A Peaceful Mountain Trip in Utsunomiya

On a sunny weekend, I walked past a big shrine gate and a school.
I went west on a road called Ōya Kaidō.
Many cars were going to a famous cool place called Ōya Cave.
But I had a different plan.
I wanted to climb Mt. Tagesan.

Soon, I saw a red gate.
It was the entrance to Tagesan Fudōson Temple.
A long time ago, in the year 822, a monk named Sonchin built this temple.
There is also an old castle here.
The Utsunomiya family made it many years ago.
They were strong warriors and smart people.
One man, Yoritsuna, helped make a famous Japanese poetry book called Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

I walked up a small hill.
There was a tea shop and a parking area.
Then I saw a hiking sign.
The trail was easy.
Families and older people were walking too.
After 20 minutes, I reached the old castle.
I could see the city and even Tokyo Skytree!

I walked down to a quiet temple. 

The water was cold and felt nice.
I heard a soft sound from a shell horn.
I prayed and felt peaceful.

 
The air was full of good energy.
I thought, “This is a power spot!”

Later, I walked down 126 steps.

 
There were small statues and many flowers.
In summer, hydrangeas bloom.
I saw some people from other countries enjoying the walk.

At the end, I ate sweet dumplings and curry bread.

The red bean paste dango is also delicious.

ahacomments.com

---

Curry bread is available for dine-in and takeout, but please allow about 20 minutes as it's freshly fried upon order.

ahacomments.com

 
It was a happy day.