Norikura dake

The summit of mount Norikura, consisting of a number of peaks, the highest of which is 3026 m.

Norikura woods

Some pics from the forest areas around Norikura.

The Ninja Museum

In the village of Togakushi, they commemorate the fact that their mountain monks used to study the way of ninpo, and work as ninjas. The museum was complete with a collections on ninja equipment, as well as a "ninja house" of trapdoors to negotiate.

Walking the Nakasendo

Back in medieval times, the Nakasendo was the main postal route through inland Japan, connecting Kyoto with the provincial towns in the interior of Honshu. Portions of this road, including the towns, have been preserved. Naturally, I was interested in walking a portion of the road. However, the typhoon has destroyed several railroads here, so my initial plan of going to the southern postal towns of Magome and Tsumago never really got off the ground.

Instead, I went to the town of Narai, which was one of the most important postal towns. Just south of Narai lies the Torii pass, which was considered the most difficult portion of the Nakasendo. Thus, the couriers would rest and refit at Narai before braving the Torii Pass.

I of course walked the route up to the Torii pass. Here are some pictures of the trek: