Day 10: at Cape Muroto

I took the 30 km from Ikumi to the Sky and Sea Guesthouse by bus and avoided the walk on the dangerous and boring street route 55. I dropped my main back pack there and continued walking only with a second very light back pack. So, almost no weight on my shoulders. In the morning it is getting cooler know, but during noon time and the early afternoon it is still hot in the sun at 24 degrees Celsius. I walked 18 km today (total: 198 km) and the altitude I had to manage (climbing up to temple 24 = Hotsumisakiji) was 260 meters. Most of the time I explored the Geopark of Cape Muroto, which is very impressive. The earth is still very active here and tectonic plate movements will make an earthquake and tsunami likely to happen within the next 30 years. You see signs directing to save tsunami evacuation points all over the place.

For geology students this area would be a fine excursion site. A lot can be learned about the various forms of rock and their creation.

Cape Muroto Geo Park (1)

Cape Muroto Geo Park (2)

Cape Muroto Geo Park (3)

Cape Muroto Geo Park (4)

I passed by a number of Jizo statues which you find very often in Japan. Jizo bosatsu stands for many things, not only for children who died early but also for helping tired pilgrims and securing their save arrival.

Jizo Statues

Mikurodo cave is famous, since the founder of the Henro pilgrimage - Kobo Daishi (Kukai) - spent here many years and practiced meditation.

Mikurodo Cave where Kobo Daishi spend many years in meditation

Mikurodo Cave

The uphill walk to temple 24 features still major parts of the historic trail 

At the site of Hotsumisakiji (T24)

A lighthouse close to the temple

Highly recommended "Sky and Sea Guesthouse" from the outside

Sky and Sea Guesthouse inside