We were in need of a rest when we got back from the guided tour, having been on our feet all day. So we took advantage of the communal bath which once again was most relaxing.
I then needed to sort out some packing – what did I need to take on the hiking trip? What needed to go to Osaka (which is where we would next see Denis)? And what could go straight to Tokyo ready for the journey home?
That sorted, I took advantage of happy hour and had some (free) cheap fizz
Then it was off out for dinner after which Anna and I had ice cream and walked back to the hotel.
We needed to be up and out early today. Anna and I were starting our three day hiking trip. Denis is staying in Kyoto- he’s got a free day without us today so will probably just relax
We caught the bullet train to Osaka just before 8.30. It’s only a 15 minute journey.
We then changed to the Express Train to Kii Tanabe, a two hour journey. We seemed to take about an hour to clear Osaka and its outskirts but eventually we started to be in more rural areas. Eventually we caught glimpses of the sea (Pacific Ocean) on our right
And the distant hills on our left. As that’s the general direction we’ll be heading in I’m trying to pretend the dark clouds aren’t there!
As both trains were bang on time we duly arrived at Kii-Tanabe in time for our 11.30 appointment at the Tourist Office. Our hike is self guided so we needed a map and a guide book as well as some information about the local public transport.
The KUMANO KODO is a network of pilgrimage trails that traverse the mountains of the Kii peninsula, due South of Kyoto, to reach three grand shrines known collectively as Kumano Sanzan. It and the Camino de Santiago in Spain are the only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimages. Our plan is to collect the stamps required to prove we’ve done the Kumano Kodo in case we ever do the Camino, in which case we’ll be official “dual pilgrims”
At the Tourist Information Centre a lovely young lady took us through everything we needed to know to make the next few days a success
And she pointed us in the direction of a nice lunch spot. And then, at 12.50, we were on the bus which would take us to the start of the trail.
So, our grand hiking adventure is about to start.
Pearl Blog 3 