AHN - All Honshu Network

[Shimamori]

All Honshu Network:
News and Entertainment from the Eastern Jewel of Kusari

Konnichiwa! Ishikawa Ayumi desu. You are watching "Ikiru michi" (//"Way of life") on All Honshu Network. Today we humbly welcome you to travel with us to one of the famous among the locals of Honshu yet obscure to most denizens of other worlds spot for rest - Kandagawa.

Hidden among the lush humid forests of the southern islands of Haneda lies the city of Minamimito. A sprawling local activity hub famous for its plum-wine and high-quality optronics for spacecraft construction industry, Minamimito is a typical Kusarian city densely housing a few million people in a limited space. Surrounded by the mountains, the city is situated in a fertile valley with humid temperate climate creating excellent conditions for growing plums, pears, and other fruits. The cool waters of Kandagawa river flow through the heart of beating megapolis from the ice caps of the neighbouring mountains until falling into the Daitoukai sea 50 km to the south from Minamimito. The city is rather green and hosts many parks and gardens offering much needed rest for its denizens. However, it is the Kandagawa arukumichi (//Kandagawa walking path) - a walkway spanning from Kuroyama station deep into the mountains - that attracts the local tourists. Join us on our small venture into this hidden recreation spot and learn more of this wonderful place.

Kuroyama maglev station

Kandagawa arukumichi itinerary can satisfy both a casual tourist seeking for some solitude in picturesque landscape and a seasoned traveler ready for many kilometres march. The route is approximately 18 km long. For the convenience of the travelers, maglev tram line is operating 8:00 - 18:00 local time and can take you to the designated spot in a few minutes. The true charm, however, is walking this route on foot while stopping at various izakayas (//pubs), shrines and temples, and landmarks to enjoy the flavour of Kusarian culture. There are multiple ryoukan (//hotel in traditional Kusarian style) where a weary wayfarer can stop for a night and relax body and mind at onsen (//hot springs). Do not forget to order some plum wine that the locals are producing just at the hills you are traversing!

Shimamori castle over Minamimito

Aside from numerous shrines and temples the route is famous for Shimamori castle built over 100 years ago for the local Shimamori imperial clan. The castle serves the residence for koshaku Shimamori but it is also open to public on weekends. A fine collection of Kusarian traditional cold weapons is displayed for the visitors, as well as an open library of old literature. The castle is surrounded by a verdant garden which the locals like to visit on weekends to see turtles and exotic birds. Shimamori castle is easily to reach by taking a maglev tram from Kuroyama station and until Shimamori station.

Trail of Buddhas

Further the path, one can find a peculiar "trail of Buddhas". It is believed that the first settlers on the island of Haneda had troubles finding the spot for a settlement. To see all their options, they landed atop the highest mountain on the island but the fog clouded their vision and they had to descend down the hill to explore the places by themselves. One of the explorers, Iwaguchi Masanori hit upon the trail that would become Kandagawa arukumichi and descended safely into the valley where the city of Minamimito is now situated. The locals tell that good spirits of the island guided Iwaguchi to the best spot, and so in gratitude to the spirits statues of Buddha, symbolising luck, were placed along the trail. It is believed that if a traveler gives a coin to every of the 134 Buddhas, good spirits will give him luck like they did to Iwaguchi. Try yourself, and maybe your life will become a bit luckier indeed!

Akamatsubashi

Another spot of interest is Akamatsubashi (//Akamatsu Bridge). This bridge was constructed soon after the settlement of Haneda island from the first red pines that grew from the seeds brought by the colonists. Appreciate the fine Kusarian craftsmanship and its aesthetics: the bridge was made of wood and without a single nail. Even now, over 300 years after its construction, the bridge is in excellent condition and only the paint is renewed to upkeep the rich colours. The local young couples have a tradition of visiting the bridge and throwing origami swans into the flowing river for everlasting love. Take your second half to this remote spot and most certainly a wonderful date will strengthen your relationship!

Should you be not afraid of the cold, follow the trail further into the mountains where a picturesque view of the whole valley with a sprawling city will open to your eyes. Just plan this ahead not to come on the foggy day which are frequent on the island. And better take an umbrella. Should the rain catch you after all - hurry up to the nearest mise (//shop / cafe) and get some hot matcha (//Kusarian green tea). Relaxed from the busy city life and mentally and physically restored, you can take the tram back to the city and be back to the active nightlife of Minamimito in no time!

Kandagawa arukumichi is indeed a wonderful place that can offer a range of activities for the whole family. Give it a try yourself and you will surely have some wonderful memories of Haneda island and planet Honshu. Minamimito ni youkoso (//welcome to Minamimito)!

This programme was sponsored by Haneda Department of Tourism of Honshu and Clan Shimamori. Brought you by

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