Day 19: Kokumin-shukusha Tosa

Waking with the sunrise at 5 am this morning I shuffled out of my sleeping bag to conduct the usual temple rituals before bidding farewell to Kiyotaki-ji (清滝寺 – 35) around 7 am.

Kiyotaki-ji Temple

Early mornings are always my favourite time. It’s quiet, the air is cool, nobody is around and the light is perfect for photography.

Bamboo

Making my way around Shikoku, it’s become easy to lose track of time and I rarely know what day of the week it is. It rarely matters.

Plants next to stream

On my way back through Tosa City, I stopped for breakfast at the nearest combini and to use their wifi to upload yesterday’s post (no internet up in the mountains). I wondered if I wasn’t wearing all the pilgrim garb whether I’d be mistaken for a vagrant. Perhaps a pilgrim is a type of vagrant?

Mt. Chausu

I continued south along the henro trail and after a few kilometres of following the road, veered off to climb up to the peak of Mt. Chausu.

View from Mt. Chausu

At the top, I found the most wonderful viewpoint, complete with bamboo benches. Three ladies were having a small picnic and they shared some snacks with me before moving on.

I sat for what seemed like hours but was probably only ten minutes staring out towards the Yokonami Peninsula where I would soon be heading.

After descending back down to the coastal road I stopped at Family Mart for an improvised lunch where the flavourless chicken wrap made me resolve to try and eat less combini food (if it wasn’t so… convenient).

Shōryū-ji Stairs
Shōryū-ji Statues

Having crossed Usa-ōhashi bridge onto the peninsula, a side trail leads up through the woods to Shōryū-ji (青竜寺 – 36) where another flight of steep steps are required to reach the main hall.

Stick in stream
Fudōdō

Although I’d only gone about 18km by this point, I called it a day 2km further on at Kokumin-shukusha Tosa hotel which I had been recommended. On the way, I stopped at Fudōdō, the inner sanctuary of Shōryū-ji.

Kokumin-shukusha Tosa Onsen

I enjoyed their hot spring onsen with a wonderful view out over the Pacific Ocean, feeling extremely lucky and grateful.

Sunset from Kokumin-shukusha Tosa

It’s a two-day walk to Iwamoto-ji (岩本寺 – 37) and for much of tomorrow, I’ll be following the ragged edge of the peninsula. Looking at the map there doesn’t seem to be anywhere to stop for food or drink for at least 25km so hopefully everything goes ok.

Information

Distance walked: 20 km / 27,700 steps
Temples visited: 36
Overnight lodgings: Kokumin-shukusha Tosa (国民宿舎 土佐) – Onsen

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David avatar

6 responses

  1. Margaret avatar
    Margaret

    The view of the Pacific from the hotel onsen is amazing and I love the bamboo forest photos ?

  2. Nice onsen!
    This part of the route seems a bit more chill and less busy streets, cool.

  3. Hunter avatar
    Hunter

    Nice photos. Great blog. Be great to see some more pictures of the people, and yourself on the trip. And more on the food. I’m off there in August/Sept so am reading all I can. Have made a note of the onsen overlooking the ocean.

    1. Thanks Hunter – will certainly try to add more people and food (which is amazing btw). Staying here is definitely a must-do!

  4. Chen avatar
    Chen

    Great view!

    A pilgrim is a type of vagrant – that’s for sure. Isn’t that the concept of ascetic training?
    From some perspective I think vagrant can see a full picture of the world than average people.

    p.s. I’m not sure this trip will lift your tolerance of combini food or you would never like to eat any of it later!

  5. MissLilly avatar
    MissLilly

    wow such an amazing view!!!! The onsen looks amazing as well, perfect way to end another walking day. Good to know you’re having such a good time

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