Temples 84-86: Takamatsu to Sanuki

 

One of the top ten things to do in Takamatsu is to walk up Mount Yashima on very steep paved switchbacks to the summit to Temple 84. Without a heavy backpack this could be a pleasant enough day walk but with the backpack it was pretty hard going.

Along the path was a stone with writing carved into it which was evidently done by Kobo Daishi.

Once at the summit we were rewarded with spectacular views of Takamatsu City and the surrounding sea and islands.

Temple 84: Yashimaji: Temple of the Roofed Island: There is a river that cuts the peninsula off that Mount Yashima sits on and turns it into an island. This mountain also has a flat top which gives it this name. The temple sits on sprawling grounds with numerous interesting statues. We crossed paths with other Japanese henro who we had met in passing before. The weather had warmed up which made it harder to backpack. We found a great hydrating drink called "Pocari Sweat" which makes a huge difference to our hydration status since it contains electrolytes. The temple grounds were very busy with bus loads of tourists pouring in.

After climbing that first mountain of the day we decided to take the ropeway built in 1964, which is a retro tram cable car on rails up the next mountain to Temple 85.

Temple 85: Yakuriji: Temple of the Eight Chestnuts: An older temple and a much more peaceful place with no tourists, set against the backdrop of the imposing cliffs of Mt Goken. We lingered a little longer here, regaining our strength before the long, steep winding walk down the other side of the mountain.

As we walked one of our discussions was that we have not observed a single homeless person in all the time we have spent walking around the island of Shikoku. In addition, we have never observed anyone panhandling or begging. Japan must be doing something right!

Temple 86: Shidoji: Temple of the Fulfilled Wish: Situated in the seaside town of Sanuki which is centered around agriculture and manufacturing. The temple was built in 625 and has a five story pagoda which was completed in 1975.

We met Clive, a British man who lives in Germany who loves Shikoku so much that he comes here often for a vacation.

Late in the afternoon we had nowhere to stay and decided to knock on the door of a ryokan which is a traditional Japanese Inn and find out whether they had a room we could stay in. As it turned out, they did and we were ushered into a tatami room with traditional table and chairs and were offered a pot of hot green tea and kimonos to wear. The lovely host and her very helpful daughter made us feel very comfortable. We would highly recommend staying at Fujiya Ryokan which was founded 80 years ago as an authentic experience to anyone traveling here. It also has a full sushi bar restaurant downstairs which has been highly recommended by past patrons. We arrived too late for dinner but our host will be preparing us breakfast in the morning.

Goodnight from Sanuki.