Hiraizumi
04/25/2007
As I said yesterday, my next stop was in Hiraizumi, a small town in the countryside. I arrived the day before, which allowed me to wake up early and go on a boat tour down geibi gorge, with 100 meter high cliffs, the traditional way:
And the guy even sang a traditional local song. Note that in Japan, you must take your shoes off on board:
The kid really looked bored, while his father was drinking sake the whole time...
Back in town, I visited the two main tourist sites. First, Chuson-ji, a large temple complex from the 12th century. It initially contained about 40 temples, only two of which remain today. Located in the heart of the forest, it is reached via a steep path with a great atmosphere, as the path is lined with high trees:
The temple part is not really spectacular, everything is in the forest atmosphere...
The other site worth visiting is Motsu-ji, another former temple complex, however only the pretty park remains:
It must be gorgeous when all trees are in full bloom!...
At the end of the afternoon, I didn't want to waste time and I took the train to go to Tono, further to the north...but that's for tomorrow!
Category: Travel
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