Kai no kuni Long Trail PASaPASA HIRAGA JUN CUP 2022
Day 4, November 11th, the Kai no kuni Long Trail HIRAGA JUN CUP began with a little reluctance to leave the Lower Hotel which had been too comfortable.
Today’s village mayor is also special.
Head priest Komatsu of Minobu-san Takeibou appears.
With Komatsu at the front, we first head to Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple.
Right from the start, you will be moved by the scenery, including the large Sanmon Gate, the Bodai Ladder (a large stone staircase with 287 steps and an elevation difference of approximately 100m) leading to the main hall, and the impressive ringing of the large bell.
We then went to Okunoin Shishinkaku at the summit of Mt. Minobu.
This is where Priest Komatsu works.
On the way from Kuonji to Shishinkaku, everyone asked Priest Komatsu lots of questions.
At Shishinkaku at the summit, everyone was praying with all their heart.
For the core part of the fourth day, we head to the Southern Alps Front Trail.
This is a place where you can experience a rather wild feeling.
Mt. Fuji on the right and the southern part of the Southern Alps on the left.
A deserted trail.
Beautiful autumn foliage.
The endless climb to Daitenjo, the rope hell of Mt. Kurao, and the larch forest lit up by the sunset near Ashinare Pass.
We all ran at a good pace.
This route is very enjoyable for those who are physically fit.
We arrived at the campsite, Ikenochaya Parking Lot, about two and a half hours earlier than expected.
Everyone seemed to be in good spirits.
Actually, on the way to Ikenochaya, our friends from Fullmarks tried to set up an aid station near Mt. Fujimi, but we were much earlier than the plan we had set out in advance, and although they should have had plenty of time, we arrived just in time.
I was thinking, “I hear some strange voices coming from afar.”
That strange voice was announcing our presence.
Then, a lot of food came out of their big backpacks, and as soon as they spread it out, the runners ate it all within minutes. From an outsider, it looked like we’d been attacked by bandits.
I’m really glad we were able to meet up with them.
Thank you!
It’s dinner time on the fourth day of the Kai no kuni Long Trail HIRAGA JUN CUP.
Because we arrived too early, the rice from Komefuku has not yet arrived.
Nishizawa, who is in charge of carrying the rice, just said, “You’re going too early!”
This is the teahouse parking lot at Ikebuku, at an altitude of 1,800m.
Fujikawa Town kindly provided us with a water truck. We’re very grateful.
And to our surprise, the chefs who came to help us were Mr. and Mrs. Matsui from 38 Shoten, a popular galette shop in Hakuba.
Mr. Matsui even designed the logo for this event.
We had delicious meatballs and hot soup, which went really well with rice.
There was also a sauna truck.
It was very helpful as it was cold due to the high altitude.
At night, some people talked, some ate a lot, some went to bed early, and some went to the sauna.
photo by
📸@fujimakisho
📸@doryu_3754
