Kunisaki- a beautiful secret in the mountains

Today, I am undertaking a traditional Japanese bus tour through Kunisaki. Usually, I would never go for a pre-arranged bus tour. However, the places I want to go, they are quite far off the public transport grid. The bus tour includes only 4 people, so at least we are not a horde of tourists following a tiny flag around like confused ducklings.

First, we stop at Usa Jingu. It's a gigantic shrine complex in a picturesque pine forest. One major standout here, is the fact that Shinto Shrine and Buddhist Temple exist in the same place, fitting together almost seamlessly in a blend of black and red. I could have spend hours wandering around and dreaming of the past. However, as with all guided tours, the time frames are very tight. This is an overarching theme throughout the day. Any of the places we visit would require at least double the time to experience fully. But without the tour, I would have not been able to visit any of the places at all.

Next is Fukiji, the oldest wooden structure of Kyushu, including mural cavings from the Heian times (9-11th century). Sadly, no pictures are allowed in the temple. However, we have a monk explain the history of the place (which I am struggling to follow, as mosquitoes try to eat me alive again.)

Maki Odo also does not allow pictures, with grand buddha statures to match.

The following stop nearly kills me. Kumano Magaibutsu are buddha statures carved in gigantic rock surfaces.  However, to get to those statues, you have to climb up mountain "paths" that are simply insane. Please see the pictures for further explanation. However, I make it safely up and down.

The last stop on our tour is Futagoji, a temple complex with a gigantic pair of Niouzu statures. Usually, those type of stone monuments are fenced in and warded off, but these just stand around in the great scenery. Really, the Kunisaki area is beautiful.

In the evening, I relax in the Hyotan onsen. :)

Pictures Kunisaki