The latter part of the trip was through little tunnels and across huge, forested mountains at dusk. Take's company at this stage was reminding me somewhat of Keiko from some years back.
The very last leg was by VERY steep cable car.
There were serious stairs inside the carriage.
As recommened in the guidebook, I had organised to stay in monk lodgings in Kouya-san. Komeichi Farm's okaasan had helped me book lodgings at the place their family has stayed at in the past, called Muryoukou-in, or Inn of Immeasurable Light. Okaasan had said it wasn't as grand as some, but was famous for the quality of its monks.
All the same, it was far grander than I'd expected from the concept of abbot accommodation. we found the guest rooms were large with rice paper sliding doors and beautiful handpainted screens. The hallway looked out onto a manicured water garden surrounded by azaleas and rocks. We were guided in by a rather kooky young monk, and offered observation of the morning's prayer rituals from 6am.
The meal served in our room was exquisitely presented and delicious. The monks' famous specialty, sesame tofu, was superb.
After dinner, Take and I ventured out for a walk around the darkened, quiet, old-world town. We walked into the grounds of the Kouya-san University just as they turned out the lights for the night. We returned for a bath before bed.
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