMu4ngZxoI/AAAAAAAA4rw/8yk_Hj6wpTQE_sVwM0GAji7laevXXE47ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190320_114208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a46QMLIgc30/XJMu4ngZxoI/AAAAAAAA4rw/8yk_Hj6wpTQE_sVwM0GAji7laevXXE47ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190320_114208.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I leaned my bike up against the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii" target="_blank">Torii</a> and headed-up the concrete steps for a look around. The complex was well-and-truly overgrown with vines and fallen branches, but, looking closely, judging by the vase of flowers, someone had recently been here. What impressed me the most was the serenity, considering we were only a stones-throw from the hustle-and-bustle of Kyoto City.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Remounting my bike I proceeded. From here my path took me through the golf course - ducking my head - where I emerged into familiar surroundings; only recently I had been in this area cycling a section of the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D_(road)" target="_blank">Tokaido Road</a>'. From here I make a beeline to the Kamogawa River, and on home.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> With all the research I did, I can't believe that I missed my turn-off , and it has annoyed me. So needless-to-say I am planning a return, this time heading to Akiba-jinja, and taking the track from there. While in the area, if I have time, I will check-out a couple of Shrines & Temples. But that's another post.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2226125900" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2226125900</a></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>So, until next time - </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> </i></b></div>
Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com042 Nishigamo Kamishōdachō, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8802, Japan35.073293901911235 135.7394402568928635.073192401911236 135.73928275689286 35.073395401911235 135.73959775689286tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-47269626911818591002019-04-01T19:15:00.000+09:002019-04-01T19:15:43.466+09:00Nishigamo, Kyoto City.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>In the western suburbs of Kyoto City, is an area known as Nishigmo. There isn't much in this area that attracts the tourists, unlike other parts of the city, but, once a year, on the evening of August 16th, all eyes are turned to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mcfSgAXJCMG2" target="_blank">(Mt)Funayama</a>, and what is known as '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gozan_no_Okuribi" target="_blank">Gozan no Okuribi</a>'. This is a festival where five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city. As one who has experienced this event, it is a sight-to-behold.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> This area was brought to my attention by a fellow outdoorholic, who I am connected to through our '<a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/6958391" target="_blank">Strava</a>' pages. Looking at a particular trip he had done, I became interested in what lay within the hills of Nishigamo. And so I decided to do some exploring of my own.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> <u>'Exploring the Hills of Nishigamo'</u></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> This was to be my first venture into the area. I had the choice of two tracks, both converging within a kilometer of the road, so I decided to take one through to the Himuro-michi Road, then u-turn and return via the second. I needed to be prepared to abort my trip at any stage, as I was conscience that there still may be remnants of '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Pacific_typhoon_season#Typhoon_Jebi_(Maymay)" target="_blank">Typhoon Jebi</a>' obstructing my way. I had no problem in finding the track, and, upon arrival, I set-off. The first few-hundred meters the surface was concreted, which was nice, but then it turned into a muddy track, which one would expect of this type of terrain. With Kyoto City, and it's environs at my back, I was quite overwhelmed with how quickly my surroundings had changed. And peaceful too.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> About one-kilometer in, and I arrived at this junction. This was my second track and, all going well, I would return here in the not too distant future. But,before I moved-on, I did a quick check that this was where I thought I was. The reason for that, is that the track from this point changed dramatically.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Gone was the soft undergrowth of fallen leaves & pine-needles, and wide open track. From this point on it would be rocky, rutted-out, tree-weaving and, for most parts, I had to walk and, at times, carry my bike. But I didn't mind. The surrounding scenery was worth the inconvenience. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I was surprised how little evidence there was of the storm of last August. I would have expected more obstructions. Not that I was complaining. In some sections I was able to mount my bike and cruise-along at a leisurely pace plus, as I was doing good time, stop and take a couple of photos. I noticed, as I made my way, several tracks branching-off the one I was taking. Taking note of these, I would research their destination upon returning home, in case there was the possibility of me returning here.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Then suddenly I emerged out into open space, and familiar territory. I had arrived at the junction with the Himuro-michi Road. Familiar, because I have traversed this road several times of the years as I hiked the 'Kyoto Trail'; an 80km trail that partly circumnavigates Kyoto City. I am feeling very exhilarated and, during a short break, I decide to change my plans and head for the settlement of Himuro, and link with the Kyoto Trail.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ry_Ao6WMJE0/XJIsa2Di2zI/AAAAAAAA4o0/4vawdKU_l-YW4Y-P5c-Bhjjhkvj03nlAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190314_102312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="464" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ry_Ao6WMJE0/XJIsa2Di2zI/AAAAAAAA4o0/4vawdKU_l-YW4Y-P5c-Bhjjhkvj03nlAQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190314_102312.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCKkzcg-oGw/XJItlq1sDdI/AAAAAAAA4pE/YeOpzk--NWQYAgLc6LTrTtuZfXdCJQ_7wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190314_104205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="496" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCKkzcg-oGw/XJItlq1sDdI/AAAAAAAA4pE/YeOpzk--NWQYAgLc6LTrTtuZfXdCJQ_7wCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190314_104205.jpg" width="93" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> My memories of this track are of a steep, narrow & windy descent and I prepare myself to the inevitability of having to carry my bike for the most part. But, what I did forget to take-into account, was the possibility of storm damage still in evidence. In some places the track took a detour, where I had to lug my bike up a hill, scramble under-&-over fallen trees, before returning to the course proper.</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCPFZUgMXpU/XJIvtbXpc4I/AAAAAAAA4pQ/WFmdQXCJqYsKXpNpCHllf0ckDn6H0_F9ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190314_103656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1072" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCPFZUgMXpU/XJIvtbXpc4I/AAAAAAAA4pQ/WFmdQXCJqYsKXpNpCHllf0ckDn6H0_F9ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190314_103656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/weWpXeCL9mH2" target="_blank"><b>Map location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> There were some moments when my surroundings were very beautiful, like this bridge. It was while preparing to take this photo a group of elderly-women hikers appeared, and their surprise to seeing a lone cyclists in such an isolated location, brought-on rounds of giggles and chattering.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-583zBDJ6PVI/XJLhhO3cXbI/AAAAAAAA4ps/6Yu_PTQV2-UnOzCTgD6mzoeNECC4VQEiwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190314_104505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-583zBDJ6PVI/XJLhhO3cXbI/AAAAAAAA4ps/6Yu_PTQV2-UnOzCTgD6mzoeNECC4VQEiwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190314_104505.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> For this 3km section of track, I think I only managed to cycle a combined distance of 100-meters, if that. So, when I emerged at route-61 (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8Dv2G17G3qr" target="_blank">map location</a>), I was somewhat relieved that I was able to re-mount my bike and move on at a better pace. Like my arrival at the junction with the Himuro-michi Road, I was still feeling great. So I made another change. I would take routes -38 & 40 through the settlement of Shizuhara to Ohara and from there back into Kyoto City and home.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Six-and-a-half hours, and 92km later, I arrived home, somewhat saddened that the day had come to an end. It had been a awesome bike-ride and, as a 65-year old, I was very proud of myself. But I wasn't finished with the hills of Nishigama. That second track, the one I didn't explore, played on my mind over the following days, so I made the decision to return, and, while doing so, check-out another track in the area. Again, courtesy of my 'Strava' connection. But that's another post.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2212101579" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2212101579</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>So, until next time - </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span> </i></b></span></div>
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<br />Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com01-94 Nishigamo Marumine, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8806, Japan35.069412003702773 135.7388021043639135.067787503702775 135.73628060436391 35.071036503702771 135.74132360436391tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-5937467143401367762019-03-07T09:07:00.000+09:002019-03-07T09:07:52.898+09:00Checking-out the hills overlooking Yamashina.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuEGvhXt1kk/XHdEkhNMBPI/AAAAAAAA3A4/abKjoIEpllsgdP9rjdpkBkRc0xZzL8M5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190216_113206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuEGvhXt1kk/XHdEkhNMBPI/AAAAAAAA3A4/abKjoIEpllsgdP9rjdpkBkRc0xZzL8M5gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190216_113206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> I have spent many hours cycling through this area over the years, but it was another post on my 'Strava' page that alerted me to the possibility of some off-road cycling/hiking tracks. Checking this map, and other maps of the area, I came to the conclusion that there was quite a network of tracks, entering & exiting at different locations within this part of Kyoto City.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Access to the area known as Yamanaka, is via the Yamanaka-goe Road, or route-30. This road, that connects the cities of Kyoto and Otsu, is narrow and quite windy, and care is needed when traversing. At the plateau is the entrance of the '<a href="https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/72?active=enjoy" target="_blank">Hieizan Driveway</a>'. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> There are also several distractions, especially on the Kyoto side, like the . . . .</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Nitten-ji Temple & Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/whN11mUd5xD2" target="_blank">map location</a>). As car-parking is non-existent, being on a bike/foot is an advantage.</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Other distractions include religious icons.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> My plan was to do a reconnaissance ride into the area, and connect with the track my Strava connection had taken but, unlike his trip, I would descend. My research revealed that some of the tracks lead to (Mt)Daimonjiyama, a mountain overlooking Kyoto City and made famous for the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gozan_no_Okuribi" target="_blank">Gozan-no Okuribi</a>' Festival.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQnEm58rih4/XHdTGV6IkdI/AAAAAAAA3CA/bWuZs-qdeIEkMyXWiwJJv7EVR_d5r5yBACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190227_095304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQnEm58rih4/XHdTGV6IkdI/AAAAAAAA3CA/bWuZs-qdeIEkMyXWiwJJv7EVR_d5r5yBACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190227_095304.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Arriving at the plateau of the Yamanaka-goe, I then branched off and made my way through the settlement to where my off-road adventure would, I hope, commence. The settlement is constructed in a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_plan" target="_blank">Grid Plan </a> layout (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/iGutLfN7ifz" target="_blank">map location</a>) and one wrong turn, and god-knows where you can end-up. Like I did on my first venture into the area. Exiting the settlement, my road entered a forest then, after passing a small temple, it became a rocky forest road. A couple of kilometers in, and I arrived at this small shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ri7KiNHPaBp" target="_blank">map location</a>). This isn't the first time I have been here and, on each occasion, and others like this, I am continually intrigued as to such a place to establish a religious site.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AfeMttSjvA/XHdXrZq5apI/AAAAAAAA3Cs/5J0f-ur0U8EX8axbr4m2mDdrpZD2eVu0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190216_104145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AfeMttSjvA/XHdXrZq5apI/AAAAAAAA3Cs/5J0f-ur0U8EX8axbr4m2mDdrpZD2eVu0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190216_104145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> After a banana and a few mouthfuls of water to wash it down with, I turned and began to head in the direction of the track I needed to take. And this is what greeted me, remnants of '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Pacific_typhoon_season#Typhoon_Jebi_(Maymay)" target="_blank">Typhoon Jebi</a>' that wreaked havoc throughout the region in early September 2018: wherever one goes they will see scenes like this. I leaned my bike against a tree-stump and headed up to the track. The devastation surrounding me was horrific. It didn't take much to convince me that proceeding was not only impossible, but dangerous. So I decided a u-turn was my best, and only, option. It was just as I was about to return to my bike, when a lone hiker appeared. He had just come from (Mt)Nyoigadake - where I was planning to head to - and was heading to Daimonjiyama. He told me, once I reached the summit, I wouldn't be able proceed further, due to the storm damage, and my best option was another track, which would emerge at <a href="https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/kansai/kyoto/kanko/689/" target="_blank">Bishamon-do Temple</a>, at Yamashina (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ngrpGoYw1g22" target="_blank">map location</a>).</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Shaking hands and expressing my gratitude, I returned to my bike and made my way down. At first I was a bit nervous - dragging my bike over, under or around fallen trees, isn't my idea of a bike-ride - but, as I proceeded, evidence of a clean-up was all around and, at times, I was able to mount my saddle, and ride. Albeit for a few meters.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Partway down I came to a clearing with a large rock in the middle. This was my cue to take-a-break, have a bite-to-eat, and take a photo.While here I had to re-plan my course, and my best route home. I decided to get onto the Biwako Canal path and, from there, another path that would take me through to Rokujizo and home. I missed my turn-off and ended up cycling through Kyoto City. No sooner had I arrive home, that I was planning my return. And, eleven days later, I did just that.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2151913989" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2151913989</a> </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The morning of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wednesday 27th dawned cold, miserable and overcast; the previous day we experienced spring/summer like conditions. I made a beeline for the shrine - no sightseeing this trip - and, 40km x 2-hours later, I arrived with the overhead conditions improving. I decided to lock my bike up behind the shrine and explore the track to (Mt) Nyoigadake on foot, and also look for the track that lead down the valley.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> That way, if my reconnaissance wasn't successful, I wouldn't have had to lug my bike the sixteen-hundred meters there & back for nothing. But I was in luck. Like my previous excursion eleven days prior, the track had been cleared. Arriving at the summit, I then went in search of the junction that would eventually take me out and down the valley. And again I was in luck.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Excited at the prospect of a successful conclusion to this outing, I returned, retrieved my bike, and made my way back to (Mt)Nyoigadake.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> By now it was about 10:30am and the temperature was beginning to heat-up.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5qBtafP9gny" target="_blank">Summit of (Mt)Nyoigadake.</a><br /><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5qBtafP9gny" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The summit was somewhat of an anticlimax. Where someone would expect a marker denoting the summit, with possibly a view of the surrounding hills as a bonus, an aircraft communication/navigation facility was located there instead.</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i> Leaving the sealed access road, I now commenced my descent down a well maintained forestry road to emerge at, I hope, at Fujio-jinja Shrine. I visited this facility a couple-of-years ago, when I was in the area checking-out other off-road tracks, and would give me an idea where I was in relation to my journey home. The first three kilometers were made-up of several hairpins and, it was about now I was congratulating myself for taking the descent option. Unlike my friend who took the ascent. But, when I arrived at this site, my smile soon disappeared. It was at this point my well-maintained forestry road suddenly became a rough-and-rocky track. In some places it was too hazardous to cycle and I needed to dismount and walk and, on top of that . . . .</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>. . . . I had to navigate my way through, or over, or around several fallen trees. At this point, in the above image, I began to get the feeling I was nearly at my goal.</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fujio-jinja Shrine.<br />(<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KT9qNWQWMRT2" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i> And my hunch was right. As I broke through the barrier, there, just a few hundred meters down the track, was Fujio-jinja. It was a sight-to-behold; at one stage of my descent I began to worry if & where I would emerge. Parking my bike, I grabbed my drink-bottle, took a banana out of my bag and went and sat on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagura-den" target="_blank">Kagura-den</a>. By now the sun was unobstructed and glaring in my face - a far cry from the conditions when I left home. I didn't want to get too comfortable, I still had the best part of 40km to ride.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i> While sitting here a plan was beginning to form in my mind of a hike, commencing here, that would zig-zag through the hills, ending at the summit of (Mt)Daimonjiyama. But that is another post. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i> Course details & map - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2178374376" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2178374376</a></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> As always, thank-you for viewing and, until next time - </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Unnamed Road, Awataguchi Nyoigadakechō, Sakyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 606-8452, Japan35.014070587744442 135.8217469610751835.007568087744438 135.81166196107517 35.020573087744445 135.83183196107518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-68702983847244761102019-02-28T11:01:00.001+09:002019-02-28T11:01:48.581+09:00Hisashiburidesu - Fushimi, Higashiyama & Yamashina Wards, Kyoto City.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>In September I signed-up with 'Strava' so as to take advantage of their G.P.S. tracking and the opportunity to share my rides with other like-minded cyclists and outdoorholics and, if possible, discover new routes that may be of interest to me.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> One such post alerted me to the 'Daigo-Michi' Road. This thoroughfare connects the area around <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dfuku-ji" target="_blank">Tofuku-ji Temple </a>, in Higashiyama, with the residential area of Yamashina. It's a narrow windy lane, with many <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairpin_turn" target="_blank">hairpin turns</a> on the Yamashina side but, if you have enough gears on your bike, it's quiet easy to navigate, whatever direction you cycle it.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Towards the base of the hill, on the Yamashina side, is this unobtrusive concrete Torii. After my third-or-fourth trip over the hill, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided that this site needed checking-out. And I am very pleased I did take the time to do just that, as this was to become the beginning of something big.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJWKa719ukI/XG80rBFeKZI/AAAAAAAA22s/ORknNkDSz9ILF_0ZUJpsUERbtaKAvV5RACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190123_100843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1056" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJWKa719ukI/XG80rBFeKZI/AAAAAAAA22s/ORknNkDSz9ILF_0ZUJpsUERbtaKAvV5RACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190123_100843.jpg" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Locking my bike to a fence, I proceeded on foot and, about a hundred meters up an incline, was a derelict collection of buildings and religious icons that added an eerie feeling to the site. This was Atago-jinja Shrine. Map location - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/FcfoRB4Led12" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/FcfoRB4Led12</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The path continued further up the hill and, as my curiosity was getting the better of me, I proceeded. Several hundred meters on and I arrived at this junction of four tracks. I decided to leave it at this point with the intention to return once I had done some research on the area, and check-out what lay beyond. And my research revealed that I was in the vicinity of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha" target="_blank">Fushimi-Inari Taisha</a>. By now a plan was beginning to build in my mind but, before I set it in motion, I needed to go for a reconnaissance bike-ride; any excuse to get-out for a ride. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> On a cold and miserable morning, with remnants of the previous evenings snow falling from the overhead canopy, I headed to the Higashiyama side to check if-and-where the track emerged. Upon arrival at the track-head I discovered the 'Kyoto Trail' - an 80km track that circumnavigates the city - passed through the area. This was getting better-and-better, and I was beginning to envisage a great ride in the making. Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2105734754" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2105734754</a> </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The big day arrived. I had done all my research and, barring any mistakes and other unforced errors, set-out from home in ideal conditions - clear, calm & warm. I made a beeline for Atago-jinja, taking another couple of photos, and headed for the track junction. Upon arrival I was greeted by a young American who, as it turned-out, was a local tour guide out with a client. As he knew the area like the back of his hand, he gave me some very invaluable advice. Which I was most grateful for. As they were heading in the same direction, I tagged-along behind and, in doing so, missed my turn-off, and ended up at the precincts of Fushimi-Inari.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>After a quick u-turn, I headed back to the missed junction and from there out into familiar terrain. The first 'Kyoto Trail' sign I encountered, I followed, which was to take me in the direction of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senny%C5%AB-ji" target="_blank">Sennyu-ji Temple</a> (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BCL998RGAWB2" target="_blank">map location</a>), and on.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Exiting the Sennyu-ji complex, I soon found myself crossing the Daigo-Michi Road and into a forest where remnants of last August storm were still being cleared; the 'Kyoto Trail' is maintained by volunteers and, as it is a popular course, work gangs would have been out at the first opportunity to clear any fallen trees, as can be seen in the images on the left.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Like the previous section, there was very little opportunity to ride my bike plus, not knowing where & when I would encounter a hiker, the risk of hitting someone was high. This being a weekend day. </i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPYo28TnJAo/XG-_hwNVNzI/AAAAAAAA24Q/KnlxiqjCxcwNKsWclTjhxorDXzsHnsFQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190123_103722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPYo28TnJAo/XG-_hwNVNzI/AAAAAAAA24Q/KnlxiqjCxcwNKsWclTjhxorDXzsHnsFQQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20190123_103722.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The track made a sudden descent and emerged onto the Higashiyama Driveway. A bridge took me over route-1, a main arterial road in-and-out of Kyoto City, and on up to the Higashiyama Mount Peak Park and Observatory (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/FMbyyYxTe2w" target="_blank">map location</a>). The 90-degree view from the observatory allowed one to see as far as Yamazaki & Yawata to my left, south-west, and Kurama to my right, north, with great views of the city front & below.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Backtracking a short distance, onto the Driveway, I soon arrived at Sanjo Dori, another busy arterial road.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>From here I cycled to Kawabata-dori, where I soon joined the Kamogawa River cycleway and on home. Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2118245057" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2118245057</a> Upon arrival home I was buzzing with joy, but I felt I needed to return as there something - another track, religious site - that I needed to explore. And a week later, I did just that. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>On this occasion I returned to Higashiyama and made my way up to the junction, where I had met the young tour guide the week before, and too one of the other tracks that lead into the forest.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> As I commenced, I noticed how well the track was clearly marked, some of which were in the form red tape, with a black arrow pointing in the direction I was heading. This indicated that this was a course that, I surmised, returned to the junction I had just left. Before long I reached another junction, with a track branching-off to my left. Curious, I took it. It came to a sudden end when I arrived at a monument - above image - before returning to my original course. A little further on, another junction. Thankfully a lone hiker was here who translated where each track led. Apart from the one I had arrived on, one of the other tracks let to the summit of ((Mt)Inariyama, the other down to Yamashina. As I didn't want to repeat my encounter with Fushimi-Inari the week before, I decided on Yamashina.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The track was steep in places, and well maintained. Partway down I came-across this small shrine partly camouflaged by trees. I could hear the many sounds of civilization rising to greet me, but I was unsure exactly where I would emerge. In the following minutes that question would be answered, when I emerged onto the Daigo-Michi Road. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> As I had no plan from this point, I decided to head back up the road, and link-up with the 'Kyoto Trail'. And from there through to the junction of the Higashiyama Driveway. This bench, at the plateau of this section, provided an ideal location for a break and a bite-to-eat.</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8VP6qAgfniy" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I had heard about this tunnel, and was interested in checking it out for myself. It turned out to be a pedestrian/cycling tunnel that ran parallel to route-1.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> As I now knew where I was, it was time to call it a day, and head for home. I took route-1 towards Yamashina, where I connected with a cycleway alongside a stream. From there to Rokujizo, Yawata and home. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2135765242" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/2135765242</a></i></b></span>Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com015 Inariyamakanyūchi, Fushimi-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 612-0804, Japan34.967209916615673 135.785522460937534.96070441661567 135.7754374609375 34.973715416615676 135.7956074609375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-38328979287706950942019-02-25T19:24:00.001+09:002019-02-25T19:24:14.681+09:00Hisashiburidesu - continued.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> My cycling wasn't just limited to exploring new areas and paths. Inbetween these marathon rides, I would incorporate a shorter outing as part of my rehabilitation, for example - </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2017517771" target="_blank">'Tiki-Tour around Kyoto'</a>, where the first snowfall of the season appeared on (Mt)Atago-san and other hills surrounding the western suburbs of the city.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> This trip - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2043337643" target="_blank">'Ride through Yamashiro, Wazuka, Kamo & Kizu Towns'</a> - took me to the eastern reaches of Kyoto Prefecture, and tea-growing country. This is one of my most favorite areas as there is always a new track to check-out and a surprise around every corner.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Now this ride - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2088047511" target="_blank">'Off-road cycling through Ujitawara Town'</a> - didn't go as planned. It had been some time since I last did a butt-gusting, mountain-biking, getting dirty bike-ride, and I was keen to rectify that. And this area is the ideal location for just that. But, what I didn't take into account, was the residue left behind from the massive storm of the previous August. So, when I reached this wall of fallen trees blocking my path, I realized I was pushing the proverbial uphill and a u-turn was the result. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Then there are those relaxing outings with my wife, where we would make our way to a chosen eating establishment, and chill-out over a nice lunch. And, if we had the energy, finish-up at our local Starbucks.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> With the arrival of the New-Year, I set myself a goal for 2019. That was to complete 150-outings over the following 52-weeks. That is based on three rides per week. With us already 8-weeks into 2019, I have already logged-up 31-rides. During 2018 I discovered this interesting website - <a href="https://www.lovetoride.net/world/user_profiles/334934?locale=en-US" target="_blank">'Love to Ride'</a> - that is designed to encourage people to ride bikes; with this site my <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/6958391" target="_blank">'Strava' </a>rides are automatically logged onto my L.t.R. page. It's important that I don't turn this into an obsession, and stick to my purpose for riding a bike - health, enjoyment, appreciation.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> A few weeks ago I discovered an area to the east of Kyoto City - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi-ku,_Kyoto" target="_blank">Fushimi-ku</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higashiyama-ku,_Kyoto" target="_blank">Higashiyama-ku</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamashina-ku,_Kyoto" target="_blank">Yamashina-ku</a>. I have spent many hours cycling through these wards, but never payed much attention to what actually lies hidden amid the forested hills that overlook this part of the city. But that was about to change.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>To be continued . . . .</i></b></span><br />
