Kunisaki Heritage Temples tour circles the Kunisaki Peninsula by Bike and on foot.
Our brochure is free, on line at japanbikenhike.com
Our tour is a no-nonsense, economical and enviromentaly sound.
Japan has the image of being very expensive and at one time that ws true. However, due to world economics, it is on par with other developed nations now, and Cheaper than many. Big-city Japan can be a shocker, but in the country, prices are very reasonable and the people friendly.
Japan is a country where you can let down guard and relax. A place to refresh your faith in the goodness of humanity. A place where people's hands aren't trying to get into your pockets. A safe place.
Bikes are included in the tour price, but you may also bring your own. If you travel with a bike you certainly get a discount.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Oita, either by train, plane or mules...
However you get here, on the morning of the first scheduled day, this is what to expect! The adventure actually starts on the first day, so if you need time to aclimatize, plan to arrive early. I can make economical reservations for you in Beppu town, where we begin.
Day 1 : In Yamaga town, about 1 hour drive from Beppu, a moderately challenging hike on a path punctuated by small stone statues. It is where we begin, and part of a longer pilgrim path.
Is it rewarding? Well, it has plenty photo-oportunities, chains up step ascents, and poised rocky sitting-places over deep chasms. Will that qualify? Most people enjoy it, in spite of the agophobic-ality inherent to the hike!
The terrain alternates from jungle-ish to semi-desert, and takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on our physical condition.
Afterwards, it's an optional 20 km rt bike-ride to the Usa Jingu shrine. If you are whipped, laying about the deck with a beer and chips at Kiora Cottage is allowed. Those are both considered "natural foods," in our book.
Later we have hot spring, and stay at Kiora Cottage B&B.
Day 2: Yamaga to Kumano-Mugaibutsu and Tenenji temple.
First, we ride bikes (15 km) to the stone images of Kumano, the large cliff-carved Buddha, then atempt a 3 or 4 hour hike across Nokogiri ridge trail. It's short but impressive, as Paul says. But he says stuff like that. After the hike we have to ride bikes about one hour to our accommodations, a 130 year-old farm house run by a 20 year old woman and her hippy-dad! Yes, even in Japan ;-> and after a hotspring, we have traditional vegetarian supper prepared by the Young-Jou-ya cook. Remember, beer is also a vegitable.
Day 3 : Tenenji to Kunimi by the sea.
After morning bike ride (15 hilly km)gets us to the start of the Nakayama Senkyo trail, a fantastic 3 to 4 hour trek, and famous "last leap," a local legend. Not ours, I hope?
Afterwards, we return to the bikes and ride another hour or so, to Kunimi town by the inland sea and Satoh's Buddha carving gallery, where we stay. Mrs Sato always makes a meal fit for a samurai lord, things rarely found in Japanese restaurants. We probably steal the car and drive to the bath! I know I know! It is a worthy carbon foot-print!
Day 4: Kunimi to Monjusenji.
We have the option to ride bikes to the Monjusenji temple, or hike through the forest trails. Either way, we arrive at Monjusenji Temple in the early afternoon. 35 km bike or 12 km hike.
Those who want to, may meditate inside the temple or scale some of the near-by rocky peaks. Enlightenment is elusive, but worth the effort. For those who choose a shorter path, beer is avaialable!
Monjusenji temple has been in use for hundreds of years and it is a very powerful place. I dislike adjectives, but the feeling is palpable, time stacked on time, meditated on, bells and incence, candles and statues, dust and stone. It's the full-Monty.
We have traditional monk's food for dinner and sleep on the temple floor. There is Zen meditation in the upper temple at day-break, only if the master is "in." He's a busy guy.
You don't have to be Buhhdists to appreciate this stay; Now that Tibet is gone, it is extremely rare to stay in an actual temple. It isn't particulary comfortable, but maybe you can glimpse another way people lived, from the one-night experience. I always sleep very well when I am there.
Day 5, Monjusenji to Usa.
A bike day. We do make a short hike in the morning, but mainly we skirt Futago mountain to Futago temple, and return to Yamaga. Once there, we reclaim the support van, and for our last we return to Beppu town. Total bike distance is 40km. It doesn't seem far but there are a few hills. There are plenty of scenic places on the way, too.
Total bike distance for all 5 days is about 100 km.
Total hike distance is approx 20 km.
Travel on from Beppu can be arranged, by train or by air from the Oita Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes all meals, lodgings, fees and support cars when needed, tips and taxes. Also included are bike rental. Alcohol drinks, gifts and snacks not included. Discounts for groups available. Commissions paid to agents.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Japan
Walking Tours
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
