A two-day “Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail Trekking Monitor Tour” was held to walk the newly established course of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail!
“Hananuki Valley” – Mt.”Tsuchidake” – Mt.”Tatsuwaresan” – overnight stay – Mt.”Takasuzuyama” – “Oiwa Shrine” on a route that spans Takahagi City and Hitachi City, and as an event to thoroughly enjoy the attractive spots of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail over two days.
This was a very attractive event where participants could discover new attractions of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail and the northern part of the prefecture, centering on the southeast course that was newly established last year.
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| Day 1. We gathered at Takahagi Station under clear skies and headed for “Hananuki Valley” by chartered bus. Upon arrival at the “Hananuki parking” lot, the event started with a greeting, an explanation of the itinerary, and self-introductions by all participants! | The first place we visited was “Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge”, a highlight of “Hananuki Valley”! The beauty of the valley and the surprisingly shaky suspension bridge make me nervous as I continue along the walking path. |
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| Arrive at the “Kotakizawa Campsite”, which is also the trailhead for the Mt.”Tsuchidake” trail. We will do a thorough preparation exercise before climbing in the ope space. | The climber counter at the Mt.”Tsuchidake” trailhead will be explained to you about the initiatives of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail and how the counter works. I hope more and more people will use it. |
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| The path is a carpet of fluffy fallen leaves that is pleasant to step on and is easy on the feet and varied in its path. | At the summit of the wide-open Mt.”Tsuchidake”, there was an observatory and a great view that could be seen all the way to the sea! We will then descend to “Keyakidaira Campsite” for lunch. |
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| After lunch, we boarded a bus to our next destination,Mt.”Tatsuwaresan”. We will follow the course newly opened last year to the summit. | Familiar with that Anime? Mt.”Tatsuwaresan” ‘s famous “tachiwari-ishi” (sword splitting stone). It actually feels larger than it looks in the picture. It is overwhelming. |
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| The first day’s itinerary ended without incident, and we went to “KAMISUWA Sanso”.After the bath and dinner, we had a session on the past and future of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail. Afterwards, there will be a reception where participants can discuss various topics with each other. | Morning of the Day 2. In the fresh air and clear skies, we departed from “KAMISUWA Sanso” and headed for Mt.”Takasuzuyama”. |
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| There is an observation deck at the top of Mt.”Takasuzuyama” | Leaving Mt. “Takaruzuyama” behind, we will head for Mt.”Oiwasan”, which has long been considered a sacred place of faith and “Shugendo” (mountain asceticism). |
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| From the top of Mt.”Oiwa”, visit the “Kabire Jingu” and head for the “Oiwa Shrine”. | At the “Oiwa Shrine”, we were given information that is usually difficult to hear. I am struck by the various events that have been handed down in this area since ancient times and the actions that continue to carefully protect this land even today. |
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| After visiting the “Oiwa Shrine”, we went to the sea, which we had just gazed at from a distance! Lunch time at “Unoshima Villa” located in a spectacular view, using plenty of local ingredients. | The event ended with the completion of the entire two-day process. We hope all participants enjoyed the event. We encourage you to walk the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail again, which will be further extended in the future. |
We received a lot of feedback from participants, including”I got to come to a place I wouldn’t normally be able to come to on my own!” “Even low mountains can be a lot of fun.” “I was glad to hear explanations at the “Oiwa Shrine” that I wouldn’t normally hear.”
It is also a luxurious course that allows visitors to enjoy the ocean and mountains, unique to this area where the distance from the coastline to the top of the mountain is short.
A route leading to the coast is scheduled to open next year, so if you have a chance, why not try walking it?
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who cooperated with us.
The Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail will continue to open up new routes in the future, so please look forward to it.
この投稿文は次の言語で読めます: 日本語 (Japanese)
