As April arrives, it becomes warmer and easier to move my body.
I feel like I can relax more in lighter clothing.
I usually enjoy walking and jogging around my home, but with the season getting better, I wanted to change my mood.
I thought it would be nice to walk in places in Kurashiki City that I haven't been to yet, and then I found a flyer for "Citizen Walking Day" at the library.
The courses vary each month, and it seems interesting to walk with many people.
I immediately decided to participate in "Citizen Walking Day".
What is "Citizen Walking Day"
"Citizen Walking Day" is a walking event held on the second Sunday of every month (excluding July and August).
Participants walk while enjoying the seasonal scenery at historical sites and parks in Kurashiki City.
It was suspended due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it resumed in October 2021 with a limit on the number of participants.
Starting from the 2023 fiscal year, anyone who wants to participate can join without prior registration.
The courses will rotate monthly through Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, and Mabi.
The dates for the 2023 fiscal year are as follows:
- 1st: April 9, 2023 (Sunday)
- 2nd: May 14, 2023 (Sunday)
- 3rd: June 11, 2023 (Sunday)
- 4th: September 10, 2023 (Sunday)
- 5th: October 8, 2023 (Sunday)
- 6th: November 12, 2023 (Sunday)
- 7th: December 10, 2023 (Sunday)
- 8th: January 14, 2024 (Sunday)
- 9th: February 11, 2024 (Sunday)
Overview of the Konohanasakuyahime Shrine Course (Kojima)
I participated in the first "Citizen Walking Day" of the 2023 fiscal year held on April 9, 2023 (Sunday).
We gathered at 8:45 AM.
People continued to arrive from the platform at JR Ueno-cho Station.
In the end, there were 66 participants this time.
We split into two groups and started around 8:50 AM from JR Ueno-cho Station.
It is about 8 km round trip to Konohanasakuyahime Shrine, and we will walk for about 3 hours.
We will stop at Hieda Daishido, Hieda Park, and Hieda Hachiman Shrine for restroom breaks along the way.
I wonder what kind of scenery we will see.
I wait in excitement for the start.
From Ueno-cho Station to Hieda Daishido
From Ueno-cho Station, we go up to the prefectural road and walk about 1 km along Nakayama Park Street, then we arrive at Hieda Daishido after climbing the stone steps.
Hieda Daishido is a temple of the Shingon sect and is one of the 88 sacred sites in Kojima. It is the 23rd temple.
It is built on a small hill with a good view.
The grounds are spacious and open.
At the start, it felt a bit chilly, but after walking up the gentle slope under the warm sunlight, I started to sweat a little.
I took off my jacket here and took a short break in the breeze.
From Hieda Daishido to Konohanasakuyahime Shrine
After walking about 3 km from Hieda Daishido, we arrived at Konohanasakuyahime Shrine.
Konohanasakuyahime Shrine is also secretly popular as a power spot.
The deity Konohanasakuya-hime is said to be a peerless beauty and the goddess of beauty, matchmaking, and safe childbirth.
On this day, there were people receiving prayers.
Participants also visit the shrine in groups of three or five.
In the shrine grounds, trees such as cherry and plum are planted, and the elegant atmosphere of the flowers perfectly matches the image of Konohanasakuya-hime.
Behind the shrine stands Fukunanzan, and at its summit is the Okumiya.
I also want to go up to the Okumiya and pay my respects.
From Hieda Hachiman Shrine to Ueno-machi Station
On the way back, I will circle around the east side of Fukurin Lake and stop by Hieda Hachiman Shrine before heading to the goal at Ueno-machi Station.
Hieda Hachiman Shrine is a splendid and beautiful shrine.
You can feel that it is respected and cherished by the local people.
This course often takes paths that are one road in from the busy prefectural road, and because of that, the scenery you see is completely different from usual.
The bright yellow rapeseed flowers, deep pink double cherry blossoms, and fresh green leaves are visually striking.
The fragrance of flowers gently drifts by, and you can also hear the beautifully chirping nightingales.
Even though it is early April, I feel the strong sunlight, but at the same time, a refreshing breeze makes it comfortable.
Indeed, it is a perfect day for "Walking Day."
While walking and chatting happily with the participants, I quickly arrived at Ueno-machi Station.
In Conclusion
By participating in "Walking Day," you can encounter scenery that you usually miss while driving by.
I made new discoveries, realizing that there are such wonderful historical sites and places in my hometown!
And even more wonderful were the participants.
I was inspired by their youthful spirit and enthusiasm, which transcended age, and I received a lot of energy from them.
"Walking Day" is open to anyone, but since it is a group walk, you cannot use trekking poles or similar items.
It is best to choose a course that matches your leg strength and physical fitness.
The next event will be on May 14, 2023 (Sunday).
It will be a course of about 8 km around the Tatetsuki Site in Sho.
It will be a challenging course with significant elevation changes.
No prior registration is required for "Walking Day."
- 8:45 AM: Gather at Sho Elementary School
- 9:00 AM: Start
- Expected to finish around 12:00 PM
"Walking Day" is an event where you can enjoy walking while exploring the history and culture of the area.
Why not walk together and have fun?
First-time participants need to fill out the "2023 Walking Day Participation Application Form."
Data for the 2023 Walking Day
| Name | 2023 Walking Day |
|---|---|
| Date | 1st: April 9, 2023 (Sunday) 2nd: May 14, 2023 (Sunday) 3rd: June 11, 2023 (Sunday) 4th: September 10, 2023 (Sunday) 5th: October 8, 2023 (Sunday) 6th: November 12, 2023 (Sunday) 7th: December 10, 2023 (Sunday) 8th: January 14, 2024 (Sunday) 9th: February 11, 2024 (Sunday) |
| Location | Kurashiki City (Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | 2023 Walking Day |
