Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan (the nearest inn to the Snow Monkey Park, Nagano)
was founded in 1864
and a lot of famous historical figures
including Yokoyama Taikan and Munakata Shiko
repeatedly stayed there to create works.
I heard this story for the first time from the owner of the inn last year.
I then asked the owner if there was anyone
currently coming in like those figures. He said
no one except you, these days, so come stay with us
for long, really.
And his words triggered this trip.
I have visited Korakukan for about 30 years.
How awesome and grateful thing!
The original snow monkey!
For the time being
I got the ferry time table to get out of Shikoku Island.
Many sailings are cancelled during this month due to maintenance.
If I miss the 7th sailing which departs Tokushima at 16:30 and arrives in Wakayama at 18:35, I would end up arriving in Wakayama at 24:05.
So
I am taking the road!
Though I was hit by the rain a little when riding over the mountains
I had a smooth ride
and 6 hours later, managed to catch the ferry.
Before boarding, I saw motorbikes with Nagano number plates.
I talked to them and found that
they were staying in Nara tonight and go straight back to Karuizawa tomorrow without taking expressways.
They were school classmates turning 60 years old, and on the way home from a ride to Kyushu island.
I am also riding to Nara, where my longtime friend from tea-picking lives, and leaving for Shinshu (Nagano) tomorrow,
wow, we are heading to the same direction!
If I see you again along the way, I will call to you
And so we parted.
Finally I’m reaching Honshu.