Our final breakfast at Komanoyu Ryokan in Kiso - Fukushima
The driver pointed out Mount Ontake as we headed towards town. It is an important landmark in this area and even more so, as it is an active volcano with its last major eruption being only 5 years ago.
Arriving at the station
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the tourist robot in the station, which/who communicates in several languages and promotes attractions in the area.
Meanwhile Mark was deciding whether he’d prefer to be a samurai or a sumo wrestler.
We took the 11am train to Yabuhara. A twenty minute journey. Quite a few groups on the trail today. The route takes you under an underpass and then through the township of Yabuhara.
Gorgeous displays of flowers along the street
The signposting was clear and led us straight up a steep incline.
At the top a peaceful reserve with fresh water below the Ontake Shrine.
Shrines on the trail
This is an ancient painting of travellers crossing the Torii-touge Pass with Mt Ontake in the background
It is still extremely hot and humid but there was a pleasant breeze on this walk today, which was so beautiful. Here we were walking by huge chestnut trees and a forest of cypress pines.
The descent was manageable for Mark’s knees, despite some uneven rocky sections.
Some new flower discoveries
The post town of Narai’s story
Some of the shrines on the main winding thoroughfare
Narai’s ancient street. Residents have decided to maintain the architecture from the Edo period when the town was known as Narai of a Thousand Inns. It relies on tourism for its income.
Lacquerware shops fill the street. Lots of colour and attention to detail.
If only we’d known....
We had a snack and a drink across the way from our ryokan until it opened. A young Singaporean student joined us and insisted on a selfie.
Our ryokan tonight is Ikariya Machida Minshuku in central Narai. It fronts the street but backs on to the railway line, where our room is. Fortunately the windows are double glazed. A pity we’re not trainspotters.
M&M
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