In the morning we were off on the train to another stop, Yabuhara where we went over the Torii-toge pass which was beautiful and ended up in Narai, a fabulous historic town. From there we walked further to Kiso-Hirawasa where we boarded a train again taking us back into the much larger city of Matsumoto for our last night on the Nakasendo Trail.
Back at the train station heading to Yabuhara.
Starting up the Torii-toge pass, famously considered one of the most difficult parts of the Nakasendo Trail.
Up we go.
Getting tired.
Looking back at Yabuhara in the distance.
Onward.
ffffffffffcapffffffffffcapffffffffffcapffffffffffcapfffffNear the top there is the lovely Ontake Shrine which is dedicated to the mountain.
Wandering up to the shrine.
Tori gates were built by a samurai that won a battle after praying on the mountain in the 15th century.
Some of the statues at the shrine.
The rain fits the mood.
Heading down the trail.
Narai below.
After all the hiking, it was time for lunch.
Delicious noodles at a small restaurant in town.
Yum.
Dexter chose a different feast.
Also yum.
ffffffffffcapffffffffffcapffffffffffcapffffffffffcapfffffNarai is famous for combs and wood pieces..
Dexter was excited to see this large Tanuki which is a symbol of prosperity.
Tanuki have a large part of their anatomy that one might find humorous.
Graveyard.
Telephone booth - how retro.
Dexter is very enamored with a certain soda that he learned about from our tour guide in Tokyo. This is a seasonal drink unlike anything in the US. You shake it first, then open it and it creates a jelly cubes with carbonation. A crazy sensation to drink. We didn't see it that often, so he was thrilled when we passed a vending machine that had it.
Life is good.
Nearing the end of the trail. This will be our last on our Nakasendo adventure.
After a train ride into Matusmoto, we were escorted via shuttle to our Ryoken for our last night on our tour.
This place, Fukashiso, also has a nice Onsen and serves an elaborate kaiseki dinner like we had the night before. This dinner was so many courses and so much food. It is considered rude to not finish food that is provided to you, but we were struggling when we got to the final dishes of the evening. Too much!!
