So, when 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.
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 Setsumatsusha on the inside, and religious icons on the outside, heralded my arrival.
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.
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. 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 -
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 Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, with the sprawling suburbs of Kyoto City.
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.
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.
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.
My next junction was unexpected so, being left-handed, I took the left track. 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. 
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.
In the early 13th century, a Japanese author, poet & essayist, by the name of Kamo no Chomei, 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.
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.
With sights like this, I feel grateful I still have one good eye to admire & appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.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.
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 Ichinojo, 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.
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.
As always, it has been a pleasure sharing this with you, and thank-you for reading this post.
Sayonara.
Course details and images - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27299553
