YouTube described the previous mountain hike. Looking at GAIA’s map (Map of Japan is far less detailed than GAIA’s Europe maps.) the trail appeared to continue to a second summit. I met a solo Japanese woman hiker. Using hand signals and referring to the map, I motioned if I could join her to the second summit. Safe climb and again flawlessly executed.
OVERVIEW
FROM: 10m by train from Takehara Station to Tadanoumi Station
WALK: 30m walk from Tadanoumi Station to Mt. Kirotaki trailhead
Walked: 2h walk to Mt. Kirotaki 886’ & Mt. Shirataki 1,146’
FROM: 20m from Tadanoumi Station to Mihara Station
TOUR: Oshima-jinja Shrine, Myosho-ji Temple, Castle Ruins
FROM: 30m from Mihara Station to Takehara Station
YouTube is amazing. I found a hike just 10 minutes away by train. Using GPS (GAIA Ap) I found the trail. All unplanned and all executed flawlessly.
Three excellent musicians played traditional Japanese music with the American spiritual Amazing Grace and the classic Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Simon and Garfunkel added to the mix.
A woman in a kimono approached overloaded with a magnum bottle of sake, a pitcher of tea, a stepping stool, and a basket. I motioned to help and was immediately accepted. The items happened to be in preparations for a concert at Shoren-ji Temple. She graciously invited me to be her guest for the concert.
When I see a kimono, I impulsively take a picture trying not to be obvious. These preforming dancers are part of today’s concert. They caught me red handed.
Glum day recoveries…
Namiyo suggested visiting Takehara as it reminded her of a softer version of Gion District in old Kyoto. I find it enchanting. It’s easy to admire the beauty without the hype, the crowds, or the souvenir shops of Kyoto.
Haven’t you wanted someone to hold your hand as you embark on something new, something foreign? From research I knew the trip would take four train transferring on three different lines with a 5-10 minute connection time. Saburo assured me I could do it and did it was what I did without holding anyone’s hand.
OVERVIEW
FROM: 8:43 Nara City on local express train to Kyoto City @ 9:30
FROM: 9:52 Kyoto City on Shinkansen to Fukuyama Mihara @ 11:09
From: 11:18 Fukuyama Mihara on Shinkansen Nozomi #111 to Mihara @ 11:09
FROM: 11:18 Fukyama on Kodama #845 to Mihara @ 11:32
FROM: 11:37 Mihara on JR Line to Takehara @ 12:12
Sayōnara to friends who feel more like family. I have spent 17 days in their steady company and each moment has been a gift.
Father drops off and mother picks up children from school. Many, many teachers inside preschool. Of course no pictures allowed inside school. Hinako and Rintaro are bursting with happy energy after school.