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒604-0902 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nakagyō-ku, Hokodenchō, 287 日本年金機構中京年金事務所35.015044848467873 135.7697336617059134.963026348467871 135.68905266170592 35.067063348467876 135.85041466170591tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-1001577292804053722019-02-23T13:54:00.001+09:002019-02-23T13:54:51.239+09:00Hisashiburidesu - long time no see.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's amazing how fast six months can pass. That's about how long it has been since my last post. I had almost forgotten I had a blog. It was just after my last posts on the <a href="https://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-shrines-temples-of-kyotanabe.html" target="_blank">Shrines & Temples</a> and <a href="https://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-tombs-kofun-of-kyotanabe.html" target="_blank">Tombs & Kofun of Kyotanabe</a> that I began to experience a discomfort in my left knee. A visit to the doctor revealed that I had damaged the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartilage" target="_blank">cartilage</a>; I had dreaded this moment for many years, where I reached a point where I could no longer enjoy the great outdoors. But the news wasn't all bad. I needed to take-a-break from hiking while the tissue healed, but cycling was okay. Phew.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So I decided to use my down-time to explore new areas and sights. To start-off with, I honed my sights on the rural areas of Takatsuki & Ibaraki Cities. As these would be 'Tiki Tour' rides, I would be in tourist mode, so anything that attracted my attention, I would stop and check-out. The area I was about to explore had recently been devastated by one of the worst typhoons in history and, to this day, five months on, evidence is still to been seen. As I made my way up route-6 to the settlement of Tano, what was once dense forest, was now littered with fallen trees.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> My first stop was at Koumei-ji Temple & Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/FyqAf7HvnaH2" target="_blank">map location</a>), where I briefly visited some years ago. On this time around I decided to take a more thorough look. And I am so glad I did. I was overwhelmed by what I was to discover.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The surrounding dense forest and moss-covered ground added an atmosphere of beauty to the complex, especially with the sun trying it's best to break through the canopy. The site covered quite a large area and consisted of a temple, main shrine, small sub-shrines and waterfall.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> From Koumei-ji I made my way to Ibaraki, passing-through rural scenery I enjoy so much. In some places the rice fields were reaching their peak before being harvested, in other places the harvest was already underway. </span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GrCXSxv6rFs" target="_blank"><b>Takakura-jinja (map location).</b></a></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My next stop was at Takakura-jinja, where I was afforded a fine view down a valley which would take me back through Takatsuki City and on home. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, before I proceeded, I needed to find a place where I could take a lunch-break, preferably somewhere in the sun.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 88km and 5.5-hours after leaving home, I returned in high spirits. Not only had I experienced some great scenery, my knee didn't give me any problems. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1899247594" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/1899247594</a> </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Two weeks later I returned to the area in search of Emma and M's Cafes. <a href="https://www.emmacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Emma Coffee</a>, in the settlement of Toyono (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hfWN3xxBmTH2" target="_blank">map location</a>), is a popular destination by members of the Osaka cycling community.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> But on this day, of all days, I was greeted by this sign, and locked door telling me it was closed on Thursdays. Just my luck. Anyway, I couldn't complain, I did manage to experience some more great scenery on my way here. And I still had M's Cafe on my list.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Not wanting to backtrack to the settlement of Sendaiji (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/dEkomWUb1TD2" target="_blank">map location</a>) via the same route, I took a more circular course that bordered Kameoka & Takatsuki Cities. </span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tenmangu-jinja (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nDx4xVAVY8y" target="_blank">map location</a>)</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I arrived at the settlement in glorious sunshine and, as it had been some hours since I had had anything to eat, I searched for a spot where I could take-in the views and devour my lunch. And the steps to Tenmangu-jinja was that ideal location.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> And this was my view - </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> A week earlier and these fields would have been full of the new seasons rice which, believe-me, is a sight to behold. On a more sadder note, to the right of this image is the recently opened 'Shin-Meishin Expressway', that was carved through, what would have been, a very picturesque settlement. The price we pay for progress.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Lunch over, and it was time to move-on. '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Forest-Of-Arts-Ms-Cafe--129755724101757/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARDQ1DZxjINoYZH9VXeep-WCxrJ6MnB7QxAivwpL4-PDzV7X2n9iavJgZ_rskChYoaK6cszXkC6wU0Ea" target="_blank">M's Cafe</a>' was just around the corner - less than a minute to be exact - and the possibility of enjoying a nice coffee, while sitting on a deckchair. But this just wasn't my day - the cafe is only open on weekends. After checking-out the facilities, I headed home with my tail between my legs with the determination to re-visit these establishments. That's when they were open. Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1925857965" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/1925857965</a> </i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gB4TXKqpQK72" target="_blank"><b>Map Location</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Nine days later I would return to the area again, this time via route-208 past <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshimine-dera" target="_blank">Nishiyama Yoshiminedera Temple</a>, at the base of (Mt)Ponponyama, and onto route-733, at the summit of the Osaka-toge Pass.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Again it was another brilliant fine day, with a November chill in the air, perfect for what I had in mind. My plan was to return to 'M's Cafe', (hopefully) have a coffee, and move-onto the Ai River cycle/walkway through Takatsuki and onto the Yodo River. Trying my best to charter new territory. </i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/coAGTEurxQw" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Route-208 to Yoshiminedera Temple is a gradual climb requiring the use of all twenty-seven gears on my bike, but the track to the base of Ponponyama required me to walk. From the plateau through to the Osaka-toge pass, and through to the settlement of Tano, is rural Japanese scenery at it's very best. Passing through Tano, and onto route-733, I encountered this collection of used rail carriages, and what looked like an art/nick-nack center. Before long I was crossing the border of Takatsuki and entering rural Ibaraki City with the thought of a nice hot coffee firmly in my mind.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> But again it wasn't to be. It could have been, if I was prepared to wait an hour for the cafe to open but, as I was eager to press on, I did just that. Another track, passing the cafe entrance, looked promising, so I took it and, to my annoyance, it ended at a rice field. Dejected, I u-turned and discovered this bench, and time for a bite-to-eat.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> From here I made a beeline for the Ai River. I like these cycleways as they avoid the very many and annoying traffic lights; the stop/start action burns more energy that the uninterrupted course along the river. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Fifteen kilometers on and the Ai River merges with the Kanzaki River, which merges with the Yodo River 2km away. From here it is a nice one-hour ride home, and a nice hot shower. But I wasn't finished with this area yet. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1942360412" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/1942360412</a> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Out of the previous three ventures into this area, this trip would be the longest, albeit by about 1-km. 'Four rivers and an Airport', the title of this outing, would take me along four rivers - the Yodo, the Kanzaki, the Ina and Mo rivers - and would also include checking-out the runway at Itami Airport and a small train park. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> As with trips like this, I like to take many photos, which I did but, for some reason, all but one have been deleted from my computer. So, to avoid boring you with all my usual chit-chat, instead I shall just have to attach a link to my 'Strava' page, and the course map & details - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1990458547" target="_blank">https://www.strava.com/activities/1990458547</a> </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>To be continued . . . .</i></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Shobo, Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture 568-0092, Japan34.880017051415557 135.5646153254359734.827904051415558 135.48393432543597 34.932130051415555 135.64529632543596tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-50082048718992933722018-09-02T20:28:00.000+09:002018-09-02T20:28:49.111+09:00The Tombs & Kofun of Kyotanabe.<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>During my research for my post - '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-shrines-temples-of-kyotanabe.html" target="_blank">The Shrines & Temples of Kyotanabe</a>' - I discovered there was a lot of history attached to this area. I mentioned in the post how Kyotanabe was once the Capitol of Japan (AD511-518). What I also discovered is that there are several Kofun located within the city boundaries.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Image courtesy of Google Maps.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun" target="_blank">Kofun's</a> are the Japanese equivalent of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumulus" target="_blank">Tumulus</a>, or megalithic tombs, and were constructed between the early 3rd century and the early 7th century. The term Kofun is the origin of the name '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun_period" target="_blank">Kofun Period</a>' (AD300-538). There are many hundreds of these, maybe thousands, spread throughout Japan. Some are very small, and inconsequential, while others are enormous and hold great importance, like the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisen_Kofun" target="_blank">Daisen Kofun</a> in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. It is considered to be the largest grave, by area, in the world, measuring in at 500-metres long and 300-metres at it's widest, and took some 20-years to construct.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Looking east, towards the Kizugawa River, from the Yakushiyama Kofun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> My original plan involved checking-out five Kofun - Geshi Kofun, Yakushiyama Kofun, Ino'oka Kurumazuka Kofun, Osumi Kurumazuka Kofun and Osumi Minamizuka Kofun - and maybe a shrine-or-two along the way. And, as always, keeping off the beaten track. But, by the end of the day, I had discovered another two tombs - Gorogoroyama Kofun & Tomb of Motomichi Konoe - and an archaeology museum specializing in artifacts discovered in the Kyotanabe area - Doshisha University.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I was out the door and on my bike at 8am and made a beeline for the settlement of Fugenji, and the Tomb of Motomichi Konoe. This was familiar territory to me as I have passed-through here many times since living in the area. It's a lovely area, especially at this time of year, with the rice-fields a sea of green.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Tcc6biHqJiG2" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konoe_Motomichi" target="_blank">Motomichi Konoe</a> (AD1160-1233) was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kugy%C5%8D" target="_blank">Kugyo</a> from the late <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period" target="_blank">Heian Period</a> to the early <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakura_period" target="_blank">Kamakura Period</a>. In 1179 Motomichi was promoted to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sessh%C5%8D_and_Kampaku" target="_blank">Kampaku/Sessho</a> (Regent) as a result of a coup led by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taira_no_Kiyomori" target="_blank">Kiyomori</a>, a military leader, and, in February the following year, he took the position of Regent-ship for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Antoku" target="_blank">Emperor Antoku</a>, the 81st Emperor of Japan. Sadly the site has seen better days and, as can be seen in the images, is well overgrown with shrubs, grass and other weeds.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next destination, Shinguushaya-jinja Shrine and Geshi Kofun, were just a hop-step-and-a-jump away across the road.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I don't know if the two are connected to each other; the staff I spoke to at the museum weren't aware there was a shrine there. Access to Shinguushaya-jinja is via a narrow lane, that ends at the steps to the shrine. The shrine itself looks very new, but the Torii and other structures look considerably older.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After checking-out the site, and taking the obligatory photos, I tried to find a way to the Kofun. The site is surrounded by forest, which adds to the appeal of the shrine, and I began my search for a track which would lead me to my next destination. There were two tracks, the first of which lead nowhere (little did I know it did), and so I took the other.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The second required some bush-bashing. Judging from the terrain, I felt that I was somewhere on the Kofun, and kept my eyes open for a marker of sorts; if you are interested in this style of pursuit, don't do it at this time of year as the insects and cobwebs are bloody annoying. I was wondering if I was ever going to reach my goal, when I looked down and saw a track. I descended and, much to my joy, I had arrived.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooD78zxPKrk/W4eYlxJyFEI/AAAAAAAAsxc/06NXirX5aTco3wUX4Fb_4Bf3A7Cj8yhwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_092102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooD78zxPKrk/W4eYlxJyFEI/AAAAAAAAsxc/06NXirX5aTco3wUX4Fb_4Bf3A7Cj8yhwACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180830_092102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Geshi Kofun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The impression I got, is Geshi Kofun (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/EFCFsto8e252" target="_blank">map location</a>) is not so much a burial mound, but a collection of several burial sites, eight in all, (I managed to find six) spread over a small area. The site, I was soon to discover, was located within the Dashisha University Campus.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6PuUJChqk/W4ebA_9IFVI/AAAAAAAAsx4/VT4TMtZ3_a47A2gWKj-zRZbynOVj-XYygCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180829_091742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6PuUJChqk/W4ebA_9IFVI/AAAAAAAAsx4/VT4TMtZ3_a47A2gWKj-zRZbynOVj-XYygCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180829_091742.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZYI2s4OWXI/W4ebMCn8JWI/AAAAAAAAsx8/OklgL4ygTM88a4zr0hhjbkDGR7wtxz0PQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180829_093112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZYI2s4OWXI/W4ebMCn8JWI/AAAAAAAAsx8/OklgL4ygTM88a4zr0hhjbkDGR7wtxz0PQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180829_093112.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have no information as to who is buried here, and when, but I have a friend that is doing some research for me. I may have to attach any information at a later date.</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Two of the graves were very distinct, with their sides lined by large boulders, while others were signified by a layer of rocks. In the vicinity of some of the graves, were signs giving details of the site. There was also a path throughout the graves, including one from the campus. When it was time to leave, I followed a track in the hope it would lead me out and back to where I parked my bike. I was walking blind, as I had no idea of my location in relation to where I entered the forest. The track suddenly petered-out and I found myself bush-bashing, again. Then, low-and-behold, there was track number-1, (the one I gave-up on earlier) and the shrine.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJzr87dz3g4/W4eexYQl1aI/AAAAAAAAsyI/vKgrikH97YQGPFAZUchHZIOmRpb6sEDcwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_102131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="1600" height="86" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJzr87dz3g4/W4eexYQl1aI/AAAAAAAAsyI/vKgrikH97YQGPFAZUchHZIOmRpb6sEDcwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180830_102131.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Settlement of Inooka (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gdXamWvS4tS2" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From Geshi Kofun, I would make my way to the settlement of Inooka, and an unplanned discovery. Looking at the attached map, Inooka is located on a knob of land, surrounded by rice-fields & tea plantations (above image), and one can't help but get the impression that this site may not be natural, but excavated.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Yakushiyama Kofun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My research told me there were two Kofun located here - Ino'oka Kurumazuka & Yakushiyama Kofun - but, while cycling-through the narrow lanes to my first site, I stumbled-across another - Gorogoroyama Kofun. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Atop the summit of Yakushiyama Kofun, stands a temple, with a religious icon inside behind a locked gate. The view from the summit, glimpsing through the trees, is awesome (see image at top of page). In front is the Kizugawa River and, in the distance, the town of Ide, at the foot of the Ide Hills.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The impression I got, at the time of my research, was that Yakushiyama & Ino'oka Kofuns were located side-by-side. Wrong, as I was about to discover.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was making my departure for my next site, at the settlement of Osumi, I passed this sign, partly camouflaged by trees. A quick check revealed that this is the site of Gorogoroyama Kofun. Okay, this wasn't in my plans. Time to check this out. Parking my bike, I ascended the mound. All there was at the top was a concrete post with something inscribed into it.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Gorogoroyama Kofun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Taking note of this site, so as to apply it to 'Google Maps', I moved on, to another unplanned stop.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was weaving my way through the narrow lanes of Inooka, I stumbled-across another sign. The inscription on this read - 'Ino'oka Kurumazuka Kofun. I was become more-and-more intrigued by this place; it seemed every corner I turned, there was another discovery.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ry4e_JPSE/W4eqoM11alI/AAAAAAAAszc/5SO-pWTu-gI7-_q2Qx7f0rGIdZGK3dPQACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_095246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ry4e_JPSE/W4eqoM11alI/AAAAAAAAszc/5SO-pWTu-gI7-_q2Qx7f0rGIdZGK3dPQACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180830_095246.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A hundred meters or so up the lane from the sign, was an old shed with a track, of sorts, leading up the hill to a clump-of-trees. The track soon petered-out and I found myself weaving my way through, what appeared to have once been, a bamboo grove, now cleared. If I thought my earlier view, from Yakushiyama Kofun, was awesome, the view from here was much better. Looking for a track that may lead me into the trees, and a monument, I literally stumbled-upon these . . . .</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Ino'oka Kofun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s62hgHxItSc/W4euxuNO29I/AAAAAAAAsz0/G7zy8WHcm44AU8rw26X1CUsw6dQuoepjQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_095315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s62hgHxItSc/W4euxuNO29I/AAAAAAAAsz0/G7zy8WHcm44AU8rw26X1CUsw6dQuoepjQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180830_095315.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> When I said 'I literally stumbled', I did. If I hadn't tripped myself up on this dead branch, I possible would have missed these two headstones.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> It is thought that up to eight or more tombs may be located within the vicinity of Ino'oka Hill and that Emperor Keitai's Son/Prince may be laid-to-rest in one of them.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As the day was beginning to heat-up (it was still only 10am), I decided to take a short break here, take in the surrounding view, before moving-on. While here I decided to take a short detour to the archaeology museum at Doshisha University.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Site of Tsutsuki Palace.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I came here just over a week ago, to explore the site of the Tsutsuki Palace, the residence of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Keitai" target="_blank">Emperor Keitai</a>. While here I was informed that there was a museum on the campus grounds but, as it was a weekend, it was closed and is only open weekdays.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I have a special interest in museums, art-galleries, libraries and the like, and I was so pleased that I made the decision to include this on my itinerary. Arriving at the main entrance, a very kind security officer escorted me to the museum; if it had been left to me to find my own way there, I would still be looking now - this is a huge campus.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was escorted into the room by a member of the staff, who also gave me a tour of the displays and their history. It was like traveling back in time, which is the effect museums can have on one. There were artifacts, excavated from within the Kyotanabe area, that dated back to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_period" target="_blank">Jomon Period</a> (BC14,000-300), on to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yayoi_period" target="_blank">Yayoi Period</a> (BC300-AD300) and finishing at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun_period" target="_blank">Kofun Period</a> (AD300-538). Pity my Japanese language skills were so poor, I might have been able to have learnt more from my visit.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Osumi Minamizuka & Osumi Kurumakuka Kofu.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I departed Doshisha, with the intention of returning (with someone with Japanese language skills) and headed to the settlement of Osumi, and the last two Kofun of my tour - Osumi Minamizuka & Osumi Kurumazuka Kofun (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nhv4vHWmPEy" target="_blank">map location</a>). To the casual passer-by, one would get the impression that these were just a couple of clumps of trees in the middle of a rice-field.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Parking my bike, I went off to explore Osumi Minamizuka Kofun, but I needed to find access first. I made my way along a bank that separated two rice fields. Arriving at the site I set-out to explore but there was nothing - no monument or sign - so decided to circumnavigate instead. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> To do this, I needed to zigzag my way around through muddy ground (there was no path around the Kofun), remnants of water used for the flooding of the rice-fields. Annoying as it was - I hadn't planned on getting my feet wet - it was quite picturesque. Around the rear was a pond (moat?), surrounded by reeds, with a family of geese enjoying the hot sunny day.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0XUYijRi8/W4iBmi6necI/AAAAAAAAs90/vcR6f2b6r1M_-zhywxFuVlAcckkI-gtiACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_115625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0XUYijRi8/W4iBmi6necI/AAAAAAAAs90/vcR6f2b6r1M_-zhywxFuVlAcckkI-gtiACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180830_115625.jpg" width="150" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Returning to my bike, I then headed for Osumi Kurumazuka Kofun. Out of all the Kofun I visited, this was the most distinct. It's 'keyhole' shape stood-out at the base of the trees that covered the mound.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> To the rear of the site were signs giving details of the Kofun and a concrete monument. Parking my bike, I then set-off to explore. First by circumnavigating, then onto the mound itself (a bit disrespectful, if I say so myself). Standing at both ends of the mound I could more clearly distinguish the shape. Again, it is totally unknown who is interred in either of the Kofun, but it is known that they were created in the late 4th to early 5th century.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> It was now getting-on to midday, and I had been on the road for four hours, and I still had an hours ride before reaching home. As I hadn't had a bite-to-eat since leaving home, I decided this site was an ideal location to take-on some much needed sustenance.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> While doing this I took the opportunity to assess the day and view images taken along the way. My impression is that there is more history to be explored in Kyotanabe, along with it's scenic beauty.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Jaroslav, who operates a 'Facebook Page' on '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/japankofun/?fb_dtsg_ag=Adwmju-gE6ALk2R0ktaTRsP7DL1sAJJc0Ak3yoM6nlEiMQ%3AAdwdKTvyvol58450WJjPBh8s7L1ob72jz7CJ9Yc_7wNDbA" target="_blank">Japan Kofun</a>'. His invaluable assistance would not have made this post possible.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=Z2x_5TqVBrA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=Z2x_5TqVBrA</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/27238272" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/27238272</a></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com035 Tatarashingūmae, Kyōtanabe-shi, Kyōto-fu 610-0321, Japan34.798448903492577 135.7655699134816134.797633903492574 135.76430941348161 34.79926390349258 135.76683041348161tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-57984133186418444372018-08-22T12:05:00.000+09:002018-08-22T12:05:28.011+09:00The Shrines & Temples of Kyotanabe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Ikkyu-ji Temple.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Tsutsuki Palace Site.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Kyotanabe City was once the capitol of Japan, albeit briefly,during the reign of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Keitai" target="_blank">Emperor Keitai</a> (511-518). It's not a big city, covering an area of just under 43-square kilometers. Kyotanabe, like many other metropolitan areas of Japan, has it's fair share of history; like the site of the '<a href="https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://kyotana.be/object/detail/59&prev=search" target="_blank">Tsutsuki Palace</a>', and a collection of shrines & temples; some famous, like <a href="http://www.ikkyuji.org/en/" target="_blank">Ikkyu-ji Temple</a>, and some not-so-famous.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The idea for this post stemmed from my need to visit a bike-shop in the area, a 30-minute ride from home and, as the shop didn't open until 10:30am, I decided to leave early and do a tiki-tour of the area - namely the shrines & temples dotted-about rural Kyotanabe. Two of the sites I was familiar with, the others were first time experiences.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Some of the sites have important history attached to them, while others, location is their main attraction. With an outing like this, my main aim was to keep off the beaten-track as much as possible and stick to the narrow lanes & paths so common in rural Japan. </b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlSmhhyqwlY/W3kEdumV5yI/AAAAAAAAr8I/6PZLlxItUrwuqCrWKt1q8nueqAowKymGQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlSmhhyqwlY/W3kEdumV5yI/AAAAAAAAr8I/6PZLlxItUrwuqCrWKt1q8nueqAowKymGQCLcBGAs/s200/S1000001.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I was out the door and on my bike by 07:30am, so as to arrive home by midday and avoid the scorching heat. My destination was the settlement of Mizutori, one of three settlements located within the '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2013/03/kyotanabeonesugi-hiking-course_1.html" target="_blank">Kyotanabeonesugi Hiking Course</a>', an 8-kilometer circular walk that takes you through rural Kyotanabe.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> As I made my way my attention was distracted by the green rice-fields, still a month away from being fully grown and harvested. A scene I would witness throughout my tour.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Saiko-ji Temple.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Saiko-ji Temple (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/j6gFnMaq57x" target="_blank">map location</a>) isn't one of those religious sites one will find in a tourist guide, but it was it's location - tucked-within a narrow lane surrounded by houses, with rice-fields all about - that gave it it's appeal. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> The complex wasn't huge, about the size of a basketball court and, by standing in the center of the site, one is able to take-in the entire area. I was very impressed with how neat-&-tidy the site was, and the trees & shrubs nicely trimmed. In the above image is the main entrance and belfry. The structure, in the image on the right, has left me a bit confused; is it a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%8Dzuya" target="_blank">Chozuya</a>, or some other purification font? </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Moving on from Saiko-ji, my course took me off the road and onto a narrow sealed lane, and some pure rural Japanese scenery. It doesn't get more beautiful than in the above image, and it is so serene.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeWX6j8ZXBw/W3kPrFCrMBI/AAAAAAAAr9o/lrTO7786ZcAGNVtoDlGTBylpPb01smx1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180703_112141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeWX6j8ZXBw/W3kPrFCrMBI/AAAAAAAAr9o/lrTO7786ZcAGNVtoDlGTBylpPb01smx1wCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180703_112141.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> About six-weeks ago, whilst on one of my 'rambling bike-rides' in the area, I approached this junction. Looking into the trees on my left, I got the feeling there was something in here that may be of interest to me. About 100-meters in was the Chozuya, indication there may be a shrine in the vicinity.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I ventured further into the forest, passing a stone monument, when I reached this flight of steps and, up in the distance, was the distinct vermilion-colored Torii.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shiroyamadaimyoji-jinja.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shiroyamadaimyoji-jinja (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1dYYX1qvjC42" target="_blank">map location</a>) is located in the settlement of Fugenji. It's nothing spectacular, as shrines go, but again, it's the location that gives the site it's appeal. Which is why I included it in this post.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Just along the lane from Shiroyamadaimyoji-jinja I passed-through a cluster of houses and, as I did so, my attention was drawn to these lovely orange-colored flowers, prompting me to stop and take this photo of them. Set against the white backdrop of the building, I thought I did well.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was now about to enter rice-growing territory and, with the rice just weeks away from harvest, this is a sight-to-behold. I arrive at a junction where a narrow lane leads me to my next two religious sites - Omido Kannon-ji Temple & Chigi-jinja Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fat1rJSGCZ12" target="_blank">map location </a>).