13 March 2025 - Day 11 - Temples 24, 25, 26 - 27 km on foot

Yes I cheated. No I don’t feel bad about it. But first things first. We had an excellent breakfast at our inn and then it was time to say goodbye to my dear companion Andre. Due to accommodation issues I have a very long way to go today and I will have to let you go your pace Andre. It was really nice walking some of Shikoku with you!!

As my next hotel is more than 45 km away and there is no way I could to this on foot with 3 Temple visits I was planning on taking the bus until close to Temple Hotsumisakiji, but the nice innkeeper took me and Johan from France by car. What a helpful ossetai! Domo arrigato gozaimas!

The Temple is situated more or less on the tip of Cape Muroto in the hills and the woods. After doing the rituals I walked some of the path with Johan till Temple Shinshoji and then Temple Kongochoji. Those Temples were also both very impressive! Johan had a short day, so when he had almost arrived at his destination around 13:30 and as I had more than 15 more km to do I decided to take the bus for the next 5 km.

To compensate, I thought I should take the mountain trail instead of the monotonous walk along the highway. It was a nice trail and helped my legs and heart remain in shape for the next mountains that will be on the menu soon.

I am now sitting in my bedroom at a “Business Hotel” in Nahari. It feels empty and lonely to be in a “normal” Hotel with my private toilet and bathroom but without the other henros, their discussions, laughs, and so on.

But it’s just for one night, so let’s see when I will be meeting some new Henro friends. And the Receptionist at the Hotel lobby was extremely helpful in booking me some more nights at hostels for next week. Domo arrigato!

I thank you for reading and supporting me! As always I am very pleased to see, read, hear your messages. See you tomorrow!