Chapter 44: CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

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CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

"Well little buddy," putting away from the minshuku with all our luggage either in the saddlebags or strapped on. "We're on our way to Ashizuri-misaki and Tosashimizu for hopefully three nights this time."

Be-beep!

"At least we got to take in numbers 30, 31, and 33 on the ohenro in Kochi City but 32 was too far away. And I'm glad it was. It gave me just enough time to take in Kochi Castle. God, am I glad the Okusan recommended it when we were leaving to go temple-hopping. That castle was amazing since it hadn't been destroyed by our bombers in World War II. Like stepping right back into the early Edo Period when it was built around 1700. Too bad I had too short a time to walk around a bit more. But it was still well worth the entrance fee.

And my guidebook only gave it one sentence. Can you believe that?"

Beeep!

"Thank God I remembered to make us reservations for first class for the car ferry back to Kobe from Matsuyama. This time I'm going to have a bottom berth."

Be-beep!

As I was expecting, Route 56 down the southwestern coast of Shikoku to Ashizuri-misaki was nowhere near as beautiful as going down the east coast to Muroto-misaki. Particularly since it kept us away from the coast for most of the way. Nor was Ashizuri-misaki anywhere near as spectacular. I dutifully made the pilgrimage out onto the observation deck, very unenthusiastically snapped three shots with my pocket camera just to prove we had been here once again. But as we were putting back up to Tosashimizu, "I wonder, little buddy, if there are any good hiking trails on this peninsula. If so, we've got the time to try one or two."

Be-beep!

As we were entering Tosashimizu I spied a coffee shop very close to the minshuku I was going to stay at. It too advertised "Morning Service 7-11 am."

"Well, little buddy, it looks like I'm going to be staying full sudomari this time. Though much smaller than Kochi City, Tosashimizu technically is a city after all."

Be-beep!

"Oh, you're back. Are you doing the ohenro on your motocycle this time?" asked the Okusan of the same minshuku we had stayed at the time before.

"Well, sort of anyway. I've been going to the ohenro temples near where I've been staying. I've seen at least ten or fifteen so far. I understand there's one here in Tosashimizu. Is that right?"

"Oh yes. Kongofuku-ji is one of the most famous with all its temple buildings and reflection pond. It's down near Ashizuri-misaki."

"Hmm. That's strange. I don't think I saw it when I was going by there yesterday. Well anyway, can I stay with you for three nights this time?"

"Of course. That will give you time to take in Tatsukushi Marine National Park as well."

"Tatsukushi National Park? My guidebook didn't mention any national park for Tosashimizu."

"That's because it's not very well known. But it's only about ten or fifteen minutes by car from here. Same room? And sudomari again?"

"Yes, please. And without breakfast this time."

"You know, little buddy," as we were putting back up the peninsula to the minshuku, "this temple number 38 on the ohenro was so great I think I'm actually going to remember its name, Kongofuku-ji. Just like the Okusan promised it has so many great buildings and that wonderful pond reflecting all the temple buildings and those fantastic, large colored rocks surrounding it."

Be-Beep!

"And I think we've got time enough left for us to putt out to this Tatsukushi National Marine park to at least take a look-see at what's there. If it's as good as the Okusan says, we'll still have time to putt back to it tomorrow and take our time going around it. What do you think, little buddy?"

Be-beep!

"Hey little buddy, this National Park really looks great," as were were putting back to the minshuku from it. "Man, am I glad we have the time to stay in Tosashimizu for three nights this time. Tomorrow we should have plenty of time to see all the attractions there."

Be-beep!

"And my guide book doesn't say a damn thing about it. I tried looking up Tatsukushi Park last night. Absolute zilch!"

Beeep!

"From now on I'm going to trust whatever the Okusan or sometimes the Danasan of whatever minshuku we're staying at says about where we should go instead trusting my God damned guidebook!"

Be-beep!

Submitted: June 07, 2024

Romance romance japan gaijin travel-in-japan japan-1970s

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Comments

B Douglas Slack

Kind of a bland chapter, Ken. Perhaps a little more interaction with the population of the villages you visit might be in order. Meals would be another thing you could describe.

Bill

Tue, June 18th, 2024 5:13pm

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That's because it's his SECOND trip to Shikoku. I describe the people he met and the places he stayed at including meals in the chapters about that trip. I don't want to bore the reader with details the reader already knows.

Ken

Wed, June 19th, 2024 7:29pm