Kiriyama Road.

Canton Avenue.
Map Location.

Pittsburgh City has Canton Avenue.

                                                                                                                           

Baldwin Street.
Map Location.

Dunedin City has Baldwin Street.










    And Kasagi Town has Kiriyama Road.

   So, if you hadn't already guessed,what do these thoroughfares have in common? Answer; they are very steep. I checked-out Baldwin Street, when visiting Dunedin some years ago, and I found the most scariest part was the anticipation of our descent. Although not as steep as Baldwin & Canton ( from top-to-bottom, a distance of 2.1km, Kiriyama drops from an altitude of 312m to 84m, as can be seen in this page from "Ride with G.P.S.") but,what makes Kiriyama Road just as hazardous, are the many distractions and curves that interfere with your concentration. On the day I researched this post I used my ascent for any photo/video opportunities, and my descent to concentrate on the road.

Map Location.

   Although the road goes further up the hill, I have commenced the journey at the Torii, or entrance to Hachimangu-jinja Shrine. Before you leave, I suggest you take a wander around the grounds of the complex. It will be time well spent. From this point also, you get your first vista's of the area surrounding the town of Kasagi, as captured in this Video.

   To record my descent, I have three cameras - my INOU, mounted on my helmet, my video-camera, mounted on the handlebar (which I had to hold as it kept tilting-over) and a still camera in my pocket. After two false-starts (I will add the bloopers at the completion of this blog) I set off but, after a few meters, the first distraction.

Video.

Now, if you are crazy,you can take these steps, but I suggest you be sensible and keep to the track. A bit further on, and some awesome rural scenery unfolds in front of you and a very-sharp right-hand turn. This is the first test of your brakes and their reliability.

Map Location.
Video.

A minute later, and (another) great video-opportunity. At this location you get a great view of Kasagi Town and the surrounding countryside. Once you leave this lane, and join Kiriyama Road, the environment changes and you enter the residential segment of your descent (as the road is narrow and windy, I suggest you concentrate as a car or local may pop-out from one of the many houses or side lanes in the area), and an opportunity to meet some of the very-friendly locals.

Map Location.
Video.

A little further on, and tucked-away amongst some trees, is this small Inari-jinja. The vermilion-colored shrine is always a welcome distraction for me, no matter where I am or what my mode is. But, while here, I discovered two other items of interest - a bus-stop and an unusual door (as seen in the video).




It wasn't until my descent that I had the opportunity to meet more of the locals, on this occasion it was a family of Saru. I have stumbled-across many of these guys in this area and, although they can be quite entertaining, I never stay-around long enough to get to know them.

Map Location.
Video.

Time to meet more of the locals that inhabit this area. If it wasn't for this abandoned car, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet this couple (who were more-than-happy for the break from their renovation chores) who provided me with information about Hachimangu-jinja. In situations like this, when departing, the phrase "kiotsukete" is spoken. Which, when translated, means "take care" (I love it). In the image you can see how the road makes a very-sharp left turn. 

Map Location.
Video.

   Jizo's, found anywhere and in some of the most isolated of places, and this one is no exception. Most, like those described in the attached link, are little statuettes out in the open. Some, like this, are housed in small enclosures. Across the road is a homestead (photo at the heading of this page) that captured my attention. These buildings have a certain appeal to them. I'd say the view from the front room, overlooking Kasagi Town, would be spectacular. From here you are about to enter a series of sharp S-bends before the junction with route-163. But, there is one more distraction.....

Map Location.
Video.

"Love Hotels" are a Japanese icon, and very popular. Like the Jizo, they too can be found everywhere and in some isolated places.With Route-163 (a busy National Highway) just a stones-throw away, I couldn't imagine the guests having a very good nights sleep. But, there again, a good nights sleep wouldn't have been the only activity on the agenda. 

Map Location.
Video.

   A hundred-meters down from the Love-Hotel, your goal - the junction of Kiriyama Road and Route-163. Although I warn you in the video, I want to repeat my advice when reaching this point - make sure you stop in time.
   From here, if you still have time, I suggest you pop-across the Kizugawa River and soak-away your aches-and-pains in the Kasagi Onsen (Onsen) followed-up with a meal and drink in the restaurant. This would be the icing-on-the-cake to what (I hope) has been a great day.

   Extra Videos;
      This Video is from the camera on the handle-bars.
      Blooper-1.
      Blooper-2.
      From my INOU. mounted on my helmet.