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Twice a year this complex is a sea of color. Sometime during May (Spring),when the Sakura are in full bloom, many come here to celebrate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami" target="_blank">Hanami</a>. Then, in October/November, it's the Autumn colors that attract the visitors. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Omido Kannon-ji Temple.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I lean my bike up-against a lamp-post, and wander down this tree-lined avenue to the main temple. </b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Built in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asuka_period" target="_blank">Asuka Period</a> (AD 538-710), Kannon-ji was, until the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muromachi_period" target="_blank">Muromachi Period</a> (AD 1336-1573), one of many buildings that made up a large Buddhist Temple.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The temple is home to the eleven-faced figure of <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/kannon.shtml" target="_blank">Kannon</a>. Made with wood-core and dry lacquer, the statue was created during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_period" target="_blank">Nara Period</a> (AD 710-794) and is designated a 'National Treasure'. If you inquire at the priests house, you might be fortunate to be guided to a small hall where the statue is housed. Although there is no admission fee, it would be polite to purchase a souvenir to provide protection of this priceless image.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The temple exudes an atmosphere of serenity and beauty, and I was fortunate to have had the place to myself. The temple is partly-surrounded by a moat, with a large pond off to one side. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> In a corner of the complex, partly hidden by trees, is a concrete Torii, with a flight of steps leading to Chigi-jinja Shrine.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Chigi-jinja.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The shrine is totally enveloped by trees and covers an area about the size of a basketball quart. It's a combination of the old and the new. The old, I would hazard-a-guess, dates back several centuries, with the new being only recently constructed.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shibayama-jinja.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Shibayama-jinja (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2EeCGhGwzNk" target="_blank">map location</a>) took some careful navigating, and patience, to reach, and I am sure I passed the entrance more than once.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Again, location was the main attraction here - nestled amid a bamboo forest - with all facilities sited within a small area. The shrine was located inside a fenced-off enclosure, with barbed-wire to prevent intruders.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I did find this collection of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ema_(Shinto)" target="_blank">Ema</a>, or small wooden plaques quite impressive. These are a common sight at Shinto Shrines & Buddhist Temples.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_d0tF5lBBwM/W3pE28n0uvI/AAAAAAAAsDI/W76SRWQkOwEY1901IMqia53bhMEmDDfIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_092908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1040" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_d0tF5lBBwM/W3pE28n0uvI/AAAAAAAAsDI/W76SRWQkOwEY1901IMqia53bhMEmDDfIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180819_092908.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Saga-jinja Shrine.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Saga-jinja has an ancient history. Re-built in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azuchi%E2%80%93Momoyama_period" target="_blank">Azuchi-Momoyama Period</a> (AD 1573-1600) it's main hall is designated a 'National Cultural Asset'.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkUhxqvqbtY/W3pFgQl-2nI/AAAAAAAAsDQ/e6J6r4Rkc3sEn-KDrIzlyaz4zciedYLkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180816_094158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkUhxqvqbtY/W3pFgQl-2nI/AAAAAAAAsDQ/e6J6r4Rkc3sEn-KDrIzlyaz4zciedYLkACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180816_094158.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> After passing through the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii#Ry%C5%8Dbu_torii" target="_blank">Ryobu Torii</a> - distinctive with it's four supporting posts - the main complex is up two flights of steps; I didn't realize until after my visit, that there is an access lane & car-park.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl7tMoXlX3M/W3pH6BOC8PI/AAAAAAAAsDg/LLJwLoSNhkUf2VC04X3ufxV9fD1MMkRkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/S1000033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl7tMoXlX3M/W3pH6BOC8PI/AAAAAAAAsDg/LLJwLoSNhkUf2VC04X3ufxV9fD1MMkRkQCEwYBhgL/s200/S1000033.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Saga-jinja is the largest site of today's outing. In the courtyard is another Torii and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsumatsusha" target="_blank">Setsumatsusha</a> - small auxiliary shrine - next to a shelter. Plus the Chozuya and a collection of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dr%C5%8D" target="_blank">Toro</a> - stone lanterns. In an enclosed area, behind the main building, are a collection of shrines and, to view or photograph them, one has to peek over the wall.</b><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtk3aHPEhGY/W3pLK2FHJGI/AAAAAAAAsDs/gESaWoTyL2cjviwoy5Mz38TIgxe09CNRgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtk3aHPEhGY/W3pLK2FHJGI/AAAAAAAAsDs/gESaWoTyL2cjviwoy5Mz38TIgxe09CNRgCLcBGAs/s320/S1000036.jpg" width="180" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDCC2Xy6vQ/W3pLyaUgEMI/AAAAAAAAsD4/R8sxFRWAz3kXlmnY8D4fGu-KHhK5q9vdgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDCC2Xy6vQ/W3pLyaUgEMI/AAAAAAAAsD4/R8sxFRWAz3kXlmnY8D4fGu-KHhK5q9vdgCLcBGAs/s320/S1000037.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Re-mounting my bike, my route took me through this avenue of trees and onto my next site . . . .</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72XxV7d51N4/W3pM60DZmrI/AAAAAAAAsEE/40yrOtPPssMOwTpwWnCvW_twFWyRq_jTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_093853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1365" height="130" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72XxV7d51N4/W3pM60DZmrI/AAAAAAAAsEE/40yrOtPPssMOwTpwWnCvW_twFWyRq_jTgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180819_093853.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shofuku-ji Temple.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> . . . . Shofuku-ji Temple (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/oAWTGQsPbgD2" target="_blank">map location</a>). On my way here I passed a cemetery and I got the impression that the two were connected, so, not wanting to be intrusive, I had a quick look around.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weefY-a5hU8/W3pOdD6VWmI/AAAAAAAAsEQ/d_NW7YrL634_ERkpcq5pTHTPJzNzf9J7gCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weefY-a5hU8/W3pOdD6VWmI/AAAAAAAAsEQ/d_NW7YrL634_ERkpcq5pTHTPJzNzf9J7gCLcBGAs/s320/S1000039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> As-soon-as I entered the complex, through this gate, I was impressed with the variety of color. Upon entering I was greeted with a small garden and this lovely pink-colored tree. In another corner was a tree that gave me the impression it was early Autumn. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiVowU3X3cc/W3pSwL3aohI/AAAAAAAAsEo/L6sTGP84hEEAGRumUlI5k1vodG8NFN6IgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiVowU3X3cc/W3pSwL3aohI/AAAAAAAAsEo/L6sTGP84hEEAGRumUlI5k1vodG8NFN6IgCLcBGAs/s320/S1000045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Hakusan Shrine.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After cycling through the settlement of Miyazu, I arrive at the penultimate religious site of the day - Hakusan Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/LsFRZvdi8i52" target="_blank">map location</a>). The shrine has three historically interesting points - it is the oldest shrine building in Kyotanabe, the shrine is of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muromachi_period" target="_blank">Muromachi Era</a> (AD 1336-1573) architectural style and has been designated an 'Important Cultural Asset'.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSD5VZW2_Q4/W3pWOpPAa7I/AAAAAAAAsE0/Ab0qCrf76cI8xQty6hPT66zvB6L6nXOhQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSD5VZW2_Q4/W3pWOpPAa7I/AAAAAAAAsE0/Ab0qCrf76cI8xQty6hPT66zvB6L6nXOhQCLcBGAs/s200/S1000046.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Dotted throughout the grounds are a collection of miniature shrine-like structures, along with several concrete lanterns. The complex has seen better days but, as seen on the map link, the view is what gives this shrine it's appeal - overlooking fields of rice.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDJmX1cx9hQ/W3pYJbBEguI/AAAAAAAAsFI/Y3RfPatOJ44dApQBoNa7LOIAA05JjBZgwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDJmX1cx9hQ/W3pYJbBEguI/AAAAAAAAsFI/Y3RfPatOJ44dApQBoNa7LOIAA05JjBZgwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> It was now time to head to the final site of the day, which required me to partly backtrack. Trying to avoid this as much as I could, I continued on from Hakusan along a dirt track, through this orchard, and onto a busy sealed road. I then changed-onto a narrow lane.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8tPSKm8w0w/W3pZ7op6zuI/AAAAAAAAsFU/KbIYy1J0OcgUOQDvmKUpTjFuu-se0JBJgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8tPSKm8w0w/W3pZ7op6zuI/AAAAAAAAsFU/KbIYy1J0OcgUOQDvmKUpTjFuu-se0JBJgCLcBGAs/s400/S1000053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sakaya-jinja Shrine.</b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Q7jlHYBN4/W3pdSmX3dfI/AAAAAAAAsFg/XTlGJt9ufYg5_alcBwBNa-t5gSLXjg_UwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1600" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Q7jlHYBN4/W3pdSmX3dfI/AAAAAAAAsFg/XTlGJt9ufYg5_alcBwBNa-t5gSLXjg_UwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I soon arrived at a junction, and was greeted by these two large concrete lanterns. The path lead along an avenue of trees, passing more lanterns along the way and, as I reached the top, in front of me was - Sakaya-jinja (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7Lbhs6YY7uP2" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> The shrine's established date is still unknown to this day, however, according to the shrines history, it is said the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Jing%C5%AB" target="_blank">Empress Consort Jingu</a> (AD 169-269) left <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake" target="_blank">Sake</a> barrels here as an offering to the gods before departing on an expedition to the Korean Peninsula. Today many people visit the shrine to worship the Gods of Sake.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHV3Jzsupg/W3phQ32fquI/AAAAAAAAsFs/pGXkxcCTcNUQOyf4K1mgJRYa4EphEKhJQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1288" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHV3Jzsupg/W3phQ32fquI/AAAAAAAAsFs/pGXkxcCTcNUQOyf4K1mgJRYa4EphEKhJQCLcBGAs/s200/S1000054.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yj_66jtyGc/W3piuC5mYZI/AAAAAAAAsF8/8ICBKNH-WP8VxWgtMWpHGUkD42-HuCevQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1600" height="97" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yj_66jtyGc/W3piuC5mYZI/AAAAAAAAsF8/8ICBKNH-WP8VxWgtMWpHGUkD42-HuCevQCLcBGAs/s200/S1000056.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> As I entered the complex I was about to purify my hands at the Chozuya (the first time today) but, as luck would have it, there was no running-water. So I proceeded towards the main building, passing a collection of Ema and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-mikuji" target="_blank">O-mikuji</a>.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> The main building is a magnificent wooden structure and, unfortunately, is enclosed within another confine. As I wondered-about the perimeter of the enclosure, I found myself in a large park-like area.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Looking around I espied this concrete Torii and several small Setsumatsusha, or auxiliary shrines, plus more concrete lanterns.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> In one corner of the park, partly camouflaged by trees, was a path. Eager to see where it lead, I entered the forest and discovered some steps and, atop, a wooden Torii. And another shrine. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Upon arrival, I took a peek into the shrine and noticed the two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsune" target="_blank">Kitsune</a>, indicating that this may be an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inari_%C5%8Ckami" target="_blank">Inari Okami Jinja</a>. This is where people may come to worship 'The Gods of Sake'.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> By now, after about four hours of checking-out nine different religious sites, I was feeling a bit 'shrined-out' (a personal description) and ready to return home. But there was one more surprise in store for me. As I was making my way back to my bike, I noticed another track leading into the forest. "Why not, one more won't do any harm" I thought. About a hundred meters in, almost camouflaged by bamboo, was this small structure. How quaint but, for what purpose, I have no idea. No doubt it was connected with Sakaya-jinja. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Before mounting my bike, and returning home, I couldn't resist the temptation for a photo-opp' and, where better, than among the green foliage with the Torii & Chozuya in the foreground. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> During my research for this post, I discovered other historical sites in-and-about Kyotanabe City. As I live just 30-minutes from the area, I think a return visit may be on the cards. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">So, until next time - </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"></b> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Map & course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/26861511" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/26861511</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fUZsJ9CKmM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fUZsJ9CKmM</a> </b></span><br />
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan34.8144589 135.767694734.7101524 135.6063332 34.9187654 135.9290562tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-80244012884987587342018-07-30T13:55:00.000+09:002018-07-30T13:55:34.653+09:00Early Morning Ride Through Outback Kyoto.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Summer of 2018 will go down in Japanese history as being the severest on record, with temperatures being recorded in the high 30'sC - to - low 40'sC. To avoid problems associated with this heat, avid cyclists like myself have to either put-aside any plans for a ride, shorten their rides or head-out early to be home before the temperature reaches it's peak. As it's been some time since my last marathon bike-ride, which has left me chafing-at-the-bit to rectify, I decided on an early morning wake-up and ride.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> When I said 'early morning', I mean early morning. 2am to be exact. I have done these rides in the past, and they are great. Cycling in the dark can be dangerous, but, with the dawn appearing about 04:30am, it's not for long. I had devised a route that would take me through Kyoto City, along the Kamogawa River to it's source at the settlement of Kamogahara, then over the Mochikoshi-toge Pass to the settlement of Nakagawa, returning to Kyoto City along the old <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D_(road)" target="_blank">Tokaido Road</a>. After a breakfast of bananas and muesli, washed-down with warm water, I was out the door at 03:15am. Without waking my wife. I hope.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I made a beeline for the Yodogawa River Cycleway and then on to the Yawata-ohashi Bridge where, to my amazement, were a group of teenage cyclists waiting to head-off on a ride. From here I connected with the Katsuragawa River Cycleway that would take me into Kyoto City. By the time I reached the outskirts of the city, the dawn was already showing itself through light cloud. Much to my joy.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I reached my first rest-stop at Demachiyanagi, at the confluence of the Kamo and Togano Rivers, and had the first of four bananas. It was 05:20am and by now it was full daylight. I spent a couple of minutes setting-up my G.P.S. so as to record the trip and, without much ado, I was off. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The route from Demachiyanage is a gradual climb and, 30-minutes after leaving, I was working-up a sweat. So, when I happened-across this fresh water spring, I had no hesitation but to stop and fill-up, and take a short break. My bike has three drink-bottle holders, and for this trip I loaded all three just in case there was no water supply along the way.In situations like this, whenever I encounter a water supply, I top-up my bottles.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As I made my way up the valley, evidence of the recent typhoon & heavy rain was evident, with several very large landslides on both sides of the Kamogawa River. Throughout I was worrying if I would come-across a roadblock preventing me from proceeding but, in true Japanese style, the work crews had already been in and cleared the road. My next stop was at the Deaibashi Bridge, at the confluence of the Kamogawa & Nakatsugawa Rivers. To this point I hadn't encountered another soul. It was eerie, and very quiet.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Further up, passing several houses, and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, I got my first glimpse of the Mochikoshi-toge Pass, partially camouflaged by cloud. Before I made my ascent of the pass, I continued on up the valley to another area of Kumogahata, that is very picturesque. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It is at this juncture where the Kamogawa River nears it's source. There are a couple of hotels (not sure if they still operate) and an eatery and a shrine.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Returning back down the valley I took another break to prepare for the ascent up to the summit of the pass. I still hadn't, to this point, encountered another person, but that was about to change. During the course of my ascent, I was overtaken by two vehicles, both, it appeared, maintenance crew checking-out the road.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Although the ascent is short-and-steep (about 1km), it still takes the wind out of me. As I was setting-up my camera to take this shot, I could hear the sound of music nearby. Then another cyclists suddenly appeared, with a transistor radio blaring for all to hear. Thanks mate.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>On a clear day the view from the pass can be spectacular, as one looks down over the settlement of Kumogahata and the valley beyond, with the hills enveloping the area. This-mornings view was still spectacular, albeit in a misty sort of way. The sun was trying it's best to break through the cloud and commence it's heating-up of those below. It was still only 06:20am and, at this altitude, a little chilly.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After another couple of bananas, while I posted the above image to my wife's '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_(software)" target="_blank">Line</a>' page who, I assume, was having her breakfast and preparing herself for work, I made my descent and onto my next destination - the settlement of Nakagawa.</b></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The descent from the pass, route-107, is very windy in places, and can be dangerous if you aren't concentrating, especially if you encounter a vehicle coming the other way. Once reaching the junction with route-31, at the settlement of Sugisaka, a right turn here took me to route-162, the Kyoto to Obama National Highway.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A narrow lane branches off route-162, just before a new tunnel, constructed about 10-years ago to detour traffic from passing through the settlement of Nakagawa. Nakagawa is a quaint town, comprising of several wood-working factories & stores. With the cedar forest surrounding the settlement, it is understandable why this is so.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I made my way down the main street, my attention was drawn to this concrete lantern and, behind it,a shrine. This is Nakagawahachimangu Shrine. But not the one I was on the look-out for.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The site I was looking for was nestled-amid the surrounding forest, well off the main street. Access to Soren-ji Temple (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NqsVWjoRDtF2" target="_blank">map location</a>) was via this very narrow lane where, at times, I needed to dismount my bike and carry it up several flights of steps. But, as I made my way, I was treated to some fine views overlooking the settlement.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The houses here are build within close proximity to each other and, judging by the peacefulness of the area, I can't imagine any rowdy neighbours surviving here for very long. But, there again, it was still early morning - 06:45am.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My narrow lane soon merged with an access drive then, as I turned a bend, the entrance to Soren-ji Temple. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This temple was founded at the end of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muromachi_period" target="_blank">Muromachi Period</a>, after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cnin_War" target="_blank">Onin War</a> (1477). The temple belongs to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Ddo-sh%C5%AB" target="_blank">Jodo Sect</a>, and has been beloved by villagers for generations as their parish temple.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I made my way up the concrete steps to the main entrance, I got this feeling I was about to experience something very beautiful and serene, a feeling I always experience when visiting a complex of this type. But Soren-ji felt different.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I entered through the main gate I was greeted by a small pond and the very distinct sound of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shishi-odoshi" target="_blank">Shishi-odoshi</a>, or bamboo water feature, as it tapped onto a rock. It's interesting that the purpose of these devices is to frighten-away animals. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It wasn't a very large pond, as ponds go, about the size of a full-size snooker table. The pond was adorned with several small religious icons, the most distinctive being one of <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/fudo.html" target="_blank">Fudo</a>, the God of Waterfalls. Albeit there being no waterfalls in sight. The pond was home to several large Carp.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Scanning the surroundings, I noticed that this wasn't a large complex, everything was sited within close proximity or, as we say back home, a stone's throw from each other. To my left was another flight of concrete steps that took me to . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> . . . . . this small shrine. Like all the other buildings here, it too was camouflaged by the forest.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> At the entrance to the shrine I was able to look back down to the pond and other buildings. The temple is known as the "Flower Temple", with Mountain Cherries in Spring, as well as Rhododendrons, Calanthe flowers, and Japanese primrose blooming in the garden.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> To my left of the shrine were three avenues of small shed-like structures each containing a collection of various religious icons.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here I returned to ground level and continued my wandering. Looking up to where I had just come from, I spotted the Belfry, it too hidden by the trees. This experience was getting better-and-better as my exploration proceeded, and it wasn't over yet. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Behind where I was standing was another gate that led down another flight of concrete steps to, what I was to discover, the lane I had cycled along earlier.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> At the base was a small <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%8Dzuya" target="_blank">Chozuya</a>, or purification fountain. Nestled in amid the trees was a small shelter, which was my cue for where to have my next break.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> With this thought in mind, I returned through the complex to where I parked my bike, and made for the shelter and an intake of sustenance. In this instance Onigeri, or Rice-Balls. </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I wasn't alone though. Nearby was this small statue of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebisu_(mythology)" target="_blank">Ebisu</a>, one of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Lucky_Gods" target="_blank">Seven Gods of Fortune</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From Soren-ji my lane soon connected with the Bodai Road, which was once the only route leading to the capital during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period" target="_blank">Heian Period</a> (794-1185), and my next stop . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> . . . . the appropriately named, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/EDaoRvKsBMo" target="_blank">Bodai-no Taki Waterfalls</a>. The fine sand at the basin beneath the falls was used to finely polish debarked Kitayama logs.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> An interesting story goes that a high-ranking priest once fell ill on a journey here. He said "If you sell your Cedar logs polished with sand from the Bodai falls basin, the area will prosper". So, from then on, the area began to produce polished logs, and the priest is considered the founder of the famous Kitayama polished log industry. </b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> After leaning my bike against a road-barrier, I set-off down the path. Like my earlier experience, the area was showing signs of the recent storms and, as I made my way, I had to weave my way over fallen branches and, at one point, wading through the stream.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> On a previous visit to the waterfalls, on a very hot day, the water looked so tempting, I decided to cool-down in it. Stripping-off all my clothes, I waded-into the pool and, to my horror, a medium size snake swam past me. From where I was standing, to where I landed, took me the best part of 1-second. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Returning to my bike, I continued along the Bodai Road, weaving my way around the fallen debris that was littering my route. My sealed lane soon became an unsealed path, which soon deteriorated to become a rutted track, which required me to carry my bike. A couple-of-hundred meters along I arrived at this junction. It is at this point where the 'Tokaido Road' and tracks associated with the '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-kyoto-trail.html" target="_blank">Kyoto Trail</a>', a 70+km trail that partly circumnavigates Kyoto City, converge.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> If I thought the previous section was difficult, the next was worse. My path was only about 1-meter wide, with a deep rut in the middle, leaving me with a 200mm path on each side to navigate. And, to add to my woes, there were steps to contend with. But it was only a short stint. My path soon emerged at this collection of buildings, where some very kind person(s) had erected several benches. Just what I needed - another break, another rice-ball, more water. It was hard to believe, while sitting here, that Kyoto City was just on the other side of the hills and, within 15-minutes, I would return to a city that was still waking-up. 07:50am. Ten kilometers after leaving my serene rest-stop, I had arrived back at the start-point, Demachiyanage.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As always, it has been a pleasure sharing my experiences with you, and thank-you for reading my blog.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Trip details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/25965333" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/25965333</a> </b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Kita-ku, 国道162号線35.107103891417346 135.6849615729879635.094111891417349 135.66479157298795 35.120095891417343 135.70513157298797tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-10021507644995397412018-05-30T19:18:00.000+09:002018-05-30T19:18:40.259+09:00No plan, getting lost in Hino-no Satoyama.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4zw5-5Jkio/Wwjrv9FBZUI/AAAAAAAApaU/NrKnJGfK_HcRFpIewzqpaP6_dfFsE5BjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180307_090438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4zw5-5Jkio/Wwjrv9FBZUI/AAAAAAAApaU/NrKnJGfK_HcRFpIewzqpaP6_dfFsE5BjACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180307_090438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It was this noticeboard that alerted me to the area known as Hino-no Satoyama, and, since that day three months ago, I have ventured into the area some seven times. Three of those times were a reconnaissance expedition, two were a planned hike, and once when I was invited to join the couple responsible for erecting the noticeboard.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzvITkQ31W0/Wwju0ZBXu6I/AAAAAAAApas/iciryKU35XoscIPhbr9TB3sin5NuVRR1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180221_085915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzvITkQ31W0/Wwju0ZBXu6I/AAAAAAAApas/iciryKU35XoscIPhbr9TB3sin5NuVRR1wCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180221_085915.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The options available are quite extensive, as can be seen in this map. Some of the tracks are well marked and beaten, others, like the ones I experienced with the couple I joined, are almost nonexistent, where an amount of patience is required.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This 'No Plan - Getting Lost' outing was an opportunity for me to check-out some of the tracks not covered on my previous trips, and hopefully see some sights I had also missed. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My starting-point was an athletic park (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2dHusqMNvVM2" target="_blank">map location</a>), where a junction of three tracks converged. One of which I had taken on my first hike. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Little did I know, when I set-off, that I would return to this point 2-hours later, albeit by the (almost) same route. Which left me with the third track to take. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>With these types of outings you can never be sure what you will experience. In some instances I have found myself returning and spending up to a year exploring the many tracks that area. Then there is the scenery, and hazards, as can be seen in the above images.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxr6zaWcWg/WwvXVBG1zUI/AAAAAAAApcc/_S6atPyoAugV6XPQ_qrZechJ6eTjimPaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180525_081506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxr6zaWcWg/WwvXVBG1zUI/AAAAAAAApcc/_S6atPyoAugV6XPQ_qrZechJ6eTjimPaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180525_081506.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> According to my map, the track I took had the promise of a waterfall so, after crossing a small stream, I headed-into the bush. For the first few hundred meters my track was well defined, and followed the stream I had just crossed. I reached this waterfall and felt confident I was on course. But that was soon to change. Either I veered off course, or the track became non-existent, so, from this point, I was on-my-own and decided to press-on and continue uphill to, what I hoped, would be the main track at the plateau of the hills.</b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiGBtJwwsms/WwvblD7HwhI/AAAAAAAApco/T5P5JQM-jlgHvKXld4wwyw67oUHqKU7wgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180525_085528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiGBtJwwsms/WwvblD7HwhI/AAAAAAAApco/T5P5JQM-jlgHvKXld4wwyw67oUHqKU7wgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180525_085528.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I made my way up the hill the calling of a wild deer caught my attention and I decided to see if I could catch a glimpse of the animal. But to no avail. So it was back to my ascent. By now I was working-up a sweat and needed to find a spot to take-a-break and store my jacket. I was relieved when I stumbled across this outcrop of rocks. While I was taking on some well deserved water, I took the opportunity to check my map to see if I could ascertain my location, which wasn't easy - my map is only lines drawn on a sheet of paper and has no contour lines. But, little did I know, the plateau and main track were just a few meters from where I was sitting and, to my delight, when I emerged, there was a sign pointing me in the direction from where I had just come from. So I wasn't lost.