Hike to Mount Mikuni, Mount Shoto & Mount Jinba
For my last hike in Japan, I went back to the Lake Sagami area. I went to Mount Mikuni, Mount Shoto and Mount Jinba, basically following this itinerary, except that I took the bus at the beginning.
kanagawa
Hike to Mount Oyama, Mount Sannoto & Mount Tonodake in the Tanzawa Mountains (part 2): From Yabitsu Pass to Okura
Continuing the spring hike to the Tanzawa Mountains. Check Part 1 for the map of the path. This is essentially the same path as for the hike to Mount To and Mount Tanzawa, except in the other direction.
Hike to Mount Oyama, Mount Sannoto & Mount Tonodake in the Tanzawa Mountains (part 1): From Hinata Yakushi To Yabitsu Pass
In May, I went back to the Tanzawa Mountains, in Kanagawa: I hiked Mount Oyama, Mount Sannoto and Mount To.
Boat ride on Lake Sagami
After getting down from Mount Jinba and reaching Lake Sagami, I boarded the big swan sightseeing boat for a tour of the lake.
Hike from Hinohara Village to Lake Sagami: Mount Usuki, Mount Ichimichi, Mount Daigomaru & Mount Jinba
After visiting the Hossawa Falls, which was actually a detour, I turned east to reach Mount Usuki (臼杵山) and continued to Mount Ichimichi (市道山). Those are two of the “Three Togura Mountains” (戸倉三山). After Mount Ichimichi, I walked south to Mount Daigomaru (醍醐丸) then went down to Wada Pass (和田峠) before climbing the stairs leading to the summit of Mount Jinba (陣馬山). I then walked part of the trail to Mount Takao but went down the mountain at Myo Pass (明王峠) in the direction of Lake Sagami (相模湖), passing Yose Shrine (与瀬神社) along the way. I then took the train back to Tokyo from Sagamiko station.
Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri
The day before Children’s Day (May 5th), I went to Suigotana (水郷田名), in Sagamihara City (Kanagawa prefecture), to visit the Sagami River Koinobori Matsuri. Koinobori are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally used to celebrate that day. During the festival, over 1,200 koinoboris are hoisted up to blow in the wind (which fortunately was very strong that day).
Kamakura Hiking Trails part 3: Daibutsu Hiking Course
After the Tenen Hiking Course and Kencho-ji Temple (see part 2), I walked directly to Jocho-ji Temple, where the Daibutsu Hiking Course trailhead is located. This trail goes to the most famous sight in Kamakura: The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue at Kotoku-in Temple. It also passes through Genjiyama Park and near the Zeniarai-Benzaiten Shrine.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine / Egara Tenjin Shrinexa0/ Kamakura-gu Shrine / Zuisen-ji Temple
Kamakura is famous for its large number of buddhist temples and shinto shrines. The biggest is the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮), located at the center of town. It is dedicated to Hachiman. On the same day, I also visited Egara Tenjin Shrine, Kamakura-gu Shrine and Zuisen-ji Temple (which I had already visited earlier).
Kamakura Hiking Trails part 2: Tenen Hiking Course
After the Gionyama Hiking Course (see part 1) and visiting Zuisen-ji Temple, I made my way to the trailhead of the Tenen Hiking Course, which goes to Kencho-ji Temple, in Kita-Kamakura.