J-Trip Plan

A Mountainous Pilgrimage of Stone Buddhist Statues & A Town Draped in Curtains

Our reporter walks the ancient Rokugo Manzan, a Buddhist pilgrimage trail on the Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Pref., which was formed by volcanic activity. As he admires the images carved into cliffs, stone statues, temples and cloisters that dot the sacred site, he learns about the syncretic mix of Shinto and Buddhism that flourishes on this rugged terrain. And, our correspondent in Katsuyama, Okayama Pref., shows us around this castle town that boasts beautiful noren curtains hanging outside stores.