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> To confirm where I was, a small sign directed me to (Mt)Hinoyama (373m), and my third visit to this site. I knew that on the other side of the summit was a junction which would lead me to my first descent of the day, to the settlement of Sumiyama (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/JixknaZrMUL2" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqpLnmQMJ84/WwviCFHraPI/AAAAAAAApdA/PJbb2wg3u_ET6hvS-p1uPx8Pfse_XWTgQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180525_093145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqpLnmQMJ84/WwviCFHraPI/AAAAAAAApdA/PJbb2wg3u_ET6hvS-p1uPx8Pfse_XWTgQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180525_093145.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have an envy for those that live in these settlements. With only the one road in and out, there isn't much transport passing through, plus there is the serenity and beauty that surrounds you.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdBykoHRBA/WwvjiLuBT8I/AAAAAAAApdM/r7Hey7170aEnVD9wTdqc-A5T7G1FJhCsgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180525_093443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdBykoHRBA/WwvjiLuBT8I/AAAAAAAApdM/r7Hey7170aEnVD9wTdqc-A5T7G1FJhCsgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180525_093443.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> In preparation for this hike, I did a reconnaissance bike-ride into the valley the week before, to check there was a track up the hill. My map didn't show any tracks on this side of the hills, so I needed to be sure, that way I wouldn't be wandering up-and-down the lane looking for something that was quite possibly not there.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> If this track was the one I thought it was, I would arrive at the junction of the Yuurei-touge Pass, and from there to my next destination. Wherever that was. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8spS-rxsPKE/WwvlWeECHOI/AAAAAAAApdY/KXY9NzfbNHAJloAjXkjUBW2c-1hRwV2NwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180525_094120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8spS-rxsPKE/WwvlWeECHOI/AAAAAAAApdY/KXY9NzfbNHAJloAjXkjUBW2c-1hRwV2NwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180525_094120.jpg" width="150" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>From where I was standing the track looked steep, so I braced myself for a tough climb, and the day was beginning to heat-up. A few minutes in and I would (literally) stumble-across this collection of small religious icons. Always on the lookout for these, I was impressed with their location plus, on closer inspection, one of them resembled 'Fudo, the God of Waterfalls' (bottom left corner, image on the right).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was pleasantly surprised when my track began to level-out but, also at this stage, the track & markings petered-out and I was left scratching my head, again.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I proceeded on up when, like my earlier ascent, I arrived at the plateau. A couple-of-hundred meters along I arrived at this junction, and the Yuurie-touge Pass. It was during the war, when the American bombers were bombing-the-hell out of Osaka & Kobe, the Japanese Defense Forces erected a searchlight at this location.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To the left I would return to (Mt)Hinoyama, to my right, Kami-Daigo Temple. I went straight ahead. If my map information was correct, I would return to where I commenced my hike. Which it did but, much to my consternation, it connected with the track I hiked-up at the beginning of the day.</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was now time to take the third track, and to see where it led me to. Little did I know, at that point, that this track would merge with the first track and back into familiar terrain. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I knew up ahead was this building, with many <a href="http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/s/sekibutsu.htm" target="_blank">Sekibutsu</a> located nearby. It would also make an ideal site for a lunch-break, and a rest. With all the bush-bashing and climbing & descending, I was beginning to tire. Or, more precisely, I was showing my age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> On my first visit here, I was overwhelmed by what I was confronted with and, to this day, I still haven't been able to gather any information as to the name and reason of the location.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> During the course of my rest here, I decided to take a more thorough look around and, in a secluded corner of the site, obscured behind a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsumatsusha" target="_blank">Setsumatsusha</a> (small shrine), was this collection of Fudo Statues. In a gap in the rock was a small stream of water flowing-into a concrete bowl. Someone had kindly placed a mug there which was my cue to refresh my thirst and, let me tell you, it was refreshing & pure. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> During my lunch-break I perused my map for my next destination - do I go on ahead into familiar territory, or do I look for another track, one that I hadn't used before? On my way to this point I remember espying, what I thought was, another track (actually I noticed a couple). So I decided to u-turn and head back down towards where I had just come from. Five minutes along I reached the junction and proceeded in my new direction. A little further along was this fallen tree, with a large fungi attached, that lay over the track. Just around the corner from this tree was another junction, and a familiar site . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Nine days ago, while hiking in the area with my hosts, we passed this site from the other direction. The rock was enormous, and I was informed that locals worshiped here, as the rock was considered to have had some connection with a God. The building was constructed as a shrine, which has become dilapidated over the years. But, judging by the many empty <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dch%C5%AB" target="_blank">shochu</a> bottles lying-about, I got the impression the site was still frequented.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> From this point my hosts followed the stream that meandered through the valley and, eventually, leading us back into civilization. Although it was still quite early - it was only 12:30pm - I was beginning to tire, and so I decided to call-it-a-day.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Footnote:</u></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my hosts, Toshiyuki & Noriko Sawai, for giving me a guided tour through these hills and enlightening me on the history and beauty that lies within Hino-no Satoyama.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Toshiyuki & Noriko have lived here all their lives and know the area like the back of their hands, and have frequented the area many times, guiding others like myself. Domoarigatoogozaimasu.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> In 1592 construction began on, what was to become, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Castle" target="_blank">Momoyama-jo</a>. The castle was being build for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi" target="_blank">Toyotomi Hideyoshi</a> who, just the previous year, had retired from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sessh%C5%8D_and_Kampaku" target="_blank">Regency</a>. Some 20,000-to-30,000 workers were provided, from twenty provinces, to construct the castle. The rocks required for the foundation were gathered in this area and, to this day, evidence of their labors can still be seen. What amazed me, and to put this into perspective, is that back then, they didn't have the convenience of heavy machinery to assist them. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As always, thank-you for reading this post, and I look forward to sharing my next experience with you. So, until then,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23511031" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23511031</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=VJF6gevvx0Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=VJF6gevvx0Y</a></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Bessho-20 Sumiyama, Uji-shi, Kyōto-fu 601-1395, Japan34.935244515473322 135.8303206226502834.922227015473325 135.81015062265027 34.948262015473318 135.85049062265028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-173601941431266982018-04-22T20:02:00.001+09:002018-04-22T20:02:18.298+09:00Ushiozanhougon Temple and Beyond - Rokujozo Loop.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>When I was planning my previous excursion in this series (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/03/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-oiwake.html" target="_blank">Oiwake Station to Rokujizo Station</a>), my intention was to hike through to (Mt)Daigoyama, and descend via the Upper Daigoji Temple. But, when I reached the junction of route-782 and the Daigoyama track, I decided to forgo the summit & temple and make a beeline for Rokujizo Station, with the hope I could return and continue my hike through at a later date.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, w</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>hen on a cycling excursion into the area, I discovered this noticeboard with a map of hiking trails in the area. The map wasn't very descriptive, but it was extensive. But it still didn't give me the confidence that I could link-up with Daigoyama and route-782. The only way I could know for sure, was to attempt the link from the other end of the mountain range and, in early April, I did just that. With success.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>An hour after setting-off from Rokujizo Station, I arrived at the completion point of my last hike in this series, and grateful it wasn't hot; the hill-climb was steep and very rugged in places. This small shed, with a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setsumatsusha" target="_blank">Setsumatsusha</a> on the inside, and religious icons on the outside, heralded my arrival.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After a brief break, while I caught my breath, I was keen to be on my way. After a short climb, the track leveled out and, before I knew it, I had arrived at Kami-Daigo, or the upper part of the Daigo-ji complex. This is an enormous complex and requires the best part of a day to explore the many temples, shrines and monuments that adorn the area.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I had already spent the best part of a day exploring the site - about 10-years ago, if my memory serves me well - I took a few images and continued on. As it was just over a week ago when I passed-through here, I needed to remind myself that any interesting sights I experienced then, were now in reverse order, and I also needed to be aware of the many junctions I would encounter.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> About 15-minutes on from Kami-Daigo I encountered this set of steps, as I was doing good time, and my curiosity got the better of me, I decided to check-it-out.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> With the many tombstones that were scattered-about, I would hazard-a-guess I had arrived at a cemetery. As I have respect for privacy, I didn't encroach by taking any photos, but I couldn't help but admire this monument, especially with the colorful Spring foliage that was abound.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ-fJ9Y3lRw/WtnFUfDL3TI/AAAAAAAAoPY/HiXDAqOgDaEFluhZUPH5eYHarQMVj_fwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_093225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ-fJ9Y3lRw/WtnFUfDL3TI/AAAAAAAAoPY/HiXDAqOgDaEFluhZUPH5eYHarQMVj_fwQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180420_093225.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Back to the track, and on my way, I was soon to arrive at something that has left me scratching-my-head. At the next junction I observed this tunnel, presumably to allow the stream water to flow through. The bank looked man-made. What was the purpose for this construction? It beats me. Maybe someone with knowledge of this area can shed some light on it. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Although it was still quite early, it was just after 9:30am, it had been more than four hours since I had had breakfast, so I was looking for a spot to take-a-break and have a bite-to-eat. And I knew the ideal location - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> There is nothing like a good view when relaxing over lunch. And this has to be one of the best locations for just that. My lunch-spot was a crag of rocks that just seemed to pop-out of nowhere. In the center of my view, sitting atop a hill, was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Castle" target="_blank">Fushimi-Momoyama Castle</a>, with the sprawling suburbs of Kyoto City.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Lunch over and done with, I headed-off to my next destination - (Mt)Hinoyama 373m. A junction offered me the alternative to bypass the summit, or a direct route. Needless-to-say what option I took. There was no view to be had, but I was impressed with the pyramid of rocks and the many signs detailing the mountains name and height, five in all.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Leaving the summit I was now on the look-out for a junction that I didn't want to miss. As I mentioned earlier, I was doing this hike in reverse order from last week. The reasons will soon become obvious.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> From the junction I would leave the main track and descend, then re-ascend via another track and return to this point. 300m on from Hinoyama, I arrived and commenced my detour.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> A few minutes into my descent I came-across this site. Although the building looked unobtrusive, it was the sight of all the religious icons, hundreds of them, that surrounded the complex, that was of interest to me. This discovery confirms my suspicions that the area is part of a pilgrimage.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbtkFb23EI/WtrR0acGhuI/AAAAAAAAoSE/8Kzn4XwivjMwjLnOZOv8QQH1HbJ5voghQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180412_093829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbtkFb23EI/WtrR0acGhuI/AAAAAAAAoSE/8Kzn4XwivjMwjLnOZOv8QQH1HbJ5voghQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180412_093829.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> My next junction was unexpected so, being left-handed, I took the left track. </b><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">A few hundred meters further on, and another site that has left me scratching my head. Just down a bank, sheltered by an enormous rock, was this derelict building. Upon closer inspection this, at one stage, may have been a shrine, and the rock had something to do with it. Inside there was evidence of Shinto decorations, along with other discarded rubbish, although a quick tour around the rock unearthed nothing out-of-the-ordinary. One day I may be in the right place at the right time, and meet that someone with local knowledge. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> My next encounter was this Buddhist statue, and again another episode of interest. Why here, in the middle of nowhere? There was nothing else about. By this time I was really hoping I would meet that someone.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> In the coming minutes, the answer to that question might be found, when I emerged onto a sealed lane, with a few houses camouflaged by the overhanging forest. Maybe there was a cemetery close by. The sealed lane only lasted a few meters before I re-entered the forest and onto my next point-of-interest. </b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q3yFNsam3U/WtsY55NmGZI/AAAAAAAAoTo/p1vRVRdQU6Il5QmVOJeVaKyFTboDk8GDQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180412_100048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q3yFNsam3U/WtsY55NmGZI/AAAAAAAAoTo/p1vRVRdQU6Il5QmVOJeVaKyFTboDk8GDQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180412_100048.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE_rYwa-t3Q/WtrV8bdk_aI/AAAAAAAAoSQ/coZIJUpbWzEN-Rx_lapxeOXLf1LVJhXNQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180412_095928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE_rYwa-t3Q/WtrV8bdk_aI/AAAAAAAAoSQ/coZIJUpbWzEN-Rx_lapxeOXLf1LVJhXNQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180412_095928.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> In the early 13th century, a Japanese author, poet & essayist, by the name of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamo_no_Ch%C5%8Dmei" target="_blank">Kamo no Chomei</a>, lived a life of a recluse on the site where these monuments now stand. He lived in a small hut, sometimes composing poetry, for the best part of five years, before his death in 1216. Kamo no Chomei was raised in the courts of Kyoto but, when passed over for promotion within the Shinto shrine associated with his family, he turned his back on society, took Buddhist vows, and became a hermit. I can't help wondering if he too roamed these hills.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Leaving Kamo no Chomei, I moved-on and, before long, I had reconnected with my earlier track, passing the religious icons before arriving back at the junction. And,I have to say, I was quite pleased with myself.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here, it was off to my next destination, (Mt)Tenkaho. As I made my way I passed another junction. This was the descent back down to civilization and, from memory, I was in for a rough time. The previous week, when I ascended to this point, the track & track markings were almost non-existent. But, first-things-first.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> (Mt) Tenkaho 348m was interesting. Interesting in that it looks like it has been made-into a picnic site. The area, immediately surrounding the summit, has been cleared, and a table, of sorts, has been constructed. It must be a popular destination. On this day, I had the summit all to myself - actually, the only other souls I encountered all day, was at Kami-Daigo. So, with the sun streaming-through the trees, I used the serenity to take another meal break, and review my day. The conclusion I came to, was that the track was well maintained but, unlike the area surrounding Ushiozanhougon Temple, there was very little signage. With a large network of tracks, it would have been helpful to know where other tracks led to. Which is why I plan to return and check them out. Another mug of cafe au lait, and another <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigiri" target="_blank">Onigiri</a> (rice ball), I was now psyched-out for my descent.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The trees in the area around the junction, and the first few meters of the descent, have been painted with red & yellow bands. Then it's guesswork from there on. On my ascent I followed a stream, so I decided to do the same now. In parts the ground was very loose rocks, and steep, so care was needed. I zig-zagged for some of the way, relying on young trees to hold onto and, in others, I had the luxury to stop and admire my surroundings - </b></span> <br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYfj0DcK3Sc/Wtsi0DAcUrI/AAAAAAAAoUM/eCw-x-Kkj1QB2noW1bxKb7Cg5X1mEnPZQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_112146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYfj0DcK3Sc/Wtsi0DAcUrI/AAAAAAAAoUM/eCw-x-Kkj1QB2noW1bxKb7Cg5X1mEnPZQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180420_112146.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>With sights like this, I feel grateful I still have one good eye to admire & appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> In the coming meters I would hear the familiar sound of running water, albeit a trickle. But that trickle would soon turn into a stream. The only problem was, that over the years this stream has gouged-out the ground, which required more care than my earlier experience. I lost count how many times I hopped from one side to the other, and how many near-misses I had, as I scrambling-up the opposite bank.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> But then, there in the distance, I saw it. A footbridge. The first of four I would cross before emerging back into civilization. These bridges are constructed of steel piping and, anyone over 150kg, would have to find an alternative crossing - thank god I wasn't <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichinoj%C5%8D_Takashi" target="_blank">Ichinojo</a>, he weighs-in at 215kg. From this point the track was more defined and, once emerging from the forest, I arrived at my goal, the Yamashina Driving School. Where I discretely made my way to the entrance, in case I was apprehended for trespassing.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I couldn't resist the urge to include these two images. They were taken on my first venture into this area, a week or so before this trip. The evening before it had rained, and the valley was very misty. I remember having to remove my glasses several times, as they kept on fogging-up. Makes one appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As always, it has been a pleasure sharing this with you, and thank-you for reading this post.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Course details and images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27299553" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27299553</a></span></b></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, Kyōto-fu, 府道782号線34.94652836233174 135.8386536571044934.940020362331744 135.82856865710448 34.953036362331737 135.84873865710449tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-64124397247046672362018-03-25T09:40:00.000+09:002018-03-25T09:40:22.294+09:00In search of Kisenyama Dam & Reservoir.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have spent many hours mountain-biking and hiking in the hills at the back of Uji City, and never really payed much attention to what was really there. I was aware of the small settlements nestled within the many valleys, like Ikenoo and Kasatori. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbU3gV8NGE4/WqUSSFaHexI/AAAAAAAAl08/py272067K7w4DPBrhaZ0fmanF2AEcYwqgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180310_101115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbU3gV8NGE4/WqUSSFaHexI/AAAAAAAAl08/py272067K7w4DPBrhaZ0fmanF2AEcYwqgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180310_101115.jpg" width="150" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>But it wasn't until I was standing on the summit of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Md6h8vyk41N2" target="_blank">(Mt)Jubusan</a>, about 10km away, as the crow flies, that I caught a glimpse of what looked like a lake or reservoir in the distance.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> So I did some research, and discovered that the body of water I had been looking at, was the Kisenyama Reservoir. Always on the look-out for new sites to explore, I decided that this would be my next project; to gain access to, and check-out the area.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuD4pgkRvcw/Wq5Qi6MboAI/AAAAAAAAmCc/jNYRv5XA_6YbP8-8BG0ZHGC0MNuYZD9LACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1011+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="306" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuD4pgkRvcw/Wq5Qi6MboAI/AAAAAAAAmCc/jNYRv5XA_6YbP8-8BG0ZHGC0MNuYZD9LACLcBGAs/s400/DSCN1011+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/e68eZnoxy272" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Kisenyama Dam.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Before I commence my trip, let me shed some light on the Kisenyama Reservoir, Dam and Power Station. The reservoir & dam were constructed to supply water for the hydro-electric power station, situated on the other side of the dam. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8QGAfKdACs/Wq5TQjaJtDI/AAAAAAAAmC8/95zL0mbv2OoH5rqGtAYmyuUgsDJGhJyaACLcBGAs/s1600/Pumpstor_racoon_mtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="569" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8QGAfKdACs/Wq5TQjaJtDI/AAAAAAAAmC8/95zL0mbv2OoH5rqGtAYmyuUgsDJGhJyaACLcBGAs/s320/Pumpstor_racoon_mtn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The generator operates as a '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumped-storage_hydroelectricity" target="_blank">Pumped Storage</a>' system, that relies on the gravitational energy of the water to turn the turbines. Once the water has performed it's task . . . . </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7LcQ_6MRU8/Wq5Ypru949I/AAAAAAAAmDY/pAZivjFU5VkUNKWKisVruGqyS9t94BDCACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180318_114742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1424" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7LcQ_6MRU8/Wq5Ypru949I/AAAAAAAAmDY/pAZivjFU5VkUNKWKisVruGqyS9t94BDCACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180318_114742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . it is then discharged into the Setagawa River where, a few kilometers downstream, it reaches the Amagase Dam, where it is used again to generate more electricity. Because of the limited capacity of the reservoir, the plant only generates electricity when the demand arises.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbzeQhj5smI/Wq8mW6oVg6I/AAAAAAAAmEc/xa0zBWdzdwgVaBEM9MDd6fWHM5mH3wJZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180318_113606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbzeQhj5smI/Wq8mW6oVg6I/AAAAAAAAmEc/xa0zBWdzdwgVaBEM9MDd6fWHM5mH3wJZACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180318_113606.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Now, this is where the story gets very interesting. The only natural water-supply into the reservoir, is via a small stream at the head, not enough to keep the water-level high. So, what the powers-that-be did, was to construct a canal, diverting water from the Setagawa River, at Nango, a suburb of Otsu City (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GjRMHphFjkm" target="_blank">map location</a>) and, about 10km later, emerges at Lake Hoo, in Uji City, </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0rDChEudqQ/Wq8q9fzuWGI/AAAAAAAAmFE/7VNH4nK8SE4ZmCJrDR5y-C_t25SyGFwSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0rDChEudqQ/Wq8q9fzuWGI/AAAAAAAAmFE/7VNH4nK8SE4ZmCJrDR5y-C_t25SyGFwSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Ujigawa River.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6sLfJVMqc0/Wq8qxhsrDqI/AAAAAAAAmFA/WvPs-6EKkwAJYtiX0mFnZUg5_nu5YRXLwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="314" height="107" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6sLfJVMqc0/Wq8qxhsrDqI/AAAAAAAAmFA/WvPs-6EKkwAJYtiX0mFnZUg5_nu5YRXLwCLcBGAs/s200/DSC00184.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>where it is discharged into the Ujigawa River (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/V2Bz8n2GG5x" target="_blank">map location</a>). Using Lake Hoo as the lower reservoir, water is then pumped up to the upper reservoir using two pump generators. Here endeth the lesson. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2SUWjNaMgk/WrWPtIPNq3I/AAAAAAAAmSM/_15ObhjSYNQ5h2RANkTlBhCVpiyeBA82QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_083244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2SUWjNaMgk/WrWPtIPNq3I/AAAAAAAAmSM/_15ObhjSYNQ5h2RANkTlBhCVpiyeBA82QCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_083244.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My research led me to the conclusion that there were two direct access routes to the reservoir, and a possible third, albeit indirect.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After a hearty breakfast, I set-off, making a beeline for the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/akjNPrhwAcn" target="_blank">Yoimachi Bridge</a>, arriving an hour later. The bridge lies at the confluence of the Tahara and Uji Rivers.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rLtkjnXC7U/WrWRfym6-iI/AAAAAAAAmSY/G-4Z10xt_uo4wPCS14pL5UriciuRFK3EgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_083308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rLtkjnXC7U/WrWRfym6-iI/AAAAAAAAmSY/G-4Z10xt_uo4wPCS14pL5UriciuRFK3EgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_083308.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> While I was waiting for my GPS device to connect, I espied a set of concrete steps leading up to an overhanging rock. As I was in 'touring mode' I decided to check-out what lay above. I was surprised when I discovered this small religious icon nestled beneath a large rock. Of all places to site a place of worship, and dangerous as well. With vibrations from passing traffic, I was amazed that the rocks hadn't collapsed. Which was my cue to move-on.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Route-3 connects Otsu City, at the base of Lake Biwa, with Uji City, and runs parallel to the Uji/Seta River. It is flat and smooth, which it is why many road cyclists use this road to train on.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> So, for the following four kilometers, I took advantage of the conditions, and powered my way to my first access-way to the dam (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uetfsk3KPN52" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FTRjIrER7A/WrXDCeYbKxI/AAAAAAAAmTs/URuYhK0GQb0pJMhHQ55AtzBGn1J60GrAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_084730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FTRjIrER7A/WrXDCeYbKxI/AAAAAAAAmTs/URuYhK0GQb0pJMhHQ55AtzBGn1J60GrAQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_084730.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Last week, when I passed this bridge, the gate was locked, so it came as no surprise to see it in the same state. The area surrounding the entrance to the bridge is so securely fenced-off, with security cameras etc, one couldn't help but compare it to a high-security prison. My hopes were raised when a maintenance truck pulled-up and, if they were about to enter, I might be able to follow. But, alas, they just parked there. So I moved on.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I left route-3 about 3km along the road, where I commenced my first hill-climb of the day. Route-242 is a narrow & windy mountain lane that took me through the settlement of Nio and onto my next junction. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5fa9ezB4BU/WrXImHYm47I/AAAAAAAAmT8/6aY-sLqdzY4O229Ri6acHEIcINngY6HnwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_092827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5fa9ezB4BU/WrXImHYm47I/AAAAAAAAmT8/6aY-sLqdzY4O229Ri6acHEIcINngY6HnwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180323_092827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This lane was more narrower than the previous and, when I emerged from the forest, I was greeted by this sight. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was doing good time - it was only 9:30am - and the view was a sight-to-behold, I took a break and had a banana. I could distinguish some familiar sights in the distance - the settlement of Oishisotsuka in the foreground, and Otsu City in the distance. But it was the serenity that captivated me.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxs2RZTMaBg/WrXMDuvNa0I/AAAAAAAAmUQ/EVHOYtoBwpws_yKzyIrfJNxf-PKJFERewCKgBGAs/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+20180323+150804.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="767" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxs2RZTMaBg/WrXMDuvNa0I/AAAAAAAAmUQ/EVHOYtoBwpws_yKzyIrfJNxf-PKJFERewCKgBGAs/s320/Fullscreen+capture+20180323+150804.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Leaving my comfortable perch and re-mounting my bike, the lane re-entered the forest and I began my descent to the settlement of Ikenoo and, with fingers crossed, my second attempt at gaining entry to the reservoir & dam. Settlements like Ikenoo have a certain appeal to me.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NOG99k4PIE/WrXWkCIZ2DI/AAAAAAAAmUg/cc_W4ubB52UQpB1yy4P_ExBkAvpEhQaAgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_094124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NOG99k4PIE/WrXWkCIZ2DI/AAAAAAAAmUg/cc_W4ubB52UQpB1yy4P_ExBkAvpEhQaAgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_094124.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQMwQBwIOa4/WrXWsUCW4-I/AAAAAAAAmUk/Yh3Z3IG170Uos0QwHb_RSyhUEvvN4Li-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_093504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQMwQBwIOa4/WrXWsUCW4-I/AAAAAAAAmUk/Yh3Z3IG170Uos0QwHb_RSyhUEvvN4Li-QCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_093504.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I emerged from the forest, and entered Ikenoo, my attention was drawn to these two concrete lanterns, and concrete steps leading to a wooden <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii" target="_blank">Torii</a>, heralding the entrance to Daishogun-jinja Shrine. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Shrines like Daishogun-jinja don't come more isolated than this, which is another attraction settlements like Ikenoo have to me - you never know what is hidden amongst the hills & forests in places like this.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Once I passed through Ikenoo, I once again entered the forest and, about a kilometer later,</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I arrived at my next access point. And another locked gate. Unlike my first entrance, this wasn't as fenced-off, and I pondered the idea of squeezing-around the gate and continuing on. Although I couldn't read what the sign said, one didn't need to be an Einstein to know what it said. