Introduction
I was worried whether the one-night bullet tour from Kobe could really be realized. Because the destinations are Kagawa Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture across Awaji Island. However, this is the first opportunity for Jakuchu’s fusuma painting “Hundred Flowers” to be exhibited at Konpira-san after long restoration, and it is unknown if there will be another opportunity to see it in the future. It is also the birthplace of Kobo-Taishi and the celebrations of the 1250th anniversary of his birth are being held. As someone who visited Toji Temple in Kyoto and Koyasan in Wakayama, which are related to Kobo-Taishi, it was a unique opportunity to conquer Kobo-Taishi’s three major sacred sites. I decided to go out on a whim. Actually, I wanted to try the pilgrimage for a few days, but due to the seasonal typhoon coming early, I made up my mind and left without a plan. Since there is no art just to go forth and back, I tried indigo dyeing, which I have been interested in for a long time, for the first time. I heard about indigo dyeing all over the country, but I didn’t know that Tokushima is the number one producer of indigo in Japan and the home of indigo dyeing.
Detail
1st day (Pilgrimage)
Climb the 785 stone steps and see Mt. Fuji from Konpira (It takes less than 3 hours by car from Kobe through Awaji Island, which is tedious, or less than 1 hour from Okayama by JR limited express.)
Parking lots are everywhere in front of the Konpira shrine. The parking lot dedicated to the udon restaurant is a bit of a walk, but it’s free. Prepare yourself for the upcoming climb with cold udon noodles. The beginning of the climb resembles the approach to Enoshima, Kangawa prefecture. There are 785 steps to the main shrine, and it takes 2.5 hours round trip. Plus 1 hour if you stop by the Shoin, the residence of Shinto priests, on the way. Let’s spend time slowly.
Kukai (Kobo-Taishi) is an influencer, creator of the pilgrimage (About 15 minutes by car from Konpira.)
A well-maintained straight road that you won’t get lost. Follow the road and pass the garrison base of the Self-Defense Forces. Although the base is usually located in a castle town, it is set up in a religious city. The religious city and the garrison of the Self-Defense Forces are next to each other, which doesn’t feel right to me.
The parking lot is next to west side of the Zentsuji temple. The amount of time required to visit the temple will vary depending on your faith vs. your desire to go to the Seto Inland Sea for an Instagrammable sunset.
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea from Mt. Shiude (45 minutes by car from Zentsuji to the summit parking lot. Along the way, you can see Mt. Gogaku, which rises from Zentsuji like a folding screen.)
Note that just because you arrive at the summit parking lot of Mt.Shiude does not mean you can see the view right away. Another 15 minute walk uphill.
Head to the nearby Uyuni Salt Lake without time and money (20 minutes by car from Mt. Shiude.)
The parking lot is not as crowded as I expected. Uyuni salt lake, sandy beach soon. Salt field ruins nearby. There is a factory with the largest production volume of bittern in Japan, which is indispensable for making tofu. There is a café next to it that incorporates the tofu into its dishes. Tonight’s stay is a hotel in Kannonji.
2nd day (indigo dyeing)
Udatsu, a former vanity that is now a major tourist attraction (1 hour by car from Kannonji through the tunnel through the Central Tectonic Line)
If you go through the tunnel and head upstream to the Yoshino River, you will find Ikeda High School, the Yamabiko batting line that once made a name for itself in the national high school baseball championship at Koshien Stadium. It was in a place like this. The car goes straight down the Yoshino River from here. The parking lot of Roadside Station Island Udatsu is convenient. Stayed for 2 hours including lunch time.
Blue comes from indigo and is bluer than indigo (About 30 minutes by car from Waki town)
Indigo dyeing experience for small groups is always accepted. The original will be completed in less than 1 hour. There is a shop of professional works and products in front of you. On the contrary, they become fond of their own handmade works and are impressed by professional work.
It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ai no Yakata to Kobe. You can’t see the whirlpools from Naruto Ohashi. You can’t see the whirlpools unless you get off the highway, and you can drop money at nearby tourist facilities. This time, the demonstration at the Awa Odori Kaikan was also passed due to time constraints.
Please contact us through ‘Contact us‘ form if you have any questions.