Imbari City to Konatsu, 25.1 km
It was a longer day than the guide’s version, but our overnight accommodation was a couple of kilometres off the route. On the plus side, we got to make our own, western style breakfast. No rice, fish, mystery pickled things or fermented mung beans in sight. Delicious!
We meandered through the town to get to Iyo-Kokobunji (Temple 59) where we rejoined the official route. Temple 59 is best known for its statue of Kukai posing for a handshake. Legend has it that if you shake hands a wish will be granted. Other than that itis a rather nondescript temple, but there were some stunning origami on display in the temple office:
The rest of the day was a surprisingly interesting pathway. Long section of beach was part of a National Park, with campgrounds, multiple washroom buildings, places to fire up the hibachi etc. The beach was spectacular, but empty – even on a long weekend. It would be like going to Spanish Banks (understandable to Vancouver readers only!) on the Monday of a kong weekend and seeing only 10 people. Mind you, Spanish Banks is not festooned with washed up garbage like this beach is. I get that the Japanese don’t really subscribe to the beach culture, but so much grassy space must!
At the end of the beach there was a stiff climb over the headland, and instead of a long haul through semi-industrial ‘burbs, it was large tracts of farmland, with rice harvesters chugging away in all directions. Like most countries, farmers don’t get the day off when it’s ideal harvesting weather (28⁰ and sunny!)
Tonight we are staying in Nojima House, a private residence that hosts pilgrims. Our host explained that it was his uncle’s house, and since he passed away he’s been running it as a pilgrim house. He’s full of advice on the next stages of the walk, and has even offered to take our backpacks to our next hotel. This is very welcome as it’s a tough day in the mountains. He drove us to a local Japanese restaurant for dinner as there weren’t too many options being a public holiday. The food was great, reasonably priced, and we paid for his dinner as a thank you for his support.
Sadly there was a lot if haze today, so I didn’t take any photos other than the origami ones. Hopefully it will be clearer tomorrow so we can get views of Mount Ishizuchi(1872m), the tallest mountain on Shikoku and one of the seven holiest mountains in Japan. Many pilgrims (and even more tourists) climb it, but it’s a full day detour and our legs are struggling to deal with the inclines included on the regular itinerary!
