Mt Bizan, Then the Start of the Tour

From my hotel window I could see the ropeway to Bizan Park. This would be the last stop for today's sakura viewing. First, I would take a train to the western end of Mt Bizan and walk to Seibu Park.

There were a number of locals walking to and from Seibu Park and Bizan Park. It is a scenic walk with a gradual uphill climb, so a good workout. With every walker there was the cheery exchange of "ohayo gozaimasu".

After Seibu Park, it was about an hour of uphill walking to reach Bizan Park, a large complex including some interesting buildings, a wraparound view of Tokushima City, and a ropeway back down to the city center.

I retrieved my backpack from my hotel, then took a train to Bando Station. There is a green line on the road from the station marking the route to the first Temple of the Pilgrimage, Ryozen-ji. Following this line is the first taste of the Pilgrimage for many henros. The first tour accommodation, Otori-en, was located next door to Ryozen-ji, and the temple grounds were visible from my window.