17kms walking today and 30kms by train.
Leaving the old town of Tsumago at the ancient Kosatsuba (official proclamation board) we saw on the board the old wooden tablets that state that no Christianity can be practised. The trail ascended steeply up the valley then continued through the forest on what is known as the Yogawa Forest Route on our way to Nojiri, passing through cedar forests and farmland. It was one of the most scenic sections of the walk. The forest walk joins the Kiso River at Nojiri. After a snack in Nojiri, we made our way to the train station for a 40-minute ride to Kiso-Fukushima. Located halfway on the Nakesendo Way between Kyoto and Tokyo, Kiso-Fukushima was an important checkpoint during the Edo period.
En route we met up with Kerryn and Mark and stopped at a small house displaying food and wares and everything cost 2000 yen and operated on an honest system. We found chocolate and stocked up!!
The feature picture of this post shows Mark, myself, Kerryn and Ronnie relaxing on benches opposite the little roadside shop.
We got lucky at our hotel in Kiso-Fukushima today as we were upgraded to a deluxe room which came with a hot tub on the balcony and proper beds! Pure luxury.