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I was pondering my options, I could hear a faint humming, the sort of humming you hear when in the vicinity of an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_grid" target="_blank">Electrical Grid Site</a>. Peeking through the trees I espied such a site and, putting two-and-two together, what I was looking at, was the generation plant of the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/xWrRsM7chsx" target="_blank">Kisenyamayosui Power Station</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Debating whether I should park my bike, and clamber my way up the hill, I discovered these steps. Generally placed to allow access to power-pylons by maintenance crew, I decided to take-the-plunge and head on up. But alas, there was a power-pylon, and that's where the steps ended. With my tail between my legs, I descended back to my bike and made my way back through Ikenoo, and up the hill to where I stopped earlier. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Just behind where I had been sitting earlier, was another junction that descended and emerged at this bridge. I had arrived at the head of the Kisenyama Reservoir.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The last time I passed-through here, I arrived just as this gentleman had landed a large trout. He was very proud of his catch, and was more-than-willing to pose for the camera. I was aware of a track, at the far end of the bridge, that lead to the only stream to enter the reservoir. All going well I would take the detour and check-it-out. But alas, it too was all fenced-off. This was not my day.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A few hundred meters on from the bridge I managed to catch a glimpse, and take this photo, of the dam and power plant, albeit through a wire mesh fence. This was as close I was going to get to my goal.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Feeling dejected I moved-on. At this point my lane would turn-away from the reservoir and descend towards Uji City, and my next access point. As I was about to move off, I noticed this flight-of-steps and guide-rope which made it's way up the hill and into the forest. This looked promising, so I parked my bike and decided to check it out.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The track was well marked and well beaten, giving me the impression that this was part of a popular hiking course.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> About ten minutes in, I arrived at this site overlooking the reservoir and, through the trees, my closest view of the dam. My impression was that this was an ideal location for a picnic.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Moving deeper into the forest, I soon arrived at the summit of Mt Kisenyama, 415m (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZPZrPVQq9X12" target="_blank">map location</a>). As I could still catch glimpses of the reservoir, I continued on but, a little further on, the track veered-away in the opposite direction, so I decided to u-turn and return to my bike (upon arrival home, I checked the topography map and discovered there were no tracks marked on the map. With my interest in this area stirred, I have placed this on my 'must return' list). </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Arriving back at my bike, I was no-sooner back on the road, and my next attempt. Passing-through the settlement of Shizukawa, my next junction, and hill-climb, was just a kilometer away - this was familiar terrain as, just over a month ago, my Wife & I came here for a walk through the Amagase Forest Park.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> After a steep ascent, I turned a bend and there it was - whala, an open gate. Maybe this was going to be my day after all. As the saying goes - 'third time lucky'.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Although the lane ascended, it wasn't too steep and I was able to cruise my way deeper into the valley and forest. A couple of trucks passed me as I made my way, no-one stopping to tell me I wasn't suppose to be here. </b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBnQR6rynSs/WrXxyJW5cbI/AAAAAAAAmXY/KHsspemgJnIn0aw8Nlg7vwxosAlc9aTmQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_113055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBnQR6rynSs/WrXxyJW5cbI/AAAAAAAAmXY/KHsspemgJnIn0aw8Nlg7vwxosAlc9aTmQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180323_113055.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Part-way up the valley I stopped at a bridge to take-in my surroundings. Looking into the forest, partly camouflaged by trees, I noticed a small shed-like construction. Upon closer inspection was this small religious icon. I have discovered these in many places during my travels, some of them in the most isolated of places, but this one takes-the-cake. Judging by the state the construction was in, this is a very-new addition to the forest.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> After 24km of cycling on a sealed surface, for the first time today my track would now become rocky and rutted, as I arrived at this collection of buildings (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zzXbn1sfJcs" target="_blank">map location</a>). Judging by the many heavy vehicles parked nearby, I got the impression there was a construction site in the vicinity. My GPS device showed I was closing-in on my goal, that was until the track turned in the opposite direction.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> After a while the track became too hazardous to continue, as there were many obstacles in the form of large rocks, tree limbs and slips and, if that wasn't bad-enough, quite steep. I persevered for as long as I could, then decided to call it a day. I had given it my best shot, and was more than satisfied with my effort.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Maybe one day the Electricity Company will have an 'open-day', where I can check-out the facilities. And then I can say - 'I did it'.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Until next time,</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Course details & images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/21491298" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/21491298</a></b></span><br />
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Nishigumi-6 Ikenoo, Uji-shi, Kyōto-fu 601-1394, Japan34.897591149560704 135.8530180505476934.8845676495607 135.83284805054768 34.910614649560706 135.8731880505477tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-33502765187938604272018-03-04T16:56:00.000+09:002018-03-04T16:56:44.530+09:00Ushiozanhougon Temple and Beyond - Oiwake Station to Rokujizo Station.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Chitodake & Nishi-Chitodake<br />from the summit of Otawayama. </b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Unlike my previous two visits into this area, my course, from Oiwake Station to the start of the track, was well signposted. And, as I made my way up the valley, I could soon see why - more about that later.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My research gave me the impression that this was going to be a very-long day, so I decided an early start was in order, so as to reach my final destination of the Keihan Rokujizo Station before sunset.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I decided on this occasion to bypass Ushiozanhougon Temple, and make my way directly to the summit of Mt Otawayama. From there onto Mt Ushiosan, followed by Mt Chitodake and Mt Nishi-Chitodake and, if time permitted, topping the day off with Mt Daigoyama (you can see why I opted for an early start).</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Nestled in the hills, surrounded by trees, and overlooking a small settlement, is the Shiraishi-jinja Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the husband & wife deities of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izanagi" target="_blank">Izangi and Izanami</a>. The shrine itself is believed to date from circa 806-to-810AD.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NZE61nzoJSn" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Within the main shrine complex stands a very-large boulder and is considered as the home of the deity come down to Earth, and is the shrine's sacred object. Upon the top of the boulder are three holes which were bored so as to split the stone. This is believed to have been caused when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Ieyasu" target="_blank">Tokugawa Ieyasu</a> attempted to have the stone cut up in order to rebuild <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Castle" target="_blank">Fushimi Castle</a>. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My next stop, just down from Shiraishi, was this interesting water-wheel. I say interesting, as the water is pumped up so as to turn the wheel that, in turn, causes the piston to hammer onto a stone bowl. Normally the water comes directly from a stream. As impressive as this is I would hate to be living in the immediate vicinity, as the sound of the piston hammering all day long would drive me to madness. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My hike proper was about to commence when I arrived at this sign with a map detailing the trails throughout the area. For the next 2km, every bend I came to would reveal another sight that would reveal either a religious icon, a waterfall, or something of sheer beauty. If I was to write about the next 2km, it would require a separate blog. So instead I shall post a few images with explanations.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The impression a got was that this was a well-beaten path. A pilgrimage of sorts. On each occasion I have been to Ushiozanhougon Temple, five in all, there have always been devotees there performing a religious ritual and, on three occasions, the same couple. In several locations along this path, there are shelters or seating, like in the above image. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The path is also famous for the many waterfalls, five in all, that are dotted-along the stream that I crisscross on my journey. One such waterfall has these two plaques set-into the rock.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiAC1FeOZ3Y/WpnmsSzV2WI/AAAAAAAAlak/GOcibkevR-847EA-vloUzcsIF_wr6Th3QCKgBGAs/s1600/S1000016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiAC1FeOZ3Y/WpnmsSzV2WI/AAAAAAAAlak/GOcibkevR-847EA-vloUzcsIF_wr6Th3QCKgBGAs/s200/S1000016.JPG" width="112" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZTjog0oEIY/WpnmsdzpktI/AAAAAAAAlak/RyijrSPo7vsPduaYWbGShVLpcjnZiatzwCKgBGAs/s1600/S1000015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZTjog0oEIY/WpnmsdzpktI/AAAAAAAAlak/RyijrSPo7vsPduaYWbGShVLpcjnZiatzwCKgBGAs/s200/S1000015.JPG" width="163" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>One encounter that impressed me, was this statue of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinran" target="_blank">Shinran Priest</a>, standing there, with his back to the rock, looking down the road at those ascending the path.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I noticed a track that looked like it was circling the rock, so I decided to take a peek to see what, if anything, it revealed. But the track seemed to descend down to the stream and from there. Well, I didn't find-out, and proceeded on up the valley.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>My next stop was this small, and unusual, place of worship, referred to as 'Shizukudani Fudoson'. Embedded amongst the rocks is this small statue of Fudo, who is the God of Waterfalls.</b></span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A few hundred maters along from the Shizukudani Fudosan, the path and I would part company and, after crossing this stream, I would commence my ascent to Mt Otawayama.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA-MLmAMSZw/WpooKkVkWXI/AAAAAAAAlcc/WsGLN_l2CsM2yQTi4gfE3j3UxotKASUnACKgBGAs/s1600/S1000027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA-MLmAMSZw/WpooKkVkWXI/AAAAAAAAlcc/WsGLN_l2CsM2yQTi4gfE3j3UxotKASUnACKgBGAs/s200/S1000027.JPG" width="112" /></a></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTusfNgEUw/WpooKlvC4sI/AAAAAAAAlcc/LNAjTumk-Y8Ib8_pLloCcd6_dT6c0_VjwCKgBGAs/s1600/S1000028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTusfNgEUw/WpooKlvC4sI/AAAAAAAAlcc/LNAjTumk-Y8Ib8_pLloCcd6_dT6c0_VjwCKgBGAs/s200/S1000028.JPG" width="112" /></a> After four-kilometers of a relatively gradual ascent, I was about to commence my first serious climb of the day. The first section of my ascent was aided by these plastic steps, placed here to allow maintenance crews access to the many power-pylons dotted throughout the area. At my next junction, I was greeted by my first direction sign, kindly placed here by the guys from the 'Yamashina Hiking Club'. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Forty minutes after commencing my ascent, I arrived at the summit of Mt Otawayama. On a beautiful, clear, fine day, the view below . . . .</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIGW7L2xlWY/WpoqzTtaclI/AAAAAAAAlc8/-7q78NGo2zghkWjMaqA46V5yQZpZduBkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180112_105358.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="1600" height="75" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIGW7L2xlWY/WpoqzTtaclI/AAAAAAAAlc8/-7q78NGo2zghkWjMaqA46V5yQZpZduBkQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180112_105358.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. . . . is nothing short of spectacular. But, on a partly-cloudy day, with a strong cold wind blowing, it is decidedly miserable. So, I shall leave you with this impression, taken on a day when the conditions were perfect.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> On the opposite side of the summit, I got a view of my destination from this point. The hill in the foreground, between the two power-pylons, is Mt Ushiosan. In the distance, in the left of the image, is Mt Chitodake and, to the right, is Mt Nishi-Chitodake.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Midway between Otawayama and Ushiosan, I came-across this bench that offered views overlooking Otsu City. As it was sheltered from the cold wind, it was an ideal location for a bite-to-eat, but I opted to try my luck at Ushiosan. On this occasion my luck wasn't with me, so I continued walking. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> An hour later I found the perfect spot. There wasn't a breath-of-wind, the sun had emerged in full force, and I had a comfortable bench to sit on. Today's lunch was sandwiches, hot coffee and, for desert, bananas. Looking at my watch, and checking my location, I realized I was doing good time, so I decided on an extended break.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> While I was sitting here I could hear noises of people working and machinery operating. "Way out here and in the middle of nowhere?" I thought. So I made my way into the forest to see if I could find the source of this disturbance and discovered a work gang halfway up a power-pylon doing god-knows-what. A little further on, I would discover another gang performing the same task atop a pylon located on the summit of Mt Nishi-Chitodake. Any thoughts of a career in pylon maintenance were very quickly put-aside as I opted to stick with what I was doing with my life at present.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Fifteen-Hundred meters along from my lunch spot, was the summit of Mt Chitodake (600m). As can be seen in the images, it was nothing spectacular. There was no view to be had. At this point I had also arrived at another junction. From here a path would take you the long way to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishiyama-dera" target="_blank">Ishiyama-dera Temple</a>. But, for me, I was going in the other direction. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A few hundred meters along from Chitodake, was her cousin and neighbour, Nishi-Chitodake. Of all the summits I have conquered, this one takes-the-cake. Perched atop the summit was another power-pylon, with another maintenance crew hard at work. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My route from here would descend down a rutted track gouged-out by years of rain and emerge onto a sealed lane where several maintenance vehicles were parked. My question, "How the hell did they get here, and with all their gear?" was now answered.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Emerging from the bush, I was greeted with this sight of hectares and hectares of solar panels. Not so long ago this was an 18-hole golf course and, like many such courses throughout Japan,was located in a very isolated place. To give you an accurate idea of how isolated and huge this site is . . . .</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. . . . I have taken a 'screen-shot' of 'Google Maps'. At the top right are the two Chitodakes.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As I weaved my way through the golf-course (for want of a better description) I arrived at a sealed lane, that once provided access to the area, and realized I had been here before. It was about 10-years ago that I cycled up here in search of a hiking track. Unable to find the track, I turned-around and headed for home. Partway along I discovered a gap in the trees that allowed me a view of Fushima Ward, of Kyoto City. From here I was able to see my intended course, all the way to Rokujizo Station. I love views like this where I try to spot landmarks.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Then, before I knew it, I had arrived at this junction. The path directly in front of me lead to Mt Daigoyama and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigo-ji" target="_blank">Kami-Daigo</a>, or Upper Daigo-ji Temple, the track to the right would emerge at Shimo-Daigo, or Lower Daigo-ji temple. It was decision time. I opted for the track on the right as I plan to return to Mt Daigoyama at a later time; I had recently discovered a network of hiking tracks on the other side that may, I hope, connect with Daigoyama.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My descent from the top was uneventful, unlike the time, 10-years ago, when I tried my luck at cycling down. I'm not an adrenaline-junkie, at the best of times but, even if I was, this track scared the shit out of me. So I knew what was in store for me. In parts it was sweet, like in the image on the left, in others it required 100% concentration.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I emerged, unscathed, at the entrance to the Upper-Daigo-ji path. With my days hike almost over, I proceeded from here through the streets that led to the Yamashinagawa River. From there I followed the river through to the Rokujizo Station, arriving there at 2:30pm, not 5pm as I anticipated. As I still had enough hot-water in my flask for one more coffee, and a pack of sultana buns in my pack, I found a nice spot in the sun, and rewarded myself by relaxing and reminiscing of the days hike. I was buzzing. Looking back it was a great days hiking and I was more-than-satisfied.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, as I usually say, it's been great sharing my experience with you, and thank-you for taking the time to read my post and, until next time - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26961299" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26961299</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A few weeks ago I discovered this area, known as Hino-no Satoyama. It stretches from the southern border of Fushimi Ward, through to the area around Mt Daigoyama. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As mentioned earlier in this post, I hope to hike this area and, all going well, connect up with Daigoyama and the Upper Daigo-ji Temple.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My plan, at this stage, is to do a 'No Plan, Getting-Lost' hike and just see what I uncover. When I do, I will be sure to share my experience with all.</b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Unnamed Road, Yamashina-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 607-0000, Japan34.976986113230289 135.8530712127685534.970481113230292 135.84298621276855 34.983491113230286 135.86315621276856tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-45998571374004004382018-02-10T11:45:00.002+09:002018-02-10T11:45:58.083+09:00Ushiozanhougon Temple and Beyond - Nagitsuji Station to Ishiyamadera Station.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Like my previous excursion into this area, I had to navigate my way through the streets of Yamashina Ward, before reaching what I came-into this area for - the hills & valleys that border the Prefectures of Kyoto & Shiga. As I made my way along these streets, I was greeted with my first view of (Mt)Gyojagamori, just sitting atop this vermilion-colored Torii.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Fifteen minutes after leaving Nagitsuji Station, I arrived at the settlement of Oyakeiwayaden (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/yB9q1KmvGVq" target="_blank">map location</a>). Within this small area were a collection of Shrines & Temples - six to be exact. Always a favorite site of mine to explore, on this occasion I bypassed them in favor of a small <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inari_shrine" target="_blank">Inari-jinja</a> nestled-amongst the hills and forest to the rear.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I took a side street that lead me past this small vermilion-colored Torii, then up this narrow avenue lined with a collection of religious icons. At the top was a bridge that was decorated with wooden <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ema_(Shinto)" target="_blank">Ema plaques</a>. If I had taken the course through the shrine grounds, I would have missed these.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>After descending from Iwaya-jinja, I was now to make my first serious ascent of the day and, hopefully, my first viewpoint - (Mt)Gyojagamori. I assumed the track, at some stage, had provided vehicular access into the forest but, as I made my ascent, it soon petered-out to become a hiking path. Just over an hour after leaving the station, I arrived at my first junction.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PWJpiEDeCzv" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here I took a detour to Gyojagamori and, during the following 10-minutes, I was to discover other tracks in the area, which surprised me, as my map showed this as a no-exit. A pile of rocks, and a small sign, informed me I had arrived at the summit, but sadly there was only a limited view.I was hoping, if the summit wasn't shrouded with trees, I would have taken a break and had a drink & banana. With their being no sun, it was chilly, so I decided to return and move-onto my next mountain summit - (Mt)Ooyakeokuyama.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh5HnUBaj2A/Wnz5DAn8SiI/AAAAAAAAkOk/8NxrDDfmXRozsU5hG_bmkx17IWEa8cHGgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_094516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh5HnUBaj2A/Wnz5DAn8SiI/AAAAAAAAkOk/8NxrDDfmXRozsU5hG_bmkx17IWEa8cHGgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_094516.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next junction was just a hundred-meters or so further on and, according to the sign, the summit was just a stones-throw away. Along the way I encountered this collection of fungi, impressive. After about 15-minutes I became concerned that I hadn't reached the summit and wondered if I had taken the wrong track. Then the track, and the markings, suddenly ceased to exist. I spent 5-minutes checking-out some possibilities but, to err on the side of caution, I cut my losses and u-turned and headed back to my planned route.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuT0jE-IrjE/Wn0Ab8hIHTI/AAAAAAAAkPw/rMYoJRQvC0AdcUt8RzOaCDOZHvDwHZ3uQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_100159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuT0jE-IrjE/Wn0Ab8hIHTI/AAAAAAAAkPw/rMYoJRQvC0AdcUt8RzOaCDOZHvDwHZ3uQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_100159.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A kilometer further on I arrived at this junction. It was almost a month ago I passed-through here on my first excursion into the area (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/01/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-ono.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>). I was now in familiar territory. From here I would descent through the forest and emerge at the Ushiozanhougon Temple and, what I hoped, a well deserved lunch break.But, before that . . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHRt16JABk4/Wn0DOM4uwLI/AAAAAAAAkQA/Yrn4apE75RocD9Uk9YhIvOI7OJiktI4QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180208_101716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHRt16JABk4/Wn0DOM4uwLI/AAAAAAAAkQA/Yrn4apE75RocD9Uk9YhIvOI7OJiktI4QgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20180208_101716.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. . . . I needed to navigate my way down a very slippery and treacherous track. Unlike the last time I was here, where there were patches of snow lying about, today the ground was bare but, in it's place, was ice that was nearly impossible to walk on. I would encounter more of this further on.</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lqrGhan44k/Wn0GGdO5xaI/AAAAAAAAkQM/V2G-rWnR_PQ70keIRMY2mLq6yAkcddYnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_103418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lqrGhan44k/Wn0GGdO5xaI/AAAAAAAAkQM/V2G-rWnR_PQ70keIRMY2mLq6yAkcddYnACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_103418.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faqu3-OEUPs/Wn0GPZUPuPI/AAAAAAAAkQQ/I889Q4IdmtMmx8tjirSw_msPidORRlUBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_103354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faqu3-OEUPs/Wn0GPZUPuPI/AAAAAAAAkQQ/I889Q4IdmtMmx8tjirSw_msPidORRlUBQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_103354.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Ushiozanhougon Temple, like the last time I was here, was again bathed in sunshine with a strong cold wind blowing. It was so cold the water in the basin at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%8Dzuya" target="_blank">Chozuya</a> was frozen solid. As it was still early, I decided to forgo having a lunch-break here and moved on to my next destination - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vNqf5GbSLX82" target="_blank">(Mt)Ushiosan. </a></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tH9gQPtP0JY/Wn0I-Iykh4I/AAAAAAAAkQk/LxItKnxb_0YoVVUbz6kUwLIWlTReHwawwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180208_105938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tH9gQPtP0JY/Wn0I-Iykh4I/AAAAAAAAkQk/LxItKnxb_0YoVVUbz6kUwLIWlTReHwawwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20180208_105938.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> This was as far as I came on my last visit so, from this point, I was back in unfamiliar terrain. In the coming weeks I am planning on passing-through here again as I make my way to the Upper Daigo-ji Temple. The cold wind was still preventing me from that well deserved lunch-break. But my fingers were crossed that I may find the ideal location soon.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jtOi2j1Qg/Wn0Lpz0CkyI/AAAAAAAAkQs/Ks6tpuALch4IL-41I07JNjiqqA-ObqRjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_112632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jtOi2j1Qg/Wn0Lpz0CkyI/AAAAAAAAkQs/Ks6tpuALch4IL-41I07JNjiqqA-ObqRjQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_112632.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A little further along I arrived at this junction. The sign in the background of this image, directs the hiker to their next destination, which includes <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishiyama-dera" target="_blank">Ishiyamadera Temple</a>, the two (Mt)Chitodake mountains and eventually Upper Daigo-ji Temple. The sign in the foreground points the hiker to Ushiosan (where I have just come from) and downhill to the Ishiyamadera Station (where I am headed). My descent from this point was extremely hazardous, more so from what I experienced earlier. The path was a flight of steps where the treads were covered in a layer of ice. Although there was a wooden rail to hold on to, the posts were rotten and unable to sustain my weight, so I took an alternative course that ran parallel to the steps, where I was able to rely on small trees to prevent me from slipping and falling.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecrxWRZ_JY4/Wn0QwvcAHII/AAAAAAAAkRE/2gMuJ1o14lokphPPSmtxV7A9MDu5tO_HgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_115033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecrxWRZ_JY4/Wn0QwvcAHII/AAAAAAAAkRE/2gMuJ1o14lokphPPSmtxV7A9MDu5tO_HgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180208_115033.jpg" width="319" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After safely navigating my way down I arrived at this clearing, where it was shaded from the wind with the sun streaking-through the trees. With a wooden bench to sit on, I had finally found my ideal spot for a lunch-break. It was just on midday, and I had been walking for four hours. As I was doing good time, and I had an idea where I was in relation to my goal, I was in no hurry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Within my immediate vicinity there were two points-of-interest that captured my attention. Immediately behind where I was sitting, was this waterfall where the water was frozen. It was the first time I had seen such a phenomenon like this before and I was very impressed by it. Just nearby was this collection of, what I assume, religious icons. Again I was impressed, not just at the articles, but their location.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lpdbklg5s0w/Wn0T6zRoO_I/AAAAAAAAkRk/F5z_m9C0yrEGrT4ZdTJvqyM17fHBUcQ1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_121633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lpdbklg5s0w/Wn0T6zRoO_I/AAAAAAAAkRk/F5z_m9C0yrEGrT4ZdTJvqyM17fHBUcQ1wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180208_121633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Just after passing this toilet block and picnic area, my track emerged at a gate and sealed road. It was here I said farewell to forest and hills, and hello to civilization. From here I would make a beeline to the Ishiyamadera Station and home but, before that, there was a shrine I was interested in checking-out.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC2frgByCk8/Wn0Ve1A3vrI/AAAAAAAAkR0/uZMoeFoMvRYdejljcGgA3JVPjaVDeS28wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_125504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC2frgByCk8/Wn0Ve1A3vrI/AAAAAAAAkR0/uZMoeFoMvRYdejljcGgA3JVPjaVDeS28wCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_125504.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6VAlHnq6LU/Wn0VPJTjESI/AAAAAAAAkRw/5kxrQh5wgDs_2-RHYwkSm-Io-wT0H4NTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_125139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6VAlHnq6LU/Wn0VPJTjESI/AAAAAAAAkRw/5kxrQh5wgDs_2-RHYwkSm-Io-wT0H4NTgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_125139.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaDNKJtO7H8/Wn0VtoQJ6PI/AAAAAAAAkR4/hKyTwvWdKJ0_hlIJmIpmDRzRomgFUOA2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_125819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaDNKJtO7H8/Wn0VtoQJ6PI/AAAAAAAAkR4/hKyTwvWdKJ0_hlIJmIpmDRzRomgFUOA2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180208_125819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YtuUw2MCEfp" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I made my way through the concrete Torii, and up the steps that lead to the Chikatsuo-jinja Shrine, the odor of freshly roasted coffee permeated through surrounding area, that came from a small cafe opposite the entrance. After checking-out the shrine, I would return here for a hot brew.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63f6Fnkh11U/Wn0XsQZjKiI/AAAAAAAAkSI/0xalv9N7kXoZPv8GV-VeWQbdrosBKt6jACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180208_125753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63f6Fnkh11U/Wn0XsQZjKiI/AAAAAAAAkSI/0xalv9N7kXoZPv8GV-VeWQbdrosBKt6jACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180208_125753.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The shrine was made famous because, back in 1690, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renku" target="_blank">Haiku</a> Poet '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuo_Bash%C5%8D" target="_blank">Matsuo Basho</a>' resided here, albeit for only four-months.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Throughout the grounds are several rocks with some of his works inscribed on them.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> In a corner of the shrines complex, is a path leading up a short flight of steps to the 'Genjuan Hut', the lodge where Basho resided during his stay here. The hut was rebuilt in 1991 to what, I assume, was it's original condition when Basho resided here. It is small inside but, a quiet wander through one gets the feeling that there isn't a more suitable location to sit and compose poetry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After a quiet stroll through the surrounding garden, I moved onto a temple that was located atop a hill that overlooked parts of Otsu City. It wasn't much of a view, thanks in part to the light snow that was falling, which reminded me that I needed to find somewhere to shelter. And, what better place -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The 'Beans' coffee shop (an appropriate name) is a quaint establishment that serves only fresh roasted coffee & tea, it's main business being coffee to take home and brew. By the time I finished my cup, the snow had stopped and the sun reappeared.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From the 'Beans Cafe' my next destination would be the Keihan Ishiyamadera Station. The station is the terminus of the Ishiyamadera Sakamoto Line and services those wishing to visit the Ishiyamadera Temple, one-kilometer along the road - if looking for a temple to check-out, and are partial to gardens, then I recommend this complex. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My brightly-decorated train would take would take me to Hamaotsu and from there, another train to Sanjo Station in Kyoto. And eventually home. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This track, like the previous track I hiked in this area, is very well signposted, especially through the suburban streets where it is very easy to get lost. Some, like in the image on the left, give distances to your destination and arrows pointing you there and, others, like in the image on the right, include other points-of-interest in the immediate vicinity.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> So, on behalf of myself, and my friend here, I would like to thank you for reading this and, until next time - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Course details & images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20583707" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20583707</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=zEghZXCjo90" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=zEghZXCjo90</a></b></span></div>
