• Japan, Kumano Kodo
    The start
    Need to find out about the red capsMandarin trees - lucky enough to find a few on the roadIndividually protectedMary found hot tea in a vending machineKoi farmPrivate tour by a Shintu priestOur bedroomDinner was so good. Local ingredients and home made soy sauceWeird noises from under the creek

    First day on the Komano Kodo

    5 hours ago in Japan ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Left Osaka early and navigated 3 trains to Shimizu-ura where we started our pilgrimage. We left the crowds behind as we hiked beautiful landscapes of citrus groves, bamboo and pines. Some pretty steep climbs and threats of rain but we stayed the course and we were rewarded with cultural insights and spiritual blessings.
    This is supposed to be the hike of 99 shrines but I think we saw that many today.
    We were met at the train station by Mikon the host of tonight's Ryokan. She prepared us a lovely meal and we're left to relax and enjoy a hot bath.    Read more