Tancho no Michi
Tancho no Michi
As you head upstream along the crystal clear Otowa River, the terraced fields of mandarin oranges and sudachi citrus trees become fewer, and a cedar and cypress forest will unfold before you. Tucked away deep in the mountains is the inconspicuous Amanoiwatowake Shrine, dedicated to a god from the Kojiki. Continuing up the steep mountain trail, you will arrive at the Ōkawara Plateau, which extends out to the east from the summit of Asahigamaru Mountain at an altitude of 1,019 m. If the weather is good, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Kii Channel. You will be able to see wind turbines generating electricity, fresh greenery in the spring, about 30,000 hydrangeas in the summer, and clusters of Japanese silver grass in the autumn. Proceed down Tsuetate Gongengoe to the Tokuen-ji Temple after passing through Nakayama Rest Area. Quench your thirst with the "water of life" from the spring in the temple grounds. Walk down the road encircled with trees along the Saga Gorge and arrive at the Saga Tenichi Shrine.
Tancho no Michi（23km）
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Spots to photograph
If you wish to receive a certificate, please take a photo that includes yourself at the designated photo point for each course.
Nearby sightseeing spots
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1
Amanoiwatowake ShrineCalled the Sansha Kotai Jingu since ancient times, it enshrines the guardian deity of good fortune and lasting military luck. The Shinto sacred text, the "Sendai Kuji Hongi," records this place to be where Amano Tachikarao no Mikoto, the god who pried open the cave that appears in the Ama-no-Iwato legend, descended.
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2
Tokuen-ji TempleThis Jodo Sect temple was founded by a Tokuen monk in 1824. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, upstream of the Saga River in Sanagouchi Village, the garden is home to hundreds of rhododendrons, which is also designated as the village flower. The scene is breathtaking during the early May blooming season. It is associated with the "Scenery in Paradise" or the "Revival of Tokuen Shonin" in Jodo and it is beloved by the local farming community and has been drawing more and more tourists in recent years.
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3
Saga GorgeLocated upstream from the Saga River, a tributary of the Sonose River, this gorge is dotted with mysterious, oddly shaped rocks. In early summer you can see swarms of fireflies flitting around. In summer, you can see children enjoying swimming in the swimming area set up upstream.
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Saga Tenichi ShrineThe shrine is devoted to deities Amaterasu Omikami, Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto, and Oshiroboshi-no-Kami. It plays a central role in village festivals and events in the Saga region of Sanagouchi Village. Beyond the Torii gate, there are tall cedar and kaya trees estimated to be 360 years old.