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</b></span>Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒607-0000 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Yamashina-ku, Nishinohigashiyama, 牛尾観音34.969038646420643 135.8478355407714834.96253314642064 135.83775054077148 34.975544146420646 135.85792054077149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-3131813508888430602018-01-18T20:13:00.000+09:002018-01-18T20:13:44.303+09:00Ushiozanhougon Temple and Beyond - Ono Station to Oiwake Station.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Qi11Jjb3Tzk" target="_blank">(Mt) Takatsukayama.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fEynZQUQ_c/WlnyGplNB2I/AAAAAAAAi9I/dm6WkElReKk5Y8JqpOwwvWQWBrxl25FswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180112_074933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1600" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fEynZQUQ_c/WlnyGplNB2I/AAAAAAAAi9I/dm6WkElReKk5Y8JqpOwwvWQWBrxl25FswCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180112_074933.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I was very impressed with the signage that was posted throughout the area I was about to enter. Every junction along the way had a sign giving directions to wherever I was heading and, as I take you through this post, I shall include images that will verify that. But, sadly, there were no signs giving directions as to where the track begins and ends. The first sign was this one, in the image on the left, located some way into the course. I discovered this track quite by coincidence. I had come on a bike-ride to check-out a road that lead into the hills overlooking Fushimi and Yamashina Wards and, as I was about to commence my ascent, I was stopped at a gate by a security guard who informed me I could not continue. He then went on to tell me about this hiking track, and where it commenced from. I returned a few days later, again on two-wheels, in search of where-and-how I could commence this hike. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WT796zwrRqA/Wln2vB8BlEI/AAAAAAAAi9o/Hw-jD6H1wIE4gQY7FBE97kJDLK3DWQt_gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180112_080204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WT796zwrRqA/Wln2vB8BlEI/AAAAAAAAi9o/Hw-jD6H1wIE4gQY7FBE97kJDLK3DWQt_gCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20180112_080204.jpg" width="150" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I arrived in the area at the Ono subway station, on the Tozai Line, and from there a 15-to-20 minute walk to the track. My first photo-opp' was this interesting rock. The sign says 'Neko Iwa', or 'Cat Rock'. Supposedly named because the rock looks like a Cat. Maybe you can see the resemblance. A bit further on was this collection of concrete lanterns. Looking around I found nothing to indicate why they are located here. I did notice though, how well groomed the garden area was. The bridge, in the rear of the image, was the commencement of my ascent.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The track gradually weaved it's way up the hill when, an hour after setting-out from Ono-eki, I arrived at my first junction of the day. I was a bit taken-aback as to how quickly I had arrived at this point. Although it was a clear and calm morning, I did notice how colder the temperature was, compared to down below. Which was why I didn't hang-around for too long. In the image on the right, are two signs kindly placed here by the 'Yamashina Hiking Club'. They give information as to where I can go from here. In this instance I had three options. But, as Mt Takatsuka was my next destination, that's all I needed to know.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Another junction, another sign and, before I knew it, I had arrived at Takatsukayama. Again, I was surprised how soon I reached this point and, if I hadn't become suspicious with the way the track began to descend, I would have missed it and ended-up god-knows-where. Apart from the signs detailing the name and height of the summit, there was just a concrete peg in the ground with two rocks either side. There was no view to be had and, as I was now walking through light snow, I decided to u-turn and head for my next destination - Ushiozanhougon Temple.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was backtracking, I came to a junction with a sign giving me an alternative route, allowing me to bypass the first junction (thank-you YHC). When I reached this tunnel I suddenly realized where I was. The road I was about to pass under, is the road I was prevented from cycling up by the very-nice and helpful security guard; I am curious to know what all the secrecy is about, and why no-one is allowed access to the top.</b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjz5x7n-gEQ/WloCSQ2Mj8I/AAAAAAAAi-s/rqALHJVfpSQuIeIO1zyQQJd3roIrxpqGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180112_091420+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjz5x7n-gEQ/WloCSQ2Mj8I/AAAAAAAAi-s/rqALHJVfpSQuIeIO1zyQQJd3roIrxpqGgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20180112_091420+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> On the other side of the tunnel was this dilapidated bridge that has definitely seen better days. For once I was more-than-happy to get my boots wet, as an alternative to risking my life by using the bridge.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here my path began a slight descent, running parallel to a stream,with, judging by the fallen trees and other limbs, evidence of past storms.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> A few-hundred meters further along, my next junction, and the car-park for Ushiozanhougon. I was now in familiar surroundings - I was here the previous week on a cycling reconnaissance trip to gather information and take photos of the area surrounding the temple. As I emerged from the forest I was struck by a very-cold and strong wind, which squashed any plans of me taking a rest and having a bite-to-eat while here.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After paying my respects at the shrine, and taking a few photos, I moved-on. My track was over in the corner of the complex, by the statue of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinran" target="_blank">Buddhist Monk Shinran</a>. As I was making my way past the statue, I was reacquainted with an elderly couple that were here on my previous visit. I got the impression this is a daily ritual, where they come to pay their respects. Quite impressive, considering their ages and the long walk up the path to get here.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The track, as it made it's way up the hill, passed around the back of the temple grounds before turning away and heading deeper into the forest. The cold wind wasn't as strong here, as it was down below, but the ground-covering of snow was deeper and more extensive.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next destination was (Mt)Otowayama but, before that, I wanted to check-out a viewpoint I had heard about. Arriving at this junction, in the image on the left, I was now joining the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D_(road)" target="_blank">Tokaido Road</a>', a 1,700km path that was created to connect Naniwa (modern day Osaka) with Edo (modern day Tokyo) many hundreds of years ago. Today, what parts of this road that hasn't been desecrated, is ideal hiking terrain and, no matter what part of the path you are on, the signs are all identical. Turning right here puts me on to the path that leads to Ishiyama-dera Temple, that I plan to explore at another time but, today, I want to check-out the view.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> And what a view it was. What I was looking at was the southern end of (Lake)Biwako, and the mouth of the Setagawa River (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fU8CvMsdkr22" target="_blank">map location</a>). Although it is difficult, in this image, to distinguish the mountains in the distance, let me tell you, they were a magnificent sight.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> (Mt)Otowayama 593m - </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6eEJFz6uGzy" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> There is something about standing atop a mountain that offers panoramic views, such as this one does. I must apologize if the above image doesn't portray that feeling adequately, but, I hope the attached video will make up for that. From here I could see all of Kyoto City, stretching from Yawata, to the far left, Fushimi & Yamashina Wards below and Otsu City and Biwako to the right. I couldn't have picked a better day to be here.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> It was about now my stomach was making overtures that it needed a fuel intake or, more precisely, it was lunchtime. But, unfortunately, there was nowhere to sit, thanks to everything being covered in snow, and the cold breeze. So I made my descent in the hope I could find an ideal spot. A sign, a bit further down the track, pointed to a toilet and, what I hoped, a sheltered spot for the break. Sadly I was out-of-luck. But I did use the toilet.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I rejoined my track, which soon became several flights of steps. For me, hiking on terrain like this is far better ascended than the other way around. Descending along steps like these makes ones leg muscles scream-out in agony.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> At the base of the steps was this ideal spot for my lunch-break, that provided seating and was sheltered from the wind. Also the suns rays were breaking through the trees, adding a warm glow to my body. It was just on midday and I was pleased with my progress, so I saw no reason to rush through with my lunch and used my time here to take-in the serenity of my surroundings, and review my day.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Within minutes of my leaving this idyllic spot, the serenity would be shattered by the sounds of traffic passing along <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_National_Route_1" target="_blank">National Route-1</a> or, what is known as the 'Tokai-do Road'. The transformation was so dramatic that, within a few meters, I had gone from a dirt track, to concrete steps, then this bridge (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/FV1cBXrtVGH2" target="_blank">map location</a>).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Across the other side of the bridge I arrived at a junction, with this signpost giving directions to three destinations - where I had just come from, the continuance of the 'Tokaido Road' and a track leading to the Keihan Otani Station. The station is just a few hundred meters away through the settlement, which was my planned goal of today's hike but, as it was still early afternoon, I decided to proceed further to see what lay in store. I had a picture in my mind that I would emerge onto the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Biwa_Canal" target="_blank">Biwako Canal</a>' and, if that was the case, I would follow the canal to the Keihan Yamashina Station. To cut a long story short, I finally ended-up at the Keihan Oiwake Station, one stop down the line from Otani, after taking a track that took my over a hill that overlooked where I had just come from. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Before my train arrived, and the 2-hour journey home, I had time for one last mug of coffee and a pack of current buns.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As always, thank-you for reading this and, until the next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Course details and images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20046343" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20046343</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=QNLg4rQHfIU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=QNLg4rQHfIU</a></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒607-0000 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Yamashina-ku, Nishinohigashiyama, 牛尾観音34.969108981367143 135.8478355407714834.956098981367141 135.82766554077148 34.982118981367144 135.86800554077149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-48279677130476124442018-01-17T11:18:00.000+09:002018-04-22T20:04:10.993+09:00Ushiozanhougon Temple and Beyond - an introduction.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Ushiozanhougon.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Ushiozanhougon Temple (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cH3GU549cGs" target="_blank">map location</a>) is nestled within a basin surrounded by hills that borders the prefectures of Kyoto and Shiga, and is going to be the focal-point of my time hiking and discovering what lies within these hills.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stairway to<br />Ushiozanhougon.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I have no information regarding the temple and it's grounds, just to say it is located at the junction of many hiking tracks and, judging by the amount of hikers and devotees in the area, it is a very popular destination.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I would say the temple has seen better days but, aside from that, it was still a very beautiful place to experience. On the day I took these images I arrived by mountain-bike and, as it was cold, I didn't want to hang-around too long: I still had a 33km ride to get home, but, whenever I pass through here, I am sure I will have more images to add.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As can be seen in this map, there is quite a network of tracks in the area. One particular track is a segment of the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D_(road)" target="_blank">Tokaido Road</a>'. I estimate my time in here will require three, maybe four, visits and, each segment I do, I plan to pass by Ushiozanhougon.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Included within the area are four mountains I plan to ascend - (Mt) Otowayama 593m, (Mt) Gyojagamori 440m, (Mt) Takatsukayama 485m and (Mt) Daigoyama 454m.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Also, I am sure I will discover other shrines and temples, like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigo-ji#Layout" target="_blank">Shimo-Daigo (Lower Daigo-ji) and Kami-Daigo (Upper Daigo-ji)</a> and Shiraishi-jinja Shrine. And lets not forget the religious icons that, I am sure, will be dotted-within the territory.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Of the two occasions I have been here, I get the impression the tracks are well signposted. In the image on the top left, this noticeboard, located at the base of the pilgrimage path to Ushiozanhougon, shows the tracks in the area. On the bottom left, is a sign giving directions for the Tokaido Road path - these are very distinctive signs and, wherever you come-across them, they are all the same. The image on the bottom right, are signs placed throughout by the 'Yamashina Hiking Club', they are located at the junctions and give excellent information as to there to go from that point but, a warning, they are very small and easily missed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So, without further ado, lets go hiking.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Video of Ushiozanhougon - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=rnOBp-7Zuac" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=rnOBp-7Zuac</a> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Trip-1 - <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/01/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-ono.html" target="_blank">http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/01/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-ono.html</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Trip-2 - <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/02/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond.html" target="_blank">http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/02/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond.html</a> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Trip-3 - <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/03/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-oiwake.html" target="_blank">http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/03/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond-oiwake.html</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trip-4 - <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/04/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond.html" target="_blank">http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2018/04/ushiozanhougon-temple-and-beyond.html</a></b></span></div>
Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒607-0000 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Yamashina-ku, Nishinohigashiyama, 牛尾観音34.969012270800135 135.8478722092390934.962506270800134 135.83778720923908 34.975518270800137 135.85795720923909tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-63771982614017328022017-12-17T21:30:00.000+09:002017-12-17T21:30:20.003+09:00Rural Kamo and Kizu Towns.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It has been some time since my last '<a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tiki%20tour" target="_blank">Tiki-Tour</a>' through the fabulous Japanese countryside,three months to be exact. With my other rides - commuting or exercise rides - I just get on my bike and go-for-it. Today's ride would allow me to relax, take-it-easy, take photos and sightsee. And the weather couldn't have been more perfect - clear, calm and warm. From home I made my way to the route-71 bridge that spans the Kuzu River then followed the cycle-way to Kizu Town. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The town is divided into two halves, the old and the modern. The old comprises of narrow lanes and wooden houses that, in some cases, date some hundred years or more. The modern is made-up of wide avenues and sparkling clean abodes. In recent years a lot of excavation has taken place in Kizu, and many of these lanes and houses have lost their character. A new bridge has been constructed over the Kizu River connecting with a new road giving a more direct access to Nara. My route skirted around the center of the town and took me to the hilly area on the outskirts, and the narrow lanes, like in the image on the left. Here, I stop to admire a Persimmon tree full of fruit. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And, soon after, I find myself dismounting my bike so as to make my way through a quagmire that is too dangerous to attempt cycling through. At the other end I emerge overlooking the town of Kamo. From here I make my way along narrow lanes that allow farmers access to their rice-fields. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next stop is at the Kanonji Abutment. This is a remnant of the <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2016/08/the-daibutsu-railway.html" target="_blank">Daibutsu Railway</a>, which passed-through here from the late 19th and early 20th century before being closed and replaced with the Kansai Line. The new line can be seen in the rear of the image. From the Kamo Station, to this point, both lines shared the same route but, from here they took a different route into Nara City.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here my course takes me through the settlement of Kamocho Takata and . . . .</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QfqrkzScQf32" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . Yasaka-jinja Shrine. I have passed-through this area several times over the years but never realized there was a shrine tucked in amongst the trees. It was while researching 'Google Maps' for this trip, that I noticed the shrine marked on the map. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkA4IAeCMCE/WjRsv5orW4I/AAAAAAAAh1o/FMFKK-GNuTQ_43cfZdYBirCvJ6Ibm3gCQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_091619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkA4IAeCMCE/WjRsv5orW4I/AAAAAAAAh1o/FMFKK-GNuTQ_43cfZdYBirCvJ6Ibm3gCQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171215_091619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> What was of interest to me, was the four <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komainu" target="_blank">Komainu,</a> or Lion Dogs, standing guard at the entrance to the complex. Normally there are only two. What impressed me most about Yasaka-jinja, was the serenity and beauty encompassing the area - overlooking a pond and engulfed in trees.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsPDe4VkClg/WjRuPb27IhI/AAAAAAAAh10/HEyar644_zAk3n-ikJeqkmbsd6R9xxHhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_092737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsPDe4VkClg/WjRuPb27IhI/AAAAAAAAh10/HEyar644_zAk3n-ikJeqkmbsd6R9xxHhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171215_092737.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here I cross over route-44, a road connecting Kamo Town with Nara City, and through more rice fields. A couple of months ago, these fields would have been a sea of green as the rice was approaching harvest time. These lanes are so narrow in places that, if I was to encounter a vehicle, I would need to alight my bike to allow them to pass.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcXs1R05n_Y/WjRwQX1pE0I/AAAAAAAAh2A/yBrY21NrhcYS7kSs_WK8NTguM40X1eA0QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_093324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcXs1R05n_Y/WjRwQX1pE0I/AAAAAAAAh2A/yBrY21NrhcYS7kSs_WK8NTguM40X1eA0QCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_093324.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My course now takes me through dense bush before emerging at another rice growing area. My lane, again very narrow, is a popular walking course for local residents and their pets. Today was no exception, with many out taking advantage of the Autumn-like conditions. I reach a junction and cross a small bridge, where I encounter this collection of religious icons. Interesting finding a large collection, in such an isolated place. From this point my path is up a steep incline that tests my stamina, but I make it and continue on through the settlement of Kamocho Higashiokami, where I link-up with the trail knows as '<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/touno-sekibutsu-no-sato-pilgrimage-to-sekibutsu--4" target="_blank">Touno Sekibutsu no Sato</a>', or the Pilgrimage to Sekibutsu. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This 14km trail encompasses two famous temples - Gansen-ji and Joruri-ji - taking-in along the way a collection of carved religious icons, or <a href="http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/s/sekibutsu.htm" target="_blank">Sekibutsu</a>. My first encounter is here at Karasunotsubo, where I watch the owner of these three large hounds, and his attempt at getting them to pose long enough to take their photo.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Nearby is this magnificent carving, simply titled - Warai (which is the Japanese translation for happy/laughing/smiling ) and is an image of Buddha sitting in the Lotus Position.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0GOtwKv7Fg/WjR37tO77JI/AAAAAAAAh2k/oBw13EIukm8OQQ6njP__7LpNcBpMLnAvACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_101615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0GOtwKv7Fg/WjR37tO77JI/AAAAAAAAh2k/oBw13EIukm8OQQ6njP__7LpNcBpMLnAvACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171215_101615.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kyMfKa5winH2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I now make my way through another settlement - Kamocho Ohata - nestled in a valley surrounded by trees and my steepest ascent of the day. In all the times I have ridden this path, only once have I made it to the top without having to dismount and walk. This was not one of those days. By now the sun was emitting some heat and I was beginning to raise a sweat.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN2TK2YussQ/WjR5aDTqY2I/AAAAAAAAh2w/kknxvWFtr0g58ulctKpyMHavfTd84bmYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_102051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1425" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IN2TK2YussQ/WjR5aDTqY2I/AAAAAAAAh2w/kknxvWFtr0g58ulctKpyMHavfTd84bmYQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_102051.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I made my way to my next destination, out of the corner of my eye I spotted this small Jizo almost camouflaged by leaves and moss. I am still fascinated at where one can come-across these stone icons.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I pass through two more small settlements, before arriving at . . . .</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDZRGBzLDiI/WjR7DfVsyyI/AAAAAAAAh3A/pQPd4dyELgYfFYwSNG87sMV1vFXhUSgPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_102700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDZRGBzLDiI/WjR7DfVsyyI/AAAAAAAAh3A/pQPd4dyELgYfFYwSNG87sMV1vFXhUSgPgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_102700.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> . . . . Morihachimangu-jinja Shrine. Taking a look at the Torii and Shrine, I got the feeling they had recently been repainted. In the past I have used this site to take-a-break and have a bite-to-eat but, as it was sheltered by many tall trees & dense bush, it was too cold.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnqev3NN4Gw/WjR8Ugp7fsI/AAAAAAAAh3M/isVT2ooUkqQn_PYfK4jQZ6_wxCbMUsTNwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_102622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnqev3NN4Gw/WjR8Ugp7fsI/AAAAAAAAh3M/isVT2ooUkqQn_PYfK4jQZ6_wxCbMUsTNwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_102622.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhRK_6VvdU/WjR8aWfRKTI/AAAAAAAAh3Q/tOADeYcBV9IJjBNdpGeCZWnu5US3GegzwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_102733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhRK_6VvdU/WjR8aWfRKTI/AAAAAAAAh3Q/tOADeYcBV9IJjBNdpGeCZWnu5US3GegzwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_102733.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> So I took a quick look-around, before moving on. This <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%8Dzuya" target="_blank">Chozuya</a>, or purification fountain impressed me as did this Sekibutsu.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> This being a Tiki-Tour, I forgo the sealed lane in favor of a muddy path, that takes me up a hill and behind the shrine. I descent, and weave my way through some very-narrow lanes that require me to exercise caution (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kKMNkbNR1Aq" target="_blank">map location</a>). With the houses built so close to each other, I need to be on the lookout for anyone or anything that may be exiting their property. Any lapse in concentration could spell disaster</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hQKD_iiekM/WjUBzepZnjI/AAAAAAAAh4k/XNipKqT-75M7zSliGR8frNt0jQQ17mIMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_103619.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="1366" height="78" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hQKD_iiekM/WjUBzepZnjI/AAAAAAAAh4k/XNipKqT-75M7zSliGR8frNt0jQQ17mIMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171215_103619.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I navigate my way successfully, and enter a narrow path, as can be seen in the above panorama, which heralds the halfway point of the days outing - 35km. The small Jizo, set-in the bank (image on the left) reminds me of the very first time I passed through this way: it was a hot day and I decided to break here and take on some water. Standing here I had the feeling someone, or something, was looking over my shoulder. When I turned, there it was. As I mentioned earlier, these fellas pop-up in some of the most isolated of places.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My descent from here is through some tricky terrain and I need to watch my speed. With all the leaves strewn on the ground, it's difficult to know what the surface is like below. Like falling into a ditch when walking through deep snow. I re-emerge on the outskirts of Kamo Town and scoot-around the perimeter until I reach the Kizu River bridge. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq5wfxRyYrw/WjUHZG5BiTI/AAAAAAAAh5A/wp8jPCA6DIYgDsyu7mGrT9oIa8Z2DrnBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_110426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="441" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq5wfxRyYrw/WjUHZG5BiTI/AAAAAAAAh5A/wp8jPCA6DIYgDsyu7mGrT9oIa8Z2DrnBQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20171215_110426.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYSU9gxeCr4/WjUHfDIYB6I/AAAAAAAAh5E/-OSE-PFkW2cNbJEjJ_2mCjzzRvf5lMf_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171215_110503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="784" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYSU9gxeCr4/WjUHfDIYB6I/AAAAAAAAh5E/-OSE-PFkW2cNbJEjJ_2mCjzzRvf5lMf_wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171215_110503.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/eS4DLWdQLKS2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Crossing the bridge, I then take a track along the top of a flood bank and descend, and make my way to Ebisu-jinja Shrine. This complex is situated amongst a crop-of-trees in the middle of farming country. A kilometer or so away is route-163, a very busy road at the best of times, that I take to the settlement of Kamikoma, part of Yamashiro Town. From here, it's back home, and a nice hot shower.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As always, thank-you for reading this post, and - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/19573392" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/19573392</a></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, Kyōto-fu, Kizugawa-shi, 府道752号線34.719755014951865 135.8701106160879134.667557014951868 135.78942961608792 34.771953014951862 135.95079161608791tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-62760197583480815822017-11-25T20:43:00.001+09:002017-11-25T20:43:12.044+09:00Atago-san (Mt Atago).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox91JFzJ4NM/WhT-xsHv9FI/AAAAAAAAg1Y/7NJsrkKm0b0YsNrUo2cftc8vY7Xs0XUtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171122_131851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1244" height="136" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox91JFzJ4NM/WhT-xsHv9FI/AAAAAAAAg1Y/7NJsrkKm0b0YsNrUo2cftc8vY7Xs0XUtQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171122_131851.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Mt Atago, 924m. On a misty winters morning.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>This is another area that is very popular with members of the hiking community, along with devotees of the Shinto religion. At any day of the year the mountain attracts many outdoor enthusiasts from all parts of the globe. Then, from 9pm of the evening of July 31st, for one night only,the mountain will witness a huge number of pilgrims making their way to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atago_Shrine_(Kyoto)" target="_blank">Atago-jinja Shrine</a>, atop the summit, to celebrate <a href="http://traditionalkyoto.com/activities/atago-sennichi-mairi/" target="_blank">Sennichi Mairi </a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> There are many different routes accessing the summit - I counted six on my map - with the most popular commencing at the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7kc2XTGmFJq" target="_blank">Kiyotaki</a>. Another route, via the farming settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8fZbAGj1yWy" target="_blank">Mizuo</a>, is more scenic and, in my opinion, less boring. For those who want a gut-busting route to the summit, then the track via Kuuya-taki Waterfalls and the Kamakurayama Tsukinowa Temple (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fK6nfpaBZ132" target="_blank">Map Location</a>)might satisfy your thirst for adventure.