Tosashimizu to Tosashimizu via Cape Ashizuri, 31 km
A rather scenic day along the western coast of Cape Ashizuri from Tosashimizu to visit Temple 38 – a temple with some of the most elaborate landscaping we’ve seen so far, and relatively devoid of visitors (although the few that were there seemed oblivious to the fact that it was a religious site and not a tourist attraction 😡)
Along the way I also detoured to Ryugu Shrine (Shinto) in a spectacular setting high on a rock outcrop. This area of Shikoku is known for its varied geological formations, and part of the area is a national park to protect them. Most relate to the area once being ancient seabed that was thrust up by earthquakes (a fairly common occurrence in Japan as you are probably aware!) Due to the additional kilometres, Sam and Max opted out of this detour, taking the more direct route to the Temple via the road tunnel. My route was once the road, and as the boys took the bus back from the temple, they got to experience the narrow, winding road. Sam was busy looking over the road edge to see if there were any bus wrecks down the numerous bluffs!
Despite not having backpacks, it was a tiring day – as opposed to it being exhausting if we’d had said backpacks! It didn’t help that rain was threatening, so I tried to up the pace over the last few kilometres! Once back in town I finally found a barber who was open. Expecting only a haircut, the complete lack of any common language saw me get the full spa treatment: haircut, wash, cut-throat razor trimming parts which I didn’t know even grew hairs, smelly stuff in my hair. I’m the best coiffed Henro on the pilgrimage!
