12 April 2025 - Day 41 - Up the mountain and back again - 19 km, elevation gain 860 m

I had a quick breakfast and then waited for Taniguchisan to drive me a bit up the mountain to rest my feet. After the two long days I decided I could accept this ossetai even though the original plan was to walk as much as possible. While waiting I had a nice chat with Iso who is staying and working at Nojima House for the moment.

We arrived at the parking spot after overtaking many walking henro, some of which I had seen regularly over the last few days. My bad conscience returned. A friend of Taniguchi’s, who plays the conch shell, played his tune to wave me off. And the steep trail part started there an then, it was just before 9 o’clock.

The climb to Yokomineji (Temple 60) was another very steep one. I started at about 270 m and the Temple is situated at 749 m, its Okunoin with the small Torii gate at 820 m. And all this in 2,2 km! The forest was out of a movie set, a small river gurgeled next to the path, 1125 steps were to be climbed. Needless to say I was a wreck when I arrived, even though the distance was short. And the moment my foot touched the last step in front of the entrance gate, I hear the conch shell sound. What a perfect timing!!

The Temple was again beautiful, on the way I got surpassed by Nicolas and at the Temple we decided to walk the short path to Hoshigamori, the Okunoin of Temple 60, together. Here we had an excellent view on Mount Ishizuchi, with 1982 m the tallest mountain of Shikoku and western Japan.

Next came the very long descent from 820 m to almost 0. On the way I saw some monkeys again and at Koonji (Temple 61) I met Nicolas again. We were both extremely surprised by the modern aspect of this Temple. It looks like a big concert hall. Inside there is an audience hall with 500 seats.

Together we then walked the 1,5 km to Hojuji, a cute small Temple (Nr 62) where you can even find a vending machine for Temple things inside the Temple. Here I took my leave from Nicolas whom I might not see again as he makes bigger stages and is a lot faster than me.

My walking day was almost done. I went to the next conbini to get some food (I hadn’t eaten much all day) and went back to Nojima House, took a shower, ate my ramen and got ready for the Jin-Jazz concert Taniguchisan had invited us to. Iso, Marjorie and myself were even named “Special Guests” from Italy, Costa Rica and Luxembourg, which made many heads turn. The four guys played a good show for about an hour and the dancer was very flexible.

After the show we were taken to a supermarket by Taniguchisan’s friend and dear Iso cooked us a quick but delicious meal. Just now, Taniguchisan came by shortly to say goodbye and make pictures of his famous judo-hug which he gives at the end of each stay. Thank you for letting me be a small part of Nojima House! It was fun being here!

More news from Shikoku tomorrow. Thanks for reading!