🌸 Noire Henro-san: Rolling into Kochi

F

rom Hiwasa, many people take the bus to Muroto City because places to stay and eat in that stage are sparse. Why? The distance between temples 23 and 24 is 78 kilometers. It takes about 3 or 4 days to walk.

Currently, weather conditions will be a factor. It has been raining for the last few days. For the next week, heat and rain will figure in my walking strategy on the Pacific Ocean coastline of Shikoku island.

That short rest period in Hiwasa – two nights at the hostel – was a fitting end to my walk through Tokushima prefecture. Also, it provided a little time to think about my entry into Kochi prefecture.

Decisions, Decisions

Initially, my only thought as a steadfast and brave pilgrim is to power through and walk as I always have. As a most brave and steadfast ohenro on foot!

Many conversations on this part of the trail are about travel options and accommodations. Talks also center on camping. Those are loud, frequent, and urgent. For some ohenros, the opportunity to camp outside under the stars is an exhilarating and frightening prospect. It is a stealthy deed since regulated campgrounds are not conveniently placed around the trail. Others, including myself, have no desire to do any wild camping.

All of this plus the fast approaching Golden week holidays occupy my mind.

I am thinking of taking a train, then a bus to Muroto in Kochi prefecture that stops close to temple 24 and continue walking from there. I will resume my search for a place to stay once I get my bearings.

Ride with me.

Riding the Rails

The JR train station is a short walk from the hostel. Temple 23 overlooks the way.

I need to catch a train at 7:32 a.m. for Mugi Station. Then I will catch a bus to Muroto City in Kochi.

Public transportation in Japan is efficient, clean, and on time.

Click on video:

Yes! On time!

The train/bus schedule is referred to in the Shikoku 88 trail guide. The hostel had a well-worn copy in the common area. When I get off the bus to Muroto, I can walk to temple 24.

Bus to Muroto

Now, I am in the town of Mugi but I have to make a quick run to the bus stop.

Made it! with a minute to spare.

Cape Muroto

The bus to Muroto arrived at 10:52 a.m!

Views from the bus to Muroto City:

Click on video:

I am here in Cape Muroto tourist center on the coastline.

It has displays and information about places of interest in the area. The sweet ladies at the information desk insisted that I tour the facility and watch the movies about the ancient and current archeological makeup of the region.

It was getting late for visiting temple 24 but I made the time to walk through the center. I just might learn something.

Of course, I did.

Cape Muroto is on a mobile (tectonic) plate which continuously uplifts. Numerous warnings and references to exposure to earthquakes and tsunamis are everywhere.

Click on video:

Information about vegetation and the ubiquitous Japanese plums was on hand. On the pilgrimage trail, I see the trees and blossoms on public and private properties…. everywhere. They are ubiquitous as cherry trees and their famous blossoms.!

Both science and spirituality are prominently featured here.

Information about Kōbō Daishi’s influence in the area are also on display.

Cape Muroto is where the Buddhist master began his rigorous training in isolation. It is a most sacred area.

Finally, I am ready to head toward temple 24, less worn down than if I’d walked the entire distance from Hiwasa!

See you next time as I get closer to Temple 24 on the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage in Kochi prefecture.

Baadaye and Mata ne

Shirley J ♥️

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Note:

A pilgrimage embodies mindful wanderings, random encounters with people and the powerful forces of nature. That requires being aware of dangers – internal and external. The important thing is to stay rooted in my belief that I can handle (by myself and collectively with others) whatever comes my way. I know that I am always where I am, at the moment I am, for the lesson that eventually unfolds.

Another note about earthquakes in Japan:

Mega-quake risk in Japan.

What to do in an earthquake.

During the spring of 2024, I began a pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking 1200 kilometers or 720 miles on the Shikoku trail from Temple 1 Ryōzenji to Temple 88 Ōkuboji and beyond. Read my original announcement here.

I am excited, and I am here, still walking. And just know this, I will return to tell the tale!