This 22-kilometer course took me through the Midori-no Bunkoen Park, in the hills overlooking Shijonawate, then on through to the eastern base of Ikomayama, to Hozan-ji. From where I ascended the mountain, then dropped-down the other side and skirted-around the western side, before emerging at Ishikiri (mapped course).
This quaint collection of Jizo I passed a few-hundred meters into my hike as I approached the Torii, that was the entrance to Shijonawate-jinja.
A waterfall, along with the sounds of Nature. What better combination. To add to the delight - a small Jizo and vases of flowers at the base.
I nearly missed this set, concealed within the rocks.
Ikomahanyadakifudo-in is the location of these two icons. The icons, in the image on the left, is at the base of a water fountain, suggesting this is used in Misogi, the Shinto Practice of Ritual Purification. |
And this collection was nearby. This is an interesting complex, to say the least.
Hozan-ji, a "must see" if you are in the area. And don't be in a hurry. There are many buildings to see and just as many Buddhist Icons to check-out. The above three images are just a selection of what is on display.
Jikou-ji, an ideal location to break for a bite-to-eat. This complex is so isolated and serene, and quaint, with the forest canopy all over, one just can't help but love this site.
Kouhou-ji, with it's 1,300-year old history, is the last of the complexes on this outing. But not the last of the icons. On the day I visited this complex is was snowing. All adding to the atmosphere of the site.
The final two-kilometers of my day was via the Zushidani Path, which was created during the time Kouhou-ji was established. The path itself is part of a pilgrimage that eventually scaled the summit of Ikomayama and descended into Hozan-ji. This stretch of path is littered with Icons, of one sort or another, and, as you will see in this video, there is some quite specactular scenery along the way.