Kimii-dera Temple and Wakanoura Area

The following morning, I took a train to Kimii-dera Temple. This was a popular Sakura viewing spot so I went early in order to miss the crowd. Of course, this meant I got to listen to the blowers used to clean up the grounds, but I was used to this.

Kimii-dera is a beautifully ornate temple in vermillion and white. The soft white Sakura added to this beauty.

I was surprised to find a statue of Kobo Daishi, the spiritual inspiration behind the Shikoku Pilgrimage. I took this as a favorable omen, that he was already overseeing my Pilgrimage.

In the background is the Wakanoura Area, my next destination

The first lengthy walk of this trip, from Kimii-dera to Kishu Toshugu Shrine, then up to the observatory on top of Mount Takatsuko. The shrine was established over 400 years ago and honors the Tokugawa shogunate. The artwork was reminiscent of the more famous Nikko Toshugu shrine, but unfortunately, there were "No Photography" signs.

To reach the observatory, there was a forest trail called the Path of Sound of Waves. At the top were fields of Sakura trees, sadly all past the peak and a great panoramic view of Wakanoura and the surrounding areas.

Wakayama Castle at Night

After arriving at Kansai International Airport, I took an Airport Limousine Bus to Wakayama Station where my hotel was located. After nightfall, I walked the short distance to Wakayama Castle for a night Sakura hanami (flower viewing). This event was not crowded and low-key. This was in contrast to a previous night Sakura hanami I had made 10 years earlier in Kyoto's Maruyama Park, which was very crowded and chaotic. This made it a beautiful, enjoyable, and relaxing experience.

Before the Pilgrimage Starts - Sakura Viewing!

I planned to spend several days before the Tour to do some Sakura viewing. My first thought was to visit Kyoto but there were problems of overtourism. I decided to go to Wakayama Prefecture, just south of Kansai Airport where I would be flying into. In addition, there was a direct ferry service from Wakayama City to Tokushima City, making it easy to get to the starting point for the Pilgrimage.

There were several Sakura viewing spots near Wakayama Station where I was staying.

Wakayama Castle

Mt. Takatsuko Observatory

Kimii-dera Temple

I would also have a free day in Tokushima City since the first day of the Tour was only checking into the first accommodation in the evening. Just behind my hotel near Tokushima Station was Mt Bizan which had two listed Sakura viewing spots.

Skipped the Naruto spot which was near the Pilgrimage start

Seibu Park

Bizan Park