To the unexplored station despite the rain, and a little walk on the Kumano Kodo - Travel Guide: Higashi-Kishu Edition -

Visiting Higashi-Kishu, Nagu-Nagu Tourist (Nagu-Tsu), it's a rainy day today. Well then, where shall we go...

▼ It's BY Marriott

The accommodation Nagu-Tsu chose this time is,

Believe it or not! Marriott Hotel!

Though I say that, it's a "low-cost brand" hotel bearing the Marriott name. (Well, it is Nagu-Tsu after all)

The features are

So, this time we are staying at the hotel adjacent to the "Roadside Station Park Shichiri Mihama" in Mihama Town, Mie Prefecture, the "
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama".

This place is adjacent not only to the roadside station but also to Atawa Station on the Kisei Line, so you can also make use of the train. Convenient, right?

Right in front is the tourist attraction, Shichiri Mihama

A 22km-long gravel beach
A view that makes even a guy in his 50s want to shout, "Wow!" lol

And the reward for staying at the inn is,

Sunrise

I'm going to see it!

Or so I thought...
Rain...

(The photos of Shichiri Mihama are from my visit two years ago)

▼ Atawa Station

With that, I changed my mindset and walked for three minutes to the station.

Avoiding the platform that looked like it would get wet in the rain, I waited in the station building.
The deserted station building and the rain added to the somber mood.

By the way, where am I going?

Yes! The first destination of the day is...

Drumroll please... Ta-da!

The famous unexplored station, "Hadasu Station"

▼ Hadasu Station

After being rattled around for about 30 minutes, I arrived.
I'm here!

There is a tunnel to the right of the platform.

In front of me is the sea.

And to the left is...
Of course, a tunnel. After all, it's an unexplored station.

The next train is in about an hour.
Until then, I'll explore the surrounding area.
If I miss the train in an hour, the next one isn't for another three hours...
Because, well, it's an unexplored area.

My goal is to head to the "Hadasu Path," one of the Kumano Kodo trails.

Relying on the signposts, I climbed up the paved road.
Sometimes, the rain would sprinkle down...

But, you know, the rain isn't so bad either.

▼ Jofuku Teahouse

There is a teahouse at the top of the climb, but it is only open on Monday and Friday afternoons...
The chances of encountering it are lower than the train (lol)

But the view from here is the best.

A village nestled in the valley
And the train tracks

On the opposite side of the teahouse is the entrance to the "Hadasu Path" of the Kumano Kodo.

The Kumano region is a land with a lot of rain.
The stone pavement is a drainage measure rooted in the land. A little rain is no problem at all.

Rain is also quite nice.

A 300-meter stretch of the ancient path remains here. Even children can easily get a feel for the ancient path. (What is a "feel for the ancient path"? lol)
You will likely feel more atmosphere here than at the crowded Daimon-zaka.

Now, let's head back

▼ Jofuku Shrine

On the way, a little detour to Jofuku Shrine.
Jofuku-san's grave is here.

The teahouse from earlier also bore the name "Jofuku," didn't it?
By the way, who is Jofuku?

Let me explain

Read this in the style of "Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi" (Folktales from Japan)

We made it back safely in an hour!
Hadasu Station has an average of about 20 passengers per day (according to Wiki).

Recently, many people seem to visit as it is a sacred site for the anime 'A Lull in the Sea'. However, we were the only ones we saw today.

Alright, the train has arrived.

For now, that's it for today's travel itinerary.
It is currently 9:44 AM, and the day has just begun.
Now then, where are we going from here?

Stay tuned for next week!

What!? You're not going to tell me?
That's so unfair!

Eh? Well, this is a 'secluded' (hikyo) station, after all...

( To be continued... )

Kishu trip, day one. If you haven't read
How to get to Ohai, click here.