Akigawa Bridge River Park Barbecue Place
@lauramurray
A park that is popular for people to bbq along the water. Swimming is popular in summer. There's apparently a place to rent fishing poles nearby. I can't find on google maps though.
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First hike start point
Head to Komine Park. This is about a 20 minute walk on flat roads through the town and fields. Head to the back of the park to find the sign for Kongo Falls. Some of the signs are only in Japanese and some are in both English and Japanese. (金剛の滝) is the Kanji for Kongo Falls.
Komine Park
@lauramurray
Starting point of Kongo falls hike. Follow signs to "Kongo Falls".
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３３６m峰（小峰公園最高点）
@lauramurray
Steep climb with up and down elevation gain. Uneven footing. Follow the signs for "Kongo Falls" then to "Kotokuji".
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Kongo Falls
@lauramurray
A 30-45 minute hike. Follow the dry river bed to the end, then climb through the short tunnel to get close to the waterfall.
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Kotokuji
@lauramurray
End point of the Kongo Falls Hike. Tranquil temple amongst many different trees.
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Kowada Bridge
@lauramurray
Cross the bridge north from Kotokuji and follow the north side of the river west to Sawado Bridge.
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Food Options:
About now you would likely be feeling hungry. Below are some options to grab a bite before heading off on the next adventure. There is also my go-to option - konbini (convenience store)! There are multiple konbini's to choose from between here and the next temple. Check google maps for a Family Mart or 7-Eleven.
Kurochaya
@lauramurray
High end dining located in garden tea house villa. Cheapest meal set is 6,600+ yen. There is a café hut and a take out hut in the garden as well. Access down to Aki River is available from the garden.
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pignic farm&cafe
@lauramurray
Pig petting cafe with pig themed desserts. Customers with reservation are given priority entry. 1000 yen for adults for 30 mins, required to also buy 1 drink.
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POUND
@lauramurray
Sandwich shop with plant filled interior. Calm homey vibes. No AC.
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Koharubiyori
@lauramurray
Soba noodle restaurant. Some reviews mention waiting 2+ hrs for food and a stressful environment. Others say it was a very welcoming and calm environment with no wait.
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Back to the Adventure!
Now that we're fueled up, let's go on our next big journey. At the back of Kogonji you will find a path that leads up Mt. Shiroyama. This hike can be skipped if you aren't a fan of doing leg day.
Kogonji
@lauramurray
Temple with path that leads up to the Tokura Castle Ruins. Super gnarly cherry trees on the property.
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Tokura Castle Ruins
@lauramurray
1 hour round trip hike with amazing view. Very steep. Toilet at stop. Entrance to hike is from Kogonji. Beware bears in area.
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Mishima Shrine
@lauramurray
Funny outcropping of trees on top of a hill standing alone.
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Snack time
Stop at either of the cafes below for a quick bite/drink and take a break.
VANCOUVER COFFEE 東京
@lauramurray
Café with really good coffee and pretty interior. Sign is of Vancouver, BC. TBD - What's the connection?
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AKIGAWA BASE アキガワベース
@lauramurray
Semi--permanent food truck with nearby seating. Selling burgers, ice cream, soda.
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Last stop
Akigawa Valley
@lauramurray
A valley popular for bbq, swimming, and fishing.
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Ishibune Bridge
@lauramurray
Concrete bridge that looks like a suspension bridge. Great autumn colour.
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Seoto-no-yu Foot Bath
@lauramurray
Public foot bath to refresh feet after a long hike!
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Seoto-no-yu
@lauramurray
Day spa with a 1,000 yen bathing fee for 3 hours. Tattoos are not allowed. Rental towels available for a fee.
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Yamazaki Liquor Shop
@lauramurray
Small taster dishes served with alcohol. Sporadically open for short periods near lunch time.
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Head back
To get back to Tokyo, go back towards the Akigawa Base food truck. On the other side of the street there is a bus stop.
Catch the 10, 14, 18, or 52 bus to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. Take the Itsukaichi Line to Haijima Station and then transfer to Ome Line.
Check google maps directions for accurate bus time tables and fares.
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