Saturday 22/02/2020 Snow Monkey Park
Nagano, JAPAN
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We had a wonderful visit to the Jigokudani Monkey park in the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. This is apparently the only place in then world where wild monkeys (Japanese Macaque – Macaca fuscata) bathe in hot springs and they really seemed to enjoy it!
22/03/2018 – 26/03/2018 Kumano Kodo Trail
Nakahechi Imperial Route, Kansai Region, Honshu, JAPAN
Distance: 96km Total Ascent: 8,880m Total Descent: 8,710m Time: 28 hours
Participants: Bethany Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has been used for over 1,000 years by people from all levels of society including retired emperors and aristocrats. The Nakahechi route has a rich history and is characterised by Oji shrines along its length. The route has been used since the beginning of the 10th century and it is considered an isolated sacred site of healing and salvation.
This walk is located in the isolated Kii peninsula known for its steep lush mountains. The sacred sites and pilgrimage routes were world heritage listed in 2007. From Kyoto or Tokyo the train can be taken to Kii Tanabe and then a local bus takes 40mins to reach the start of the walk.It is important to know which stop to alight the bus though! Bus and train transport is available at the end of the walk.
Sunday 18/03/2018 Magome – Nagiso
Nakasendo Highway, JAPAN
Participants: Bethany Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The walk from Magome to Nagiso is part of the Nakasendo, one of the old roads made during Japan’s Edo Period (1603 to 1867). It started from Edo (present day Tokyo) reaching Kyoto via the Kiso Valley. Magome and Tsumago are both post towns (juku) which has stone paved streets with well restored and preserved buildings in keeping with the style of the Edo Period.