Last weekend I went into the mountains with some friends to enjoythe last of the autumn leaves, check out a few waterfalls and do some hiking. Six of us, (Naga-chan, En-chan & Chiharu, Yusuke & Kana and myself), set out late on Friday night so that we could camp and get an early(ish) start the next morning.
Our destination was Kajigamori (梶ヶ森), a mountain across the border in Kochi prefecture. To save time we took the expressway far into the mountains, then the local roads. Access to the mountain was good; we were able to drive all the way to the summit where we found a small campsite to stay.
It was a fine night so we were able to enjoy the multitude of stars in the clear sky. We even saw some shooting stars, (possibly associated with the ‘Leonid meteors’: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/14nov_leonids.htm.) Being so high, (about 1400 metres), it was quite cold. To help keep warm and spirits high, we partook in some hot sake.
The next morning we woke early to try and view the sunrise. It was a little overcast so we couldn’t see much. Once the sun had risen though it allowed us to enjoy the unkai; the sea of clouds beneath us. The view was spectacular. The mountaintops poking up through the mist looked like islands.
After some hot ｂread and coffee for breakfast we headed back down the mountain to ‘Dragon-King Waterfall’ (Ryuou no taki), the starting place for our hike. Falling some 20 metres from a crevice at the top of the rock face, the waterfall was quite impressive. The fall is one of ‘the best 100 waterfalls’ in Japan: http://www.geocities.jp/bara_999/taki/japan/top.html.
Continuing up the mountain past the fall through mainly pine forest, we passed some enormous trees and boulders. As the trail steepened we came to an old temple. There was nobody around but the temple office/home and the temple itself were evidently still in use as both of them were locked and in reasonable condition. There was a fork in the trail at the temple- continuing straight, the trail led up a steep, rocky slope while to the right was a less strenuous course.
We opted to take the hard way. We wanted to do a loop course and thought it would be easier to scramble up the rocks rather than tumble down them. It was quite a challenging climb. We had to be careful where we stepped; if you knocked a rock loose there was the chance that it might injure the person behind you.
Eventually we came to the end of the straggly slope and another fork in the trail at two massive boulders. While we were wondering which way to go we noticed a small shrine above us, hidden away in a tiny cave on one of the rocks. I was amazed. Who on earth would build a shrine in such a place? More to the point, how on earth did they do it?
By climbing up a crack in the boulder and then a small ladder it was possible to reach the shrine . The’verandah’ of the hermitage afforded an excellent view. On the other side of it there was a chain leading up the rock face. By holding on to it, it was possible to climb to the top then descend the other side. The climb was really exhilarating - it was like being on top of the world!
From the boulders we took the trail right, leading back down the mountain. The hike became much easier from here. There were iron staircases leading down the steepest parts of the slope. Thick iron chains beneath the stairs provided evidence that it hadn’t always been so simple to descend.
After passing a couple of narrow falls cascading down between rocky outcrops we entered an enchanting valley. Many of the tree trunks and boulders here were covered in moss. The vibrant green of the moss contrasted with the melancholy yellow leaves beginning to scatter over the forest floor.
Upon returning to the old temple, we stopped for a rest and refreshments. Everyone was very satisfied with the hike. We manged to complete it in good time and without mishap. From here it was just a short stroll down the mountain past the fall once nore. Our timing was spot on too since it had just begun to rain.
