Mount Daisen: Beech Forest
Written by: adekun on 16 September, 2008 11:45 pm - Filed under: tottori — 4 Comments »
Descending into the beech forest
Emboldened by last week’s adventure, I set off with the intention of following the popular route to Misen Peak (弥山). From the other end of Motodani dam, the Gyojadani course (行者谷コース) immediately begins to rise. At first, there’s a little weaving through forest. Thereafter, the path climbs up a ridge. Meeting another path, it continues up the adjoining ridge, passing a hut (六合目) at stage six. The condition of my boots deteriorated as quickly as the mist had appeared. Continue reading
Mount Daisen: Utopia and Sankohou
Written by: adekun on 10 September, 2008 9:14 am - Filed under: tottori — 2 Comments »
Yesterday, I was fortunate to go walking with experienced Tsutomu around Mount Daisen (大山). He celebrated his sixtieth birthday this year and has recently retired.
Tsutomu amongst the nettles
We followed the usual course past Daisen-ji (a Buddhist temple) and Ōgamiyama Jinja (a Shinto shrine) to the Motodani dam. From there we took a steep, overgrown route toward Sankohou (三鈷峰). It was very much a clamber over moss covered rock, decaying logs, disguised deep under leaves.
There was some uncertainty in view of what lay before us. After some progress the nettles became less thick. I passed a discarded bottle of Pocari Sweat and an empty 35mm film canister. It was all the more unfortunate to see the matching top several paces ahead. Joining a path, Mount Sankohou was soon visible. Undulating and curling around were soon closing upon Utopia (ユートピア) lodge. Continue reading
Old Hino Bridge
Written by: adekun on 9 August, 2008 10:48 am - Filed under: tottori — 2 Comments »
Crossing the Hino River, Yonago
A relatively long standing feature of Yonago is the Old Hino Bridge. Completed in 1929, the bowstring truss bridge was damaged in the 2000 Western Tottori Earthquake and subsequently closed. Recently reopened to pedestrians and cyclists (incl. those motorised?), the bridge’s six arches offer a calmer crossing over the Hino River (日野川); with views of the sea, Mount Daisen and nearby paper factory.
Ame no manai
Written by: adekun on 6 August, 2008 10:17 pm - Filed under: tottori — No Comments »
ame no manai waterwheel
At the base of Mount Daisen sits the tiny village of 天之真名井 (ame no manai). I’m told the name of the village has something to do with an angel appearing and bathing in the water. A tourist brochure mentions it being amongst the Environment Agency’s Top 100 Select Waters. It also lists fireflies as a famous sight. When we arrived at the old watermill the wheel wasn’t turning but soon gathered enough force to slowly start spinning.
35th Gaina Matsuri
Written by: adekun on 3 August, 2008 10:56 pm - Filed under: tottori — No Comments »
Gaina is a local word for big. The weekend played host to Yonago’s big festival. Over the two days the event included taiko drum performances, dancing and mantou.
Mantou team looks on
Mantou
Kento especially liked the last; watching as teams balanced mounted lanterns high in the air.
Nichinan
Written by: adekun on 21 July, 2008 11:54 pm - Filed under: tottori — 3 Comments »
Just off route 180 in the town of Nichinan is a small set of waterfalls near an old ryokan. It’s just a short walk from the road. Inside the former hotel we watched a weaver at work on an old loom. Hanging on the walls were many traditional patchwork pieces. Coffee was served with a danshaku potato and miso wrapped in hoba. Continue reading
Sanbutsuji
Written by: adekun on 6 May, 2008 9:46 pm - Filed under: tottori — 6 Comments »
Nageiredo Hall, Mitokusan
A little way from nearby Kurayoshi is the town of Misasa. While the town is famed for it’s radon spas, Sanbutsuji set upon Mitokusan (Mt. Mitoku) really draws the crowds. The temple’s pinnacle is Nageiredo hall. Back in 706 it is said to have been thrown in the mountain by a monk. It rests between two and three hundred metres above a steep gorge, seemingly defying gravity. Continue reading