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjeFF9Ja7U/Whfw0ofuZ7I/AAAAAAAAg88/s_oDaJL9T_0NYuGU9ryXud0uCtmRFbnjACLcBGAs/s1600/S1000003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjeFF9Ja7U/Whfw0ofuZ7I/AAAAAAAAg88/s_oDaJL9T_0NYuGU9ryXud0uCtmRFbnjACLcBGAs/s320/S1000003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Bridge over the Kiyotaki River.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> For this trip, I chose the course that took me past the junction to the Kuuya Falls & Kamakurayama Tsukinowa Temple, that I completed three months ago to the day, and around the back of Mt Atago, with the intention of reaching the summit from the north-west, then descending into the settlement of Mizuo, where I would check-out the Mausoleum of Emperor Seiwa, before making my way down the road to the J.R. Hozukyo Station, and home.To get to Kiyotaki by direct bus from Kyoto Station, I needed to be at the bus-stop in time for the 07:25am bus. An hour and ten minutes later, along with a dozen-or-so fellow outdoorholics, we arrived at the settlement of Kiyotaki, with perfect conditions for hiking - clear, calm & not-too-cold.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59DLVd4pCy8/Whf1D0KktGI/AAAAAAAAg9w/I_RuANhdogUUgFQ3_gECJNhp_1v68KuFwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59DLVd4pCy8/Whf1D0KktGI/AAAAAAAAg9w/I_RuANhdogUUgFQ3_gECJNhp_1v68KuFwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I have passed-through Kiyotaki many times over the years, either coming or going and, on each occasion, having taken a different course. It's a lovely spot, and lies on the junction of many tracks. As I had been up since 04:30am, I didn't want to waste too much time checking-out the scenery, and wanted to get on my way without too much delay.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSt49HHktqw/Whf2DySMoII/AAAAAAAAg98/5ztejVUC_PMhSK3eXVg95TiyqVtz1Mu-QCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1004" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSt49HHktqw/Whf2DySMoII/AAAAAAAAg98/5ztejVUC_PMhSK3eXVg95TiyqVtz1Mu-QCLcBGAs/s200/S1000006.JPG" width="168" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Each of my fellow bus-passengers were possibly taking a different path, to a different destination. The gentleman in this image, after passing through this wooden <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii" target="_blank">Torii</a>, was taking the direct route to the summit and shrine. One-or-two others I would pass as I made my way to my first photo break (One couple I would be reunited with later on. More about them later.)</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxHrWHI38KQ/Whf4u1OY9mI/AAAAAAAAg-Q/lvZ2SLq9OkAesIvxK7Gv79Gi7SU4rKHPQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxHrWHI38KQ/Whf4u1OY9mI/AAAAAAAAg-Q/lvZ2SLq9OkAesIvxK7Gv79Gi7SU4rKHPQCLcBGAs/s320/S1000009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Track to the Kuuya Waterfalls.</b></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgHBw45QEDc/Whf42GH0phI/AAAAAAAAg-U/6L5Ahtw633wQgqED7KZ2-Fm41S1y2uEUwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgHBw45QEDc/Whf42GH0phI/AAAAAAAAg-U/6L5Ahtw633wQgqED7KZ2-Fm41S1y2uEUwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Track to Kamakurayama Tsukinowa Temple, and Mt Atago.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Thirty minutes in and I arrived at the junctions of the Kuuya Waterfalls . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . the temple & mountain track and the path I intended on taking but, first, I wanted to check-out the waterfalls. Something I didn't do when passing-through the last time.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-dPUSGGSSs/WhgKDJ7aI3I/AAAAAAAAg-k/l9n33bbroeory0lWwXr6dOefOTOe6GBFACLcBGAs/s1600/S1000011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-dPUSGGSSs/WhgKDJ7aI3I/AAAAAAAAg-k/l9n33bbroeory0lWwXr6dOefOTOe6GBFACLcBGAs/s320/S1000011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Just as I set-off towards the waterfalls, I was confronted with these Racoon-dog statuettes, or <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/tanuki.shtml" target="_blank">Tanuki</a>, nestled amongst the roots of a tree, just above the track. Normally found outside Bars and Restaurants, I couldn't hazard-a-guess as to why they would be located in such a spot.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6ETl7eHOXk/WhidC0WZPrI/AAAAAAAAg_0/5Dk69tuTCxMvH6lyQ9YDDrdosmulw-rfwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6ETl7eHOXk/WhidC0WZPrI/AAAAAAAAg_0/5Dk69tuTCxMvH6lyQ9YDDrdosmulw-rfwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000013.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Erer4wjufI/WhidKrj877I/AAAAAAAAhAE/BilP0lz-pNUIZ12HPqcgeojqSuvEDz6qwCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Erer4wjufI/WhidKrj877I/AAAAAAAAhAE/BilP0lz-pNUIZ12HPqcgeojqSuvEDz6qwCLcBGAs/s320/S1000015.JPG" width="179" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> A 200m path of concrete-block steps, soon brought me to the first of two Torii, heralding my arrival at Kuuya-Taki. As I approached the site, the sound of the falls was clearly discernible. There were a few dilapidated buildings between to two Torii, with no sign of life that I could notice. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Then . . . . </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsbPYjGPzO8/Whimh5Gnv8I/AAAAAAAAhAs/Dv_B_BhCY74LvVqTmDERW7cVynObsuwSgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsbPYjGPzO8/Whimh5Gnv8I/AAAAAAAAhAs/Dv_B_BhCY74LvVqTmDERW7cVynObsuwSgCLcBGAs/s320/S1000017.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZTbghoc6rCz" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> . . . . there it was, the <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/transwordtgm.com/https-sites-google-com-a-transwordtgm-com-sites/tgm-international/tgm-kyoto-guide/sagano-arashiyama/waterfall-of-kuuya-kong-yeno-long" target="_blank">Kuuya-Taki</a> Waterfalls (12m). And, like any waterfall, this was a sight-to-behold. This site is known to be the training ground of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%ABya" target="_blank">Kuuya Shonin</a>. The practice of Takigyo - meditation of sitting or standing under a waterfall - is still practiced here.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUj-obAmPZE/WhipIN4h-eI/AAAAAAAAhA4/yUTyMYwtYFwcKQSR_8C9wOgOk7wZIe8dgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Mt+Atago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUj-obAmPZE/WhipIN4h-eI/AAAAAAAAhA4/yUTyMYwtYFwcKQSR_8C9wOgOk7wZIe8dgCEwYBhgL/s400/Mt+Atago.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> The waterfalls wasn't the only object that impressed me. Throughout there were a collection of religious icons. As can be seen in the above collage.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pW2M9yjBE/WhiqQ-aFGVI/AAAAAAAAhBE/PT-hHhCPlW8pgasVY8mp3RlKGQ11O2CgQCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pW2M9yjBE/WhiqQ-aFGVI/AAAAAAAAhBE/PT-hHhCPlW8pgasVY8mp3RlKGQ11O2CgQCLcBGAs/s320/S1000026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I was soon back on my planned course, and my ascent of Mt Atago. As I made my way up the valley, evidence of the recent storms that passed over the area, were evident.</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcs4ka4Koog/Whiq-aHV0AI/AAAAAAAAhBM/sjGRg996ARUgbULt_purb_7fWZSrzVigACLcBGAs/s1600/S1000027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="964" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcs4ka4Koog/Whiq-aHV0AI/AAAAAAAAhBM/sjGRg996ARUgbULt_purb_7fWZSrzVigACLcBGAs/s200/S1000027.JPG" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/S8rAmAEb1BA2" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w54XOAeOYQ/WhitryI73LI/AAAAAAAAhBY/uFkDSFVazqYjcVELYLtsDcETMCbh_vdhACLcBGAs/s1600/S1000028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w54XOAeOYQ/WhitryI73LI/AAAAAAAAhBY/uFkDSFVazqYjcVELYLtsDcETMCbh_vdhACLcBGAs/s200/S1000028.JPG" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Thirty minutes on, and I reached this rock monument that stood at the junction of two tracks. A quick perusal of my map, along with the map of the area posted on a post nearby, convinced me the track on the left was my track to the summit. It wasn't marked, but I could see evidence of a track of sorts.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After making my way up the hill, I soon arrived at this well-beaten path. Just as I arrived an elderly couple appeared, the couple I had passed earlier in the morning, just out of Kiyotaki. My first thought was - "How the hell did they get here, and without passing me?" Once we recognized each other, I asked them where I was. So out came the map again and, before long, I realized my mistake - I was on the Temple path, the one that commenced at the junction with the waterfalls. With Mt Atago not far away, I proceeded on and, while doing so, hatched another plan - I would descend from the summit, via my planned ascent route, and make my way to Mizuo from another direction.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtJG09PmyEk/WhixD_oIt5I/AAAAAAAAhBk/McjnJI-jUK4EcJ52YJHGb2ud5UUYtoZZgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtJG09PmyEk/WhixD_oIt5I/AAAAAAAAhBk/McjnJI-jUK4EcJ52YJHGb2ud5UUYtoZZgCLcBGAs/s200/S1000030.JPG" width="112" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVKW4DTexQ/Whixm57BGkI/AAAAAAAAhBw/H92xC2uu3igxRXoERUrJJWnv3AA6A8cdgCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVKW4DTexQ/Whixm57BGkI/AAAAAAAAhBw/H92xC2uu3igxRXoERUrJJWnv3AA6A8cdgCLcBGAs/s320/S1000032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2aRS3WGmnVx" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPsrpzFNUr0/WhixQ9UYcJI/AAAAAAAAhBo/niHbgXfwjDIcUIa5vbwpLwshMnlAg7g_gCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1414" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPsrpzFNUr0/WhixQ9UYcJI/AAAAAAAAhBo/niHbgXfwjDIcUIa5vbwpLwshMnlAg7g_gCLcBGAs/s320/S1000031.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My time at the summit was brief - a prayer at the altar, a hot coffee & buns - as, having been here five times in the past, and knew what was here. Also I was unsure of my new route and how long it would take. It was just on 12pm and I was doing good time, but was wary of the shortening days.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MaD2LU52zu0/Whiz7cCfHDI/AAAAAAAAhB8/E7Hfkjz2LjsgSmKnCTfIBTmJqZlSahe_gCLcBGAs/s1600/S1000035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MaD2LU52zu0/Whiz7cCfHDI/AAAAAAAAhB8/E7Hfkjz2LjsgSmKnCTfIBTmJqZlSahe_gCLcBGAs/s200/S1000035.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From the shrine I needed to backtrack a few hundred meters, passing the junction I had just ascended from, and passing this set of Torii,to my next junction.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siLprkjvucQ/Whi0yS5ffJI/AAAAAAAAhCE/6knU0hePN-ULNgYdzqGhcq0b2DIgDR7vACLcBGAs/s1600/S1000036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siLprkjvucQ/Whi0yS5ffJI/AAAAAAAAhCE/6knU0hePN-ULNgYdzqGhcq0b2DIgDR7vACLcBGAs/s320/S1000036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Which was highlighted by this collection of <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml" target="_blank">Jizo</a>. While here, I had a quick perusal my my map and discovered that this was the junction I would have ascended to, if I had taken the correct course earlier. I was also joined by three other hikers, who were going in the same direction as I was. They kindly offered me some advice as to what track to take and wished me well.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next junction was highlighted by this interesting statue. The hikers I met earlier described this statue by slicing his finger across his throat and, once here, take the track on the left. I was somewhat confused by his actions but, upon closer look, the statue was headless. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My descent was steep, as was to be expected and, before long, I emerged onto route-50, with Mizuo just down the road. But, before I entered the settlement, a detour, to checkout the Mausoleum of Emperor Seiwa. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XVsfJZdDFxw" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Seiwa" target="_blank">Emperor Seiwa</a> (850-878) ascended the throne at the age of 9 but, after 18-years, he ceded the throne to his 5-year old son.Two years later he became a Buddhist Priest adopting the name of Soshin. During his time on the throne, in the early <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period" target="_blank">Heian Period</a>, Emperor Seiwa decided to live in this town, after falling in love with this land, during his travels around Kinki. But sadly the Emperor passed-away at the Enkaku-ji Temple, in the village, after only living here for 4-years.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Gmw8mYZRwXG2" target="_blank">Map Location.</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Nestled in the hills, overlooking the settlement,is a sacred place where the soul of Emperor Seiwa is enshrined. Seiwa-jinja Shrine was established here after his death. The Torii, the entrance to the shrine, is located almost next to Enkaku-ji, where Seiwa died.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The settlement of Mizuo is also known as Yuzu Town, and is famous for it's local produce of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrus_junos#Description" target="_blank">Yuzu Citrus</a>. As one wanders through the town, you can't help but notice the trees scattered all about.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Mizuo is one of those settlements I enjoy experiencing, and is typical of many towns dotted throughout Japan. In many cases, like here in Mizuo, the houses are located very close to the road, as can be seen in the image on the right. That is route-50, a thoroughfare that links Kyoto City with the north-western area of Kyoto prefecture. And, on any given day, can be quite busy. And difficult to negotiate, especially if you are driving a large vehicle.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next destination from here is the J.R. Hozukyo Station, and I take a path that follows the river, passing through this avenue of Autumn colored trees. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The platform of the station spans the Hozukyo Gorge,where the Katsuragawa River flows under, on it's way through Arashiyama, and eventually ending-up in Osaka Bay.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I hadn't managed to stop for a decent lunch-break, I take shelter in this seating area - there is a cold, strong wind blowing across the platform - and pour myself a hot mug of coffee and devour my curry & buns. The shelter is so close to the rails that, when the Express Train passes, one can feel the slipstream. And the noise is quite deafening. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Lunch over, I board my train for Kyoto, then another train home. Although I didn't cover my planned course, my alternative was just as good and, over a good cold can-of-beer when I arrived home, I reflected on my day. I was contented.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b> I would like to acknowledge the guys at '<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/transwordtgm.com/https-sites-google-com-a-transwordtgm-com-sites/" target="_blank">Trans-word+</a>' for granting me access to their website for information regarding this post.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b> Video of the hike - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wygztcMdbRA&t=17s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wygztcMdbRA&t=17s</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26535944" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26535944</a></b></span><br />
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com01 Sagaatagochō, Ukyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 616-8458, Japan35.060352812431496 135.6344604492187535.008385312431493 135.55377944921875 35.1123203124315 135.71514144921875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-58298291946241702072017-09-21T15:17:00.000+09:002017-09-21T15:17:04.133+09:00The [S]Torii Still Contunies.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>If you read my post - '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2017/09/rural-nara-circuit.html" target="_blank">Rural Nara Circuit</a>' - you may have been impressed with my discovery of this metal Torii, partly obscured by trees and undergrowth, along route- 186 in the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rgWvxbQdtyT2" target="_blank">Nakahatacho</a>, rural Nara.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii" target="_blank">Torii</a> is suppose to signify a gate, or entrance to a Shinto Shrine. So, when I stumbled-across this find, I was keen to see if/where the shrine was. Nothing. This bugged-me and I needed to know more.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> So, 5-days after that visit, I returned on my '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2017/09/the-storii-continues.html" target="_blank">The [S]Torii Continues</a>' trip to see if more lies in the bush surrounding the Torii and, hopefully set my obsession to rest.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Upon my arrival I forwarded a copy of this image - the tablet hanging from the Gakuzuka, or supporting strut - to a friend, and a reply came back almost immediately. The inscription reads, "Hachidai Ryuou Oogami", and is about the God who shaped the Dragon with Eight Bodies and is said to be the God of Water.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As I was looking about, I discovered what looked like a track and, as I was only wearing my cycling shoes, decided to end my search there, with the intention of returning and seeing where the track leads.</b>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Today I arrived at the Torii on two feet, after a 90-minute bus & train ride to get to Yadawaracho, and took my time, as I strolled through the aftermath of the rice-growing season. On my first visit, 10-days prior, this looked so very different.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Once I set my G.P.S. App' into recording mode, I didn't waste any time getting underway. As I made my way down the hill I soon arrived at a stream, that I noticed how it's banks had been lined with rocks. I would experience many situations like this throughout the course of the day.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I soon arrived at the spot where I ended my walk five days earlier. On a couple of trees in my vicinity, I espied some red tape and what looked like a track. As I was still close to the road, I felt this may return me to where I started and so moved-on. A little further on and, another rock-lined section of the stream, and what looked like the remains of a bridge.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was making my way along the stream, crossing it from time-to-time, I couldn't help but get the feeling I wasn't the only life-form that had recently passed through this way. I encountered many wild deer tracks running alongside the stream so, if I kept my noise-level to a minimum, I might be lucky in seeing one-or-two. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> At times my track required some risky maneuvering - rock-hopping across the stream, clambering up the bank, bush-bashing - when, suddenly, I arrived at this junction. I decided to leave my planned route for a few minutes and take the other track when I suddenly realized this was the track I saw earlier. This was later confirmed when I checked my internet map.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Up to this point I had come-across many forms of fungi, most of them on broken branches and tree-stumps. Some of them quite beautiful and in an assortment of colors.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> My next stop was at this bridge. Checking my map, to see where the track lead to, and liking what I saw, I decided on this occasion I would detour from my planned course. But, fifty meters on, I met a wall of overgrown scrub, vines and bamboo and soon u-turned back and continued on my way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The track, at this point, was becoming more defined and, as can be seen in this image on the right, just a beautiful. I was beginning to get the feeling I was closing-in on civilization and the conclusion of my days hike. So, while here, make-the-most-of-it and slow the pace a notch, or two. It had been just over an hour since starting-out.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5nWSzzht2g/WcMJg0ONlzI/AAAAAAAAfm4/JgX9pofMd5Qe2L2IkXJfy7A2TbvMmck8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_112836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="851" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5nWSzzht2g/WcMJg0ONlzI/AAAAAAAAfm4/JgX9pofMd5Qe2L2IkXJfy7A2TbvMmck8QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170920_112836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was about to encounter my third, and final, rock-lined section of stream and a site that gave me the feeling there had once been a settlement here. The risky-looking bridge led to an area, about the size of a rugby field, that looked like it had been excavated many moons ago and all that remained were a scattering of trees. I took the path down to take a closer look. There was no evidence of any buildings, or pits, or water troughs. Strange.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Gradually my course had progressed from a dirt track, to a concrete path and then finally a sealed lane. I turned a corner and, there in front of me, was the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7iqPdnLp9x92" target="_blank">Kitatsubaocho</a>. And the end of this section of my days hiking. After arriving at the junction, and switching-off my G.P.S. App', I headed up the road to Shoryaku-ji Temple, and . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . lunch. My feet were killing-me, and I needed to take-a-break, rest-up and take on sustenance. I discovered, when removing my boots, I had forgotten to insert the inner-soles. I thought there was something I had forgotten.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMl80K3-5cU/WcMQezTVWiI/AAAAAAAAfno/o6JSpWjPheARthL7cP9RQ1-l-IL4_490gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_125409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="851" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMl80K3-5cU/WcMQezTVWiI/AAAAAAAAfno/o6JSpWjPheARthL7cP9RQ1-l-IL4_490gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170920_125409.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From here I made my way through another forest, passing this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumulus" target="_blank">Tumulus Pond</a>, and eventually joined the Yamanobenomichi Path, one of the oldest paths in Japan, that would take me onto . . . . </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_Park" target="_blank">Nara Park</a>. And another mug-of-coffee and sultana buns, before my final stretch to Nara station, and my train home. Although my curiosity over the Torii wasn't satisfied ( I hope that will happen this weekend, when my wife and spend the day at Yadawaracho), it was still a great days hiking.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, until next time - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Sayonara.</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=A6kwzloryAE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=A6kwzloryAE</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17825270" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17825270</a></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </b></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒630-8405 Nara-ken, Nara-shi, Kitatsubaochō, 県道186号線34.640297806104982 135.8913772436790234.638664806104984 135.88885574367902 34.64193080610498 135.89389874367902tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-32346206591500162432017-09-17T09:36:00.000+09:002017-09-17T09:36:07.409+09:00The [S]Torii Continues.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'The [S]Torii Continues', not a bad pun if I say so myself. All witticisms aside, it's that time again where my obsessive tendencies resurface, and I can't get something out of my head until I do something about it.</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>This time the guilty object is this metal Torii I discovered along route-186, in an area bordering Nara and Tenri cities or, more accurately, the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jGu2uxSnCft" target="_blank">Nakahatacho</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was in the area on my '<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2017/09/rural-nara-circuit.html" target="_blank">Rural Nara Circuit</a>' ride, and had just emerged from the settlement of Yadawaracho, onto route-186. A few hundred meters along from the junction, was this metal Torii, partly camouflaged by trees and assorted undergrowth and, I am hesitant to add, discarded refuse. After leaning my bike against a tree, I decided on a quick scout-around for any sign of a Shinto Shrine - nothing ( although I only took a fleeting look). Since returning home, I decided to take a closer look but not return via the same route and, while in the area, I might-as-well check-out what lies in the settlements and lanes of this area of Nara. I decided to make Kasagi Town my destination.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I made a bee-line for Yasaka-jinja Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mAEKVMzbGjm" target="_blank">Map Location</a>), which lies on the border separating the city area of Nara from the rural. After a quick banana and setting-up my cameras, I was off onto a lane that has painful memories for me - several years ago, while ascending this lane, during the peak of summer, I collapsed of heat exhaustion. Luckily today it was much cooler and I experienced no problems.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was making my descent onto route-80, I came-across this interesting site. To the casual passer-by, this may look like a derelict shed but, upon closer look, there is a large Buddhist Icon inside - maybe a <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml" target="_blank">Jizo</a>. There were fresh flowers at the altar, indicating someone had been here recently. Outside, camouflaged by an assortment of undergrowth, was this well. The conclusion I came to was, with ladles close-by, that this may be a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%8Dzuya" target="_blank">Chozuya</a>. From here my lane emerged onto route-80 and the settlement of Yadawaracho, which I planned to take a closer-look at but, before that, I was to re-enter the rural environment and make my way to 'The Torii'.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlHcqR7PSwg/Wbx0SOYwHlI/AAAAAAAAfKI/OcxhL0OrPzglKrp8oNJ_ZHn3isyPKqfagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_102602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlHcqR7PSwg/Wbx0SOYwHlI/AAAAAAAAfKI/OcxhL0OrPzglKrp8oNJ_ZHn3isyPKqfagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170915_102602.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uzgnNTFPZCm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Map Location.</b></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It was still there - not that I doubted it wouldn't be - and, when I found a suitable place to park my bike, I took a photo of the name plate (image on the right) and forwarded it to a friend to see if he could shed any light on the matter. Then I set-off to explore the site. A track, of sorts, attracted my attention and I decided to check where it went. I gradually descended, following a small stream, that eventually joined a larger stream, and signs that this was part of a hiking course - red tags tied to trees, discarded litter - but nothing to suggest the presence of a shrine.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> This is the environment I like & appreciate so much and I soon found myself in a trance as I admired my surroundings. While here I accessed my 'Google Maps' site to check my location. It was then I got a shock - I have been in this area before. Some years ago, when exploring the site where a castle (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2013/11/in-search-of-tsubakio-jo-castle.html" target="_blank">Tsubakio-jo</a>) once stood, I bush-bashed down through a dense forest to a stream that eventually emerged amongst civilization. In this instance, the settlement of <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kitatsubaocho,+Nara,+Nara+Prefecture+630-8405,+Japan/@34.6386071,135.8594778,5010m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6001364db8db2a83:0x973977f0695cabb6!8m2!3d34.6369521!4d135.8612984?hl=en" target="_blank">Kitatsubaocho</a>. This was that stream.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I was only wearing my cycling shoes, I decided to end my exploration here (maybe returning later) and return to my bike. As I arrived I received a message from my friend with some very interesting information. The inscription reads - "<a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/dragon.shtml" target="_blank">Hachidai Ryuou Oogami</a>" (the attached link is very interesting)- and is about the God who shaped the Dragon with eight bodies and is said to be the God of Water. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Now it was time to check-out the settlement of Yadawaracho, and some interesting surprises. The first of them being . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> . . . . this Indian restaurant. Located where three narrow lanes converge, '<a href="http://vanammeal.wixsite.com/home" target="_blank">Vanam</a>' is one of those places you would come to, to get-away from the city and all it's trappings. It is a combination of restaurant, cafe and cooking-class. As-much-as I would have loved to stay (has been placed on my 'must return' list) I needed to move-on. The reason why I chose this area was that, according to 'Google Maps', there was a museum opposite the restaurant. Sadly someone got the location wrong and it was further away.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Lanes through settlements like Yadawaracho are like the vascular system of the human body, so I just cruised up-and-around and around-and-back, with no set course in mind.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Then, just as I was cruising along a narrow lane (narrow enough to allow one vehicle at a time, albeit a small vehicle), out of the corner-of-my-eye I spotted this vermilion-colored Ryobu Torii. So named after the long association with Ryobu Shinto. As I was standing here, contemplating what to do next, a local approached me with a map of the settlement with local sights. This is the entrance to Tenmangu Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gCzpLeAfHmu" target="_blank">Map Location</a>), a hilltop shrine.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> With three flights of rock steps from this side, and a track descending on the other, needless-to-say what my plan was. With a flat stone row on either side of the steps, I thought this would be a piece-of-cake. I didn't bank on the following two flights not having these stones. But it was worth the struggle.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I neared the end of the third flight, I turned a corner, and there it was - Tenmangu-jinja. And what a sight. As I was doing good time, and my body wasn't showing any signs of exhaustion, I decided to take a short rest, take-on some fluids, have a banana, take the obligatory photos, before moving on. Places like this are so serene and quiet one doesn't feel like leaving. Although the peace was about to be broken by the mandatory fire sirens that go-off at this time of day, 12pm.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The track descending from Tenmangu-jinja, didn't just give access to the shrine, but the tea plantations that dotted this side of the hill, and was quite overgrown with grass. Making the track a bit hairy in places. So care was needed. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Once back on the sealed road, my next destination was the Mausoleum of Emperor Konin (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/a11iw8TjofE2" target="_blank">Map Location</a>). Emperor Konin was the 49th Emperor of Japan, and sat on the throne from 770 -to- 781, before handing-over the reins to his son, Yamabe. Emperor Konin died a year later at the age of 73.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My next destination was the Yagyuuyamaguchi-jinja, and a long-overdue lunch-break. But, before then, some serious and dense bush track to contend with. I was in familiar terrain, having cycled & hiked through this area several times in the past, and was keen to photograph a <a href="http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/s/sekibutsu.htm" target="_blank">Sekibutsu</a> that I knew existed in this area. But sadly it wasn't to be this day. The bush was so dense I had to give-up on the idea and rejoin the sealed road. Not to worry, there were other carvings of the like I was to experience.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A few kilometers down from where I emerged from the bush, I turned a corner and was greeted with this sight - rural Japan at it's very best. In this instance, the settlement of Oyagyu. It would have been a more magnificent sight before the rice fields were harvested. All that green. </b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHpYYkcbe-g/WbyMUUEJ83I/AAAAAAAAfNQ/njg9f49CpPwo0tRwbn91yPHuXTLvayoTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_131301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHpYYkcbe-g/WbyMUUEJ83I/AAAAAAAAfNQ/njg9f49CpPwo0tRwbn91yPHuXTLvayoTQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170915_131301.