1368 STEPS TO THE TOP

Pit-stop to Iya Valley.

We lost count half-way but I salute my ten and six-year-olds who did it. It made the sanuki udon especially tasty at the end.

The shops lining the steps to Konpira-san were kawaii-overload.

DEEP IN THE MOUNTAINS... ...& A WHIRLPOOL THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN

This is the first time a trip was not posted chronologically, but my shots were so piece-meal, random, there simply wasn't much of a coherent story to tell.

So let's just start with some of my favourite places :)

From top:

Oboke Gorge and its interesting rocks.

Iya Valley and the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge. I really wanted to turn back halfway but it was one-way only. The ten and eleven year olds simply skipped over.

A village with no more children.

Further east to Naruto to see their famous uzushio (tidal whirlpools) but the stars didn't align that day. The wind and the waves were impressive though. 

HARE TO KE

Not sure if I'm out of touch with my metering, or was the Portra 400 really that grainy. I suspect it's a bit of both. Argh.

Early morning light in the mountains at an abandoned school turned hostel. We were afraid of coach buses and crowds so we chose a lesser known area in Japan this time. 

It was wonderful.

More (grainy) photos to come.

@ Hare to Ke Design Hostel