Day 14: Iokidō Cave

Sleeping on the beach last night was fairly uneventful as far as my forays into wild camping go. With nothing else but the sound of the waves, I became slightly paranoid about getting washed away by the incoming tide but looking out at the view of the stars and the moon soon belayed any fears.

In the morning I was a little slow packing up since I needed to allow some time for the tent to dry off. Even without any rain, it was still very damp (if anyone has any tips on how to deal with this I’d appreciate them).

Trail up to Kōnomine-ji

After a simple breakfast, I left my pack at a nearby store and head off towards Kōnomine-ji (神峰寺 – 27) which required a 4km return journey up and down a steep 400m mountain.

Kōnomine-ji

Arriving just at 9 am I was secretly gratified to notice that I’d beat a cyclist who had set off from the bottom at the same time. No doubt he had a much faster journey down.

Kōnomine-ji
Kōnomine-ji garden

I noticed a group of other pilgrims filling up their bottles with water from the steam above the purification basin (not sure of the official name). The water from different temples is supposed to be able to cure various ailments.

Dried plums (?) in someone's garden
Dried ume in someone’s garden

After walking back down I stopped at the shop where I left my pack in order to add more plasters and tape to the blisters on my left heel which were really hurting and slowing me down. This seemed to do the job and I continued north along the coast road.

Hamachidori Park henro hut

The hut at Hamachidori Park hut would make a wonderful spot to camp.

Aki sea wall

Approaching central Aki most of the trail goes along the concrete sea wall which is an ugly but impressive feat of engineering. I don’t think I’ve seen any coast yet that wasn’t cemented in place. Not kind on the feet.

Iokidō cave entrance

The highlight of the day came when I turned away from the sea wall to visit Iokidō Cave, which was formed over thousands of years by the stream which runs through it.

Iokidō Cave trail
Iokidō Cave Bamboo

After passing through the large cave you emerge on the other side in an ethereal ravine covered with ferns and bamboo on either side (as well as warning signs telling you to beware of poisonous snakes). It reminded me of Todoroki Valley in Tokyo.

Iokidō Cave Waterfall

I walked for around 400m before reaching a small waterfall which feeds the stream. A really magical spot.

From here it was only a half-hour walk into Aki where upon asking around I managed to find a coin laundry. I left my clothes washing while I visited Helston Onsen for a quick wash. There’s nothing better than a hot bath after a long day of walking. Some heavily tattooed gentlemen eyed me with suspicion (I didn’t think they were allowed in public baths?).

After a bowl of mediocre ramen, my next call of action was to decide where to sleep. Since the forecast looks dry until Sunday and the nearby Business Hotel is full I decided to camp out in a local park. Not the quietest spot since it’s near the main road but hopefully I’ll be left undisturbed. See you tomorrow.

Information

Distance walked: 29 km / 40,800 steps
Temples visited: 27
Overnight lodgings: Park in Aki City (安芸パーク) – Tent

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David avatar

7 responses

  1. James Boddy avatar
    James Boddy

    To wild camp next the ocean is a privilege only open to adventurers, the sound of the ocean, the stars, the dawn and morning sun, ocean bathing before dressing for another magical day. Thank you for sharing your adventures and rekindling my memories. Walk well David and may the spirit of Kukai be with you.

  2. Margaret avatar
    Margaret

    Really glad camping was good – how lovely to hear the sea! Loved the photos from yesterday which have now come through. Sorry to hear about the blisters – hope they won’t impede the journey too much. X

  3. Chen avatar
    Chen

    I think that’s うめぼし , a type of dried salted plume, often seen on top of rice or in small side dish. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi

    1. Thanks Chen, post updated!

  4. Debora avatar
    Debora

    Thank you David for all your suggestions. Are truly usefull. I saw your suggestion for 1 week. I have 2 weeks for the pilgrimage. Which do you suggest me to do?

    1. Glad you’ve found this useful Debora!

      For two weeks, I would suggest a few sections I mentioned in Tokushima and Kochi here: https://randomwire.com/shikoku-pilgrimage-faq/

  5. Soaked at Helston Onsen on my pilgrimage this fall and there were definitely yakuza when I was there too!

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