the trail lined with lanterns

the amazing view from the top

Today is our last day in Japan. We decide to spend our whole day taking a relaxing 1,5 hour hike in the mountains, in specific: Mount Kurama. We take a train from Kyoto to Kurama, the hike starts here, all over the mountain to the other side to Kibune Guchi where we can take the train back to Kyoto.
They say it takes 1,5 hours if you keep your pace, but we want to relax and take in the sights and views. There are temples and shrines on the way, so we set off on the train.

Shoro

Kinone Michi

We arrived in Kurama, where we entered the temple, got given walking sticks and took a little cable cart up to the start of the trail.
The trail is lined with lanterns, which makes it look very pretty, but also very handy should you end up staying there til after dark.
The views from the top are indeed very impressive and on our way down, we get to Kinone Michi. This means: “The path on the exposed intertwining roots of old cedar trees”. We were warned by our guesthouse owners to be careful not to trip up.
Not long after, we stop at a little viewpoint where some Japanese hikers are also taking a break.

The Japanese hikers

The Kanji sign for our train station

We end up in converstation and the Japanese seem very impressed with Michiel’s Japanese and the fact he is studying at Osaka University (aparently a higher degree than the man himself has).
They are all very polite and the women suggest we have our picture taken and after lots of bowing and thank yous we are on our way again.
At the bottom of the mountain we realize is not the train station, it is another 20 minute walk so we venture into the village a little before heading to the train station. Just as well by the way, that Michiel has learned, and subsequently taught us, the Kanji for train station or we would never have known where it was as this village has no signs in Latin (English)!!
When we get back to Kyoto we have a nice last dinner and head back early for packing and sleeping as tomorrow is an early day for flying back home…
Bye Japan, it has been fantastic meeting you!