Our Final Two Days

I am publishing the last post from Kyoto, a little late as we didn't have enough band-width in our last accommodations to load all the pictures.  So here they are below.  

Our last couple of days were filled with stunning views and some challenging climbs, especially on our last day.  On this last day we climbed 1000 meters, 500 of which were the infamous Dogirizaka slope. (500 meters without a level spot in 2.4 km.)  The views at the top were well worth it and so was the famous Nachi Taisha shrine, Seigantoji Temple and Nachi waterfall.  At the end of the walk, we stayed in the very active fishing village of Kii-Katuura at a hotel directly on the coast.  Immediately after our walk, we took a boat to a small island just off the coast where we had a hot mineral bath in the natural hot springs situated in a cave/grotto with views directly out to the pacific ocean.  Amazing.   Sorry, couldn't take my camera into the baths . . . .  

Have a look at the pics for the last few days.

A gentleman we met along the path who claimed to own the land on the mountain and was greeting hikers that passed by a small shrine.

The 3600 peaks of Kumano from one that we climbed!

Our first view of the east coast of the Kii peninsula and our village for the last nights stay in the distance.

Fisherman in a stream along the way

Climbing through the mist approaching the Dogirizaka Slope

Heather's gone native!

A witch riding her broom on Halloween Day 

The Seigantoji Temple at Nachi

View from the temple towards Nachi Falls and the Pagoda in the foreground

Sake kegs outside the temple

800 year old Camphor tree outside the temple

The fishing village of Kii-Katsuura

A Long Trek to the Hot Springs!

Today was our longest day, approximately 27 km. mostly through cedar and cypress forests to the famous Hongu Taisha Temple and shrine, then onto our Inn in Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, said to be discovered 1800 years ago.

The Hongu Taisha Temple is the first of the 3 main spiritual Temples and shrines along the Kumano Kodo.

We were boots on the ground at 6:45am today as our Ryokan from last night was extremely basic and we were anxious to be on the road.  Tonight's Inn with it's extensive Onsen (hot baths) and good food promises to be great!

Enjoy the pics!

First shadow picture on a bridge

Early morning and the clouds are still hanging in the mountains

Morning sun streaming into the forest

Decorative Gourds along the path

Mountain wild flowers

Small tea farms in a village along the way

Lots of fruit stands along the way, mostly selling tangerines

First view of the massive Torij gate outside of Hongu Taisha from a few kilometers away.  It is the largest shrine gate in the world and stands over 100 feet tall.

Poor pooch's not allowed here

Entrance to Hongu Taisha shrine, the first of the 3 major shrines

The next pictures are of the Hongu Taisha Buddhist shrine.  The faithful approach the shrine, make a small offering, ring the bell to wake the Taisha, take 2 deep bows, clap there hands twice to ward off evil spirits, then bow once more.  Very interesting to watch.

Now leaving the Hongu Taisha and heading up the mountain pass towards our destination for tonight at the Yunomine hot springs. 

This small hut along a fast moving stream is the site of one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.

The nest pics are of or feast for the evening!  Fantastic accommodations and meal!