Continuing my temples visit in Bessho Onsen, I visited Kitamuki Kannon, literally “Facing-North Kannon”, which is unusual as temples usually faces south. This Tendai sect. temple faces the Buddha statue in famous Zenkoji in Nagano directly and is popular as a love fulfillment spot.
Visiting Anraku-ji, the oldest Soto sect. of Zen Buddhism temple in Nagano which boost the only surviving octagonal pagoda in Japan. Located near Bessho Onsen, 30 minutes away from Ueda city, this temple deserves more attention for its history and links to Kencho-ji’s Rankei Doryu.
Hakuba in green season offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, mountain-biking and more. I hiked to Happo-ike or Happo Pond on this clear weather to see the beautiful pond with the reflection of the Hakuba Sanzan – Mt. Shakushi, Mt. Yari, and Mt. Shirouma.
Continuing my hike in Kamikochi, from Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge) to Myojin-ike (Myojin Pond).
Awed by the beautiful autumn foliage, magnificent views of Northern Japan Alps, and the clear Azusa river in a day-trip hike in Kamikochi, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
Admiring autumn leaves through a short hike from Togakushi-hokosha (lower shrine) to Togakushi-okusha (upper shrine), located in former Togakure, said to be the birthplace of the Togakure-ryu Ninja School.
Hiking the old Nakasendo, from the preserved post towns of Magome to Tsumago in the Kiso Valley.
