Henro Day 17

I planned to visit 3 temples today, but I reached the last one (36) after 5pm and the road was closed for road-works or something.

The road to #34

Kouchi City, 34th temple - Tanemaji

A field of cosmos flowers I saw and the path to #35

Kouchi City, 35th temple – Kiyodakiji (main gate & the dragon on the ceiling of said gate)

#35’s Daishi building & main building.

To get to #36, one must cross Usa town’s Usa bridge.

I crossed the bridge and got as far as the road before the temple, but had to end the day there.

Henro Day 16

I walked alone, but MM-san picked me up after I finished and took me to Katsurahama beach.

Katsurahama is where Ryouma looked out on the sea and dreamed of sailing the world on his own boat.

The path before #31

Kouchi City, 31st temple - Chikurinji

The river under Chikurinji from above & up close

The path before #32

Kouchi City, 32nd temple – Zenjibuji

The view from the temple

The free ferry I used to cross Urado bay

Kouchi City, 33rd temple – Sekkeiji

Katsurahama & the bronze statue of Ryouma there

A Shinto Shrine which was at the beach

Henro Day 15

Today I… took a break! I did a little sightseeing in Kouchi City.

I read about Ryouma at the Sakamoto Ryouma exhibition by Kouchi station. Then wore a hakama, pretended to be Ryouma and had my picture taken.

I ate Yakisoba and had a beer at the Hirome market before checking out Kouchi castle.

Kouchi castle. I also looked around inside. Very pretty.

I went home after seeing Harimaya bridge.

I left my baggage at MM-san’s house, so I was very light footed!
I practically flew up the steps to Kouchi castle. (lol)

Henro Day 14

Today MM-san finished his pilgrimage (this is called Kechigan), so I won’t get to walk with him from tomorrow, but he is letting me stay at his house while I walk near Kouchi City. I’m very grateful!

Kounan City, 28th temple – Dainichiji

Nice weather

Kounan City, 29th temple – Kokubunji

Kouchi City, 30th temple - Zenrakuji

MM-san took me to a Yatai* for dinner and treated me to ramen, gyouza and oden.

*Yatai – A cart with a roof, generally set up stall to sell food

Henro Day 13

I went back to Tounohama Station and continued walking from the same place today.

I stayed at a different inn to MM-san last night, so I departed after checking where he was from a public phone.
I walk faster than him, so I caught up by 12.
After we’d walked 25KM his friend picked us up in a car.

Back at Yasuda Town, Tounohama Station!

Most of the walk was by the sea.

MM-san’s guest room. Comfy!