Day Three 2016

Distance 12.5 Miles
Temple 36
Lodging Machan

Our day started with a short walk along the road before heading off into our first long section of trail walking.  Although steep in sections the walk through the woods was lovely.  At times we walked through bamboo, swaying and creaking in the breeze.

This was our last "short" day, and we took advantage of it, stopping at a foot bath to enjoy a short soak.

Temple 36 sat on a hill overlooking the ocean.  As always, stairs.

With plenty of time to kill we made a detour and hiked to the inner sanctuary of Temple 36, a small Shinto shrine set deep in the woods about a mile from the main temple.  It's the only spot I've seen where you had to remove your shoes before approaching the building itself.

No shoes past this tori gate!

Multiple gates on the path to emphasize the sacredness of the location

Our lodging was located in a tiny and remote fishing village.  The only access to this village was down a steep and narrow access road that branched off from the main road, which followed a ridge.  After walking longer then we expected we finally found the place, which was essentially a widower's house with a few extra rooms.  Much to our (and the Inn keeper's) surprise, I had screwed up the reservations and had made the reservation for two nights prior.  I've always had problems with the Japanese words for "7th" and "9th"...

Lucky for us after she got over her surprise and cleaned up the laundry on her floor our host was very gracious and made us right at home.  She made us an amazing dinner of fresh lobster soup, and then a rice dish where the rice was cooked with the lobster broth.  It was both homey and delicious.