The by-product for not wanting to pass for highway tolls was a slow scenic drive through the hills between Osaka and Nara. To be sure, I consulted google maps and streets substantially. The Honda Stepwagon with turbo, as well as its narrow design, I was very confident of driving it through the villages. Those hours of research the day before paid off pretty well.
Route 308
Our first stop was at the foot of the hill at Nitori mall, Higashi Osaka. Shortly after checking out from the Osaka AirBnb. We had brunch and still have time to shop around the mall (Daiso again). Thereafter, we drove up and across route 308, through narrow roads and villages. Some parts of the drive were steep slopes. Fortunately, my car didn’t fail me and it was really a breeze.
Ikoma is located at the plateau along the borders of Osaka and Nara. We stopped at the Hozan-ji Shrine up the cable car access from Ikoma. Because we drove from Osaka, we passed the Japanese amusement park, Ikomasanjo park, at the hilltop (it was closed for winter, so we did not stop). And arrived at the Shrine from the top, on our downhill drive.
Hozan-ji Shrine, Ikoma
The shrine was not a normally visited place by tourists. And on a weekday, it was quiet and serene. The complex is enormous and it extends up the hill. Again, we took our time to marvel at all buildings and statues. And offering some prayers too.
I took my kids who still have lots of energy to expand up the steps to the top shrine. The cool temperature made our ascending much more enjoyable.
Besides the buildings, we were in awe with the sights of autumn leaves colouring the whole place.
Felt holy for a while, or should we say “enlightened”. We walked down the street leading to Ikoma town. But many of the shops were not opened. A bit disappointed but the emptiness gave us lots of space, both literally and psychologically.
The tram was used to serve the villages up here from Ikoma. But as the Amusement park is closed for the winter, it was very quiet as well.
Everyone was tired after the walk. So I took them straight to Uji and check into our Airbnb. We arrived slightly before sunset.
Kutsukawa, Uji
We found a nice house in Uji near Kutsukawa Station. The choice was a good one because this allowed us to shuttle to Kyoto, Nara and without the need to mention, Uji sights. Upon reaching the place and settled in, we will have to look for food. And we did what the ladies do best which is also their favourite – to look for local produce and cook up a nice dinner. We went to a local supermarket just beside the train station 5 mins walk from the house.
After dinner, did my work (yes sadly i brought my work), plan for the next day and sleep.
gobassky
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