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y06j8ZZTDFY/WbyMicd6QhI/AAAAAAAAfNU/A_mt-eJf4sIyPkXeZ4p98dXT7HQsn5CNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_130730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y06j8ZZTDFY/WbyMicd6QhI/AAAAAAAAfNU/A_mt-eJf4sIyPkXeZ4p98dXT7HQsn5CNgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170915_130730.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Yagyuuyamaguchi-jinja is located along the 'Old Yagyu Road', a road that was created to connect the town of <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/05/05/travel/yagyu-naras-hidden-village-of-the-shoguns-sword-masters/#.WbyNM7IjHIU" target="_blank">Yagyu</a> with Nara, at the time when a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenjutsu" target="_blank">Kenjutsu</a>, or a school for swordsmanship, was created here in 1565. It is a great road to walk and requires a full day to complete.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> But, for me, my main concern was to satisfy my hunger and take-on some fuel. I knew I was close to my destination of Kasagi, and another 30km after that to home, so I needed to rest-up before moving-on.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tedvTNKm4Q0/WbyP9eak42I/AAAAAAAAfNg/SHUbGLfedts1OeARlp9MRP3mHb6ju1oJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_133256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWMIzk3FRMg/WbyRbkKJ29I/AAAAAAAAfNs/4Osn9aL0ZmoPsnmoLYS6AQNZDmZ3YnxAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_134717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWMIzk3FRMg/WbyRbkKJ29I/AAAAAAAAfNs/4Osn9aL0ZmoPsnmoLYS6AQNZDmZ3YnxAwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170915_134717.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> After passing-through the town of Oyagyu, my next destination was the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/F8HcwqxWtR32" target="_blank">Sakaharacho</a> and this stone carving of Buddha. This is a very small example of this type of icon, and, if not paying attention, very easily missed. The lane I was cycling on was narrow, windy and, in places, dangerous. As I discovered earlier, when I nearly came in contact with a postman, you never know what is coming-around the next corner. This is the first (it would have been the second if the bush wasn't so dense) carving of the day, the next was just a few kilometers away at . . . .</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWMIzk3FRMg/WbyRbkKJ29I/AAAAAAAAfN0/2IbMy5kM9dUxJoYV_MOjG4YuUXhO_JDeACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170915_134717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWMIzk3FRMg/WbyRbkKJ29I/AAAAAAAAfN0/2IbMy5kM9dUxJoYV_MOjG4YuUXhO_JDeACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20170915_134717.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. . . . the settlement of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/98KQ6r5KXJT2" target="_blank">Shimosagawacho</a>. The story goes that these were placed on the outskirts of a village to ward-off any evil spirits that may have it's sights on the local population.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The final stretch into Kasagi was uneventful and, when I reached the Kasagiohashi bridge, I was beginning to feel the strain of my day and thinking about to next 30km to home. But, before then, I needed to wrap-up my video recording and pack my cameras away. And knock-off the last two bananas in my pack.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BR56tpKUik/Wbyhki744-I/AAAAAAAAfPg/rzNnbsE7HGw9EVDycX8vlKxw2k3wittfwCLcBGAs/s1600/00006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BR56tpKUik/Wbyhki744-I/AAAAAAAAfPg/rzNnbsE7HGw9EVDycX8vlKxw2k3wittfwCLcBGAs/s320/00006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Although this trip did satisfy my obsession, and, thanks to my friends for researching and providing that information, I still want to return and, this time, check-out the stream and what lies beyond the Torii.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, until next time - </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sayonara.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Video of the trip - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=cIYlQVlWm3M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=cIYlQVlWm3M</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Trip details and images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17715746" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17715746</a><span id="goog_317533874"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_317533875"></span></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒630-8405 Nara-ken, Nara-shi, Kitatsubaochō, 県道186号線34.640199204745741 135.8914160728454634.638566204745743 135.88889457284546 34.641832204745739 135.89393757284546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-72960597731300321392017-09-12T19:32:00.000+09:002017-09-12T19:32:43.712+09:00Rural Nara Circuit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LKVYS_yUUs/WbZiKUKrkbI/AAAAAAAAeDM/q1vUazm0CTQAThemTUz6oOzrdnaAYKqXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170806_090744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1520" height="117" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LKVYS_yUUs/WbZiKUKrkbI/AAAAAAAAeDM/q1vUazm0CTQAThemTUz6oOzrdnaAYKqXwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20170806_090744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>With the temperatures beginning to cool, heralding the arrival of Autumn, and the rice-growing season in full swing, I decided to take the risk and head-out for a long overdue tour. I decided on the rural area bordering Nara and Tenri Cities for my excursion. It has been a couple-of-years since I was last in this area and was keen to return and check-out a couple of new tracks.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> After a 36km x 2-hour cycle through Kizugawa and Nara Cities, I arrived at the settlement of Takahicho, at the junction with the Yamanobenomichi Path. My course would take me to <a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2012/07/in-search-of-shoryaku-ji-temple.html" target="_blank">Shoryaku-ji Temple</a>, 2km up the road then, from there, a narrow lane through to the settlement of Yadawaracho (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zjdhmomQuC92" target="_blank">map location</a>).</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I was thankful of the first 36km being flat as, from this point, the next 8km would be a continuous climb - steep in some places, nearly level in others. This section of lane, through the forest, was quite steep and required me to dismount and walk in places. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Luckily it was still early - 09:30am - and the temperature was still cool. My main concern was my water supply and did I bring enough (I had three 1-litre bottles on my bike) and, if I ran-out, would there be a supply where I could refill?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Yadawaracho, and a surprise sight - rice fields already harvested, or in the process of being harvested. What was so amazing was, where I live, the buds were only just forming. My lane now became an unsealed track which, looking at it, provided access to the many rice fields in the vicinity. The track, I hope, was to connect me to route-186, and the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7ST4jeQ81Q/WbZq1iICGmI/AAAAAAAAeD8/23dTiv9aROkKHdSgIRFic60KmwIsVCYKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170910_101751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7ST4jeQ81Q/WbZq1iICGmI/AAAAAAAAeD8/23dTiv9aROkKHdSgIRFic60KmwIsVCYKwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20170910_101751.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/W3jVFRP1Fyk" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>settlement of Bessho, and familiar territory. Back in November (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2013/11/in-search-of-tsubakio-jo-castle.html" target="_blank">Blog</a>) and December (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2013/12/mount-kunimiyama-tou-no-mori-forest-and.html" target="_blank">Blog</a>) of 2013 I hiked through this area on an exploration of the history of the area.</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> But, before I reached Bassho, I passed this metal Torii, partly camouflaged by trees and other assortment of undergrowth. What was so amazing was there wasn't a Shinto Shrine in site and metal Torii are very rare in Japan. Maybe a return visit is on-the-cards to see what-else lurks in the bush.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV-tqVUpowg/WbZ8WkRMGlI/AAAAAAAAeEg/DgZxXjQws4kLvhPFbBGFAdhBb5iPxbYDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170910_104720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV-tqVUpowg/WbZ8WkRMGlI/AAAAAAAAeEg/DgZxXjQws4kLvhPFbBGFAdhBb5iPxbYDgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170910_104720.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> The Nanamagari Path, linking the settlements of Bassho and Nakahatacho, was uneventful, with the exception of a segment that was almost washed-away by a landslide. With some careful maneuvering, I was able to lug my bike over fallen branches and rocks.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> One always knows when they are nearing Nakahatacho, by the sounds of the traffic. The settlement is almost completely surrounded by route-25 (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/P7Yh4jqUP712" target="_blank">Map Location</a>), a major road linking Osaka and Mie Prefectures.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Here, like at Yadawaracho, rice harvesting is in full-swing. In this image on the left, I was interested to see this elderly couple machine-harvesting the field, considering the size. But, I daresay, they probably had more fields to tend to. </i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> . . . . at the settlement of Minamitsubaocho (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6yQEucUwy5q" target="_blank">Map Location</a>). As it was getting on lunchtime, my plan was to seek-out Kasuga-jinja Shrine, for my first break of my ride but, somehow, I missed the turnoff (there is a network of narrow lanes in this town, that something like this can be easily missed) and found myself descending a very steep road back to my start/finish point at Takahicho.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I arrived at the start/finish point just on 12pm and, thankfully, there was a shaded spot for me to have a bite-to-eat and drink before the ride home. It was another great ride with plenty of rural scenery along the way. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Course details and images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17627206" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17627206</a></b></span></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, 〒630-8411 Nara-ken, Nara-shi, Takahichō, 県道187号線34.634465858018494 135.8530732127685534.6342618580185 135.85275821276855 34.634669858018491 135.85338821276855tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-46903019032612006012017-07-28T17:13:00.000+09:002017-07-28T17:13:48.406+09:00Seika Town.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have passed through</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Seika Town many times over the years, either on my way to my destination or returning from my days outing. I have cycled through here, walked and driven, but I've never stopped to take the time to check-out the area.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> It was this sign I recently espied that put the idea into my head that maybe I should spend some time seeing what is on offer in this area of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seika,_Kyoto" target="_blank">Seika Town</a> (more about the sign later).</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8JQUFE2Lu9S2" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I took my usual shortcut route - route-71 - to reach the border of Hirakata City and Seika Town. I have got to know this section of road like the back-of-my-hand, and I know every bump, turn and hill along the 10km distance. As I was in 'touring mode' my plan was not to push myself but relax and take-in whatever I was to encounter.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After passing through an avenue of bamboo, I emerged to be greeted by this sight - rice fields, about a third of the way through growth. No matter where one sees this, it's always a sight-to-behold. The sign I mentioned earlier, was now directing me up a concrete lane to the right rear in this image.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A track, branching-off to my left, looked promising, so I decided to explore. This irrigation reservoir, probably used to supply water for the rice-fields below, was all there was here. So I did a u-turn, and headed back to my original destination.</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZUr8F3G3A/WXmLpifr3WI/AAAAAAAAcrY/syAA50IcqqYSacakiEceXwJkPciirktqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_084558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZUr8F3G3A/WXmLpifr3WI/AAAAAAAAcrY/syAA50IcqqYSacakiEceXwJkPciirktqwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170727_084558.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3IWgkHRF1I/WXmLssJQFDI/AAAAAAAAcrc/NMioKoAYzIk9ed2u0LM5cMPIlOrcIVTxwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_084442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3IWgkHRF1I/WXmLssJQFDI/AAAAAAAAcrc/NMioKoAYzIk9ed2u0LM5cMPIlOrcIVTxwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170727_084442.jpg" width="150" /></a> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>A short ways up the lane my attention was drawn to this set of steps. Being in an adventuress mood, I leaned my bike against the rail, and decided on seeing what was in store.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Nothing much, as it turned-out. Just this monument with no notice or inscription. After giving my head a scratch I decided to descend and re-mount my bike, wondering what that was all about. Then . . . .</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/9vSsL2TUQp12" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . just across the road, this noticeboard was to reveal all. This area was the site of Inayazuma Castle, where part of the Yamashiro Riots of 1485 took place.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vr4s5ga4Bw/WXm_t-YAS3I/AAAAAAAAcso/BbmPWBsTfRsADHPu4Ivvb7_qdsP7umukgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_084941-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1026" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vr4s5ga4Bw/WXm_t-YAS3I/AAAAAAAAcso/BbmPWBsTfRsADHPu4Ivvb7_qdsP7umukgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_084941-001.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The story goes that one group of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jizamurai" target="_blank">Kokujin Samurai</a>, that opposed the military governor Sadamichi Ise's rule, went even further after the uprising disbanded. They barricaded themselves inside Inayazuma castle and continued to resist. Consequently, on September 11th 1493, Chouin Furuichi, the man who was appointed by Sadamichi Ise to rule over the Soraku & Tsuzuki Territories, commanded his troops to attack the castle. Chouin Furuichi then defeated the opposing group of Kokujin Samurai, and thus welcomed the end of the Yamashiro Province Uprising, both in name and substance. It is a prominent theory that the last stronghold of this uprising - Inayazuma Castle - was here in the Kitainayzuma/Shiroyama area of Seika Town.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Once my perusal of the noticeboard was completed, I took a stroll up a flight of steps to this outlook. I can see why castles are sited in such locations. This is quite a view.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>From here my course took me down a narrow lane, to emerge at the Amida-ji Temple nestled amongst the settlement of Kitainayazuma. Not a huge complex, but quiet and serene, allowing me the opportunity to stroll through the grounds.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0w8HcKa3Mc/WXqCmDbkgJI/AAAAAAAActY/jAM2olsHvQ4nd61-IZ6GGEzxR4f3W9llQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_090747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0w8HcKa3Mc/WXqCmDbkgJI/AAAAAAAActY/jAM2olsHvQ4nd61-IZ6GGEzxR4f3W9llQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_090747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YxcRC3ufBG32" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7v6i6-0eVr4/WXqDG1Q3RgI/AAAAAAAActc/M7UQUkJiAGcQvDJRpRZm_sufB8jRRd-LwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_090931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7v6i6-0eVr4/WXqDG1Q3RgI/AAAAAAAActc/M7UQUkJiAGcQvDJRpRZm_sufB8jRRd-LwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170727_090931.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> At the end of that lane, I joined another equally-narrow lane and, a few meters along, was the Takeuchi-jinja Shrine. Behind the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiden_(Shinto)" target="_blank">Haiden</a> (oratory or hall of worship) was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamagaki" target="_blank">Tamagaki</a> (a fence surrounding the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honden" target="_blank">Honden</a>) but, as it was heavily forested, I wasn't able to get a good look inside. I returned to my bike via a path lined with wooden lanterns. Just below this path were several flouring plants and, seeing these, I couldn't pass-up the opportunity to photograph them. The above two images, at the commencement of this post, are the result. Very colorful if I say so myself.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Leaving Takeuchi-jinja my lane took me past the Anraku-ji Temple - a very small and private complex - and returned me back into the bush. After passing another two irrigation reservoirs, and a derelict shed, I came-across this <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml" target="_blank">Jizo</a>. One blink at the wrong time, and I would have missed this.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I made my way through the bush, the sounds of traffic became louder and, before long, I emerged at this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futsal" target="_blank">Futsal </a> court close to the Keinawa Expressway, one of the oldest expressways in Japan. From here I took a lane that ran parallel to the expressway - many motorways, bypasses & expressways have these lanes running alongside them for emergency vehicles in case of large accidents - to where I connected with route-72. Passing-through the commercial and residential area of Seika Town, I made a beeline for the settlement of Higashibata.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> And the Higashibata-jinja Shrine (<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KhdFjbbLUC22" target="_blank">map location</a>). This is very familiar territory to me as it is part of a 30km course I created through this area. Over the years I have spent many hours sitting on the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagura-den" target="_blank"> </a></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagura-den" target="_blank">Kagura-den</a>, consuming a banana and water while reveling in the serenity that surrounds me.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBz2LFIu7Eg/WXqRqfQjHlI/AAAAAAAAcuY/9oNoL7XFXDU8HFm7snn0c_FTKdMqt262ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_101321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBz2LFIu7Eg/WXqRqfQjHlI/AAAAAAAAcuY/9oNoL7XFXDU8HFm7snn0c_FTKdMqt262ACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170727_101321.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I depart Higashibata-jinja in search of a recently discovered track, not realizing I would be returning to the same shrine in the coming half-hour. On the past two occasions I have taken this lane, I have noted this small sign & track, and wondered where it went. Well, today was the day I was about to find out. The track leads to Mt Dakeyama (260m) the highest mountain in Seika Town. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> After a quite steep ascent, beating my way through fallen branches and being covered in spider webs, I arrived at the summit. As it was surrounded by dense bush, there was no view of the surrounding area but . . . .</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> . . . . a few meters from the summit, partly obscured by the trees, was this interesting collection of stone markers. This one (image on the right) was of particular interest to me. A close look revealed three characters carved on the face of the stone. I can see a visit to the town office for information regarding the identity of the character.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Back at the summit I realize I am standing at the junction of three tracks, including the one I have just ascended. Not interested in returning via the same route, the track on my right gets the nod and I head-into a forest of bamboo. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I have no idea where I am, and where I am likely to end-up, I push on. My only worry is that I am not wearing the appropriate footwear - my cycling shoes - for hiking. I soon emerge at this narrow lane and I erupt into laughter. This is part of the course I frequently cycle and, just around the corner . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . is Higashibata-jinja. Upon my return a party of foreigners had arrived. It turned-out they are from New-Zealand and are in the area scouting-out a location to set-up a business. A small world.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Returning to my bike, I mount-up and move on. I pass another sign giving directions to Dakeyama - the third track - before emerging back onto route-72 and realize my course is nearing it's end.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PHtTozuuvzF2" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I arrive at this nondescript junction where three roads converge. This is also the junction of three municipalities - Seika Town, Kyotanabe and Ikoma Cities. Unlike the Hirakata/Seika border, where I commenced this outing, there is no sign. Just a peg in the ground.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I decide to take a rest, before returning home, and consume my remaining three bananas. As it's nearing midday, the hottest part of the day, I don't stay for too long. Heat exhaustion is something I am keen to avoid.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Before signing-off, I thought I would share a couple of images if Fungi I encountered during my travels. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">So, until next time - </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Sayonara. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> Course details and images - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16409512" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16409512</a> </b></div>
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Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Kitagaito-88 Kitainayazuma, Seika-chō, Sōraku-gun, Kyōto-fu 619-0244, Japan34.767633852398859 135.7804155349731434.764372852398857 135.77537303497314 34.770894852398861 135.78545803497315tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146989102082152439.post-45137672087296444672017-07-16T20:37:00.000+09:002017-07-16T20:37:06.949+09:00Return to Shizuhara - the obsession continues.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> It was a wrong turn</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>at this junction that denied me my 4th summit of the day, the last time I was in this area (<a href="http://theoutdoorholic.blogspot.jp/2017/06/return-to-shizuhara.html" target="_blank">Return to Shizuhara</a>). And, if I hadn't been so pigheaded, when I realized my mistake, I could have u-turned and easily got back on track.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As I have an obsessive disposition, I wasn't going to let this rest and immediately put into plan my return. My research revealed another couple of summits that required my attention - Mt Ryuodake and Mt Amagadake - along with a couple of unnamed peaks. My course would also include a few previously conquered summits - Mt Suitaiyama, Mt Konpirayama and Mt Hyotankuzureyama. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7q2cquGpUvz" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Map Location.</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I disembarked from my train at the Kibuneguchi Station, a popular destination for tourists and hikers, who come to check-out the settlement of <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3967.html" target="_blank">Kibune</a>, and it's many attractions, and also to hike the <a href="http://www.insidekyoto.com/kurama-to-kibune-hike" target="_blank">Kibune to Kurama Trail</a>. My destination was in the other direction, a kilometer along route-38, where this collection of stone religious icons signified the commencement of my track.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTxNFSBw8kk/WWrXqxzV-iI/AAAAAAAAcEU/9S3ZX_b5ynkLffBB45YjBSVT_NmbVP8gACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170714_081513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTxNFSBw8kk/WWrXqxzV-iI/AAAAAAAAcEU/9S3ZX_b5ynkLffBB45YjBSVT_NmbVP8gACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170714_081513.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> With the track just a few meters away, I couldn't help wondering if the icons had some attachment to the course I was about to endeavor. Well this section anyway.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>For the next 30-minutes the track would ascend 240 meters in a steep, zig-zagging fashion, on it's way to my first summit of the day - Mt Ryuodake. Having payed close attention to the weather forecast, and the predicted high temperatures, I had already worked-up a sweat and was looking forward to taking-on some cold water and my first banana of the day. It had been three hours since I consumed breakfast.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> From Ryuodake the track would follow a ridge-line for a few hundred meters before descending onto the Yakkouzaka-togi Pass.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2Cj88cMbrFP2" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> The pass is part of the 'Tokaido Road' and the 'Kyoto Trail' and is very popular with members of the hiking community, having passed-through here three times myself in recent times. The most recent a month ago. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Thirty minutes after leaving Yakkouzaka-togi I arrived at my second summit, - Mt Toyamine (525m). This is the one I missed-out on conquering during my last outing into the area, so I felt some vindication for my pig-headiness upon my arrival. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> And, 10-minutes further on, 'that' junction. The one where it all went wrong. I felt like giving the sign a kick but, as I still had a long way to go, I didn't want to risk injury to my foot. So instead I made a physical gesture to the sign and carried on my happy way. I was aware that my track was taking me along a ridge-line, at the same time gradually ascending. From Toyamine to my next summit - Mt Amagadake - was a difference of over 200m. All throughout from my departure from Yakkouzaka-togi, I was very impressed with how well signposted the track was and, looking at the condition of the track, a well beaten track at that. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/b9QhsHprSRp" target="_blank"><b>Map Location.</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Three hours after leaving Kibuneguchi Station, I had arrived at the highest point of my planned hike - Mt Amagadake (788m). And what a relief it was. I was knackered, hungry, and every stitch of clothing I was wearing, was soaked with sweat. But I was content. From here on it was all downhill, with a few undulations just to make the day interesting.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Once the obligatory photo opps' had been gotten out of the way, I found a nice soft piece of ground to plant myself, take-out the flask and lunch-box and relax. Well, that was the idea. Just as I was about to take-off my boots I noticed a large red stain on my socks. Signs that a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leech" target="_blank">leech</a> had been feeding on my blood supply. Thankfully he hadn't consumed too much and I was able to remove him before he became bloated. How-the-hell these worms manage to make their way to my ankle, while I am on the move, is a source of fascination for me. But, as I had a hot coffee waiting to be consumed, I wasn't going to dwell on it any longer.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> After leaving Amagadake, and a disappointing lunch - I say disappointing, as my bread-sticks were dry and stale, the bananas were soft & mushy - my track descended to this junction. At this point I could choose to cut my day short and emerge at the settlement of Ohara, and a bus back to Kyoto, or continue on. I chose to continue as I knew, just a way up ahead, was a fresh water spring where I could replenish my water supply. But, before that . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . Mt Suitaiyama (577m). The track took me over the summit but, to get here, I had several undulations to contend myself with which left me feeling very parched. All I had left to drink was one more cup-of-coffee, but I was leaving that for my arrival at the Kotohira Shingu Shrine.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Before that though, I had more undulations, then Mt Konpirasan. The track bypassed the summit - the summit is a 10-minute detour from the junction - and, as I have been here before, I wasn't going to tire myself by returning.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Kotohira Shingu Shrine was a welcome site.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As it is here I could replenish my water supply from the small spring behind the shrine. It is reputed the water has special healing powers. But, before that, one last cafe au-lait and bread rolls. As the second flask was being filled, I managed to consume most of the first flask. I was that parched.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Leaving Kotohira Shingu, my track emerged at this concrete <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii" target="_blank">Torii</a> on the edge of route-40. Here I crossed the road and, a few meters on . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>. . . . my next junction. From this angle it looked very steep, and I began to question my decision as to whether I should continue. My map told me this next segment would take 90-minutes. I decided to stick with my plan. I was pleasantly surprised that the ascent was only a few minutes before arriving at another ridge-line.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> I was even more overjoyed when, just over an hour later, I arrived at the junction to Mt Hyotankuzureyama. Like Konpirasan, I decided to forgo returning to the summit and instead descended into the settlement of Iwakura.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Soon after leaving the junction I encountered my first, and only, <a href="http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml" target="_blank">Jizo</a> of the day. Although it looks quite large in the image, actually it is small and easily missed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> With the sounds of the city ringing below me, I began to feel excited that my day was nearing it's end. How wrong I was. My descent was boring, and dangerous to say the least - 300m over 2km. Nearly 8-hours after arriving at the start, it took me the best part of an hour to reach this junction on the outskirts of Iwakura. I still had a good walk of about 3km before reaching a bus-stop and onto Demachiyanage Station. Followed by a train ride and ending with another bus ride before reaching home.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> As soon as I arrived home, and removed my boots & socks, I made a beeline to the fridge and opened a good cold can of beer. It was sooooo nice. I was tempted to open a second but I didn't want to tempt fate. Especially on an empty stomach.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span id="goog_633277822"></span><span id="goog_633277823"></span> Looking back on the G.P.S. data, the course was just on 28km long. I wouldn't recommend doing this during the summer months, unless you had plenty of fluid. There were a couple of good views, but mostly I was surrounded by forest.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Before I sign-off, I want to share some images of the many fungi I encountered along the way. Many I haven't seen before . . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So, until next time,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sayonara.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> Course details - <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16039932" target="_blank">https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16039932</a>. I can't guarantee the accuracy of the course due to the poor internet reception in some areas. </b></span></div>
Ross-Barry Barcockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17337263591580060658noreply@blogger.com0Japan, Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Sakyō-ku, 国道477号線35.1458803533354 135.7982314028320235.1328968533354 135.778061402832 35.1588638533354 135.81840140283202