{"id":48438,"date":"2019-09-04T08:00:55","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T23:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=48438"},"modified":"2021-06-16T13:29:15","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T04:29:15","slug":"hiking-pilgrimage-mount-omoto-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/hiking-pilgrimage-mount-omoto-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Follow the Pilgrimage Path of Mount Omoto to Spiritual Omoto Shrine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Usa city<\/a> (\u5b87\u4f50\u5e02)<\/strong>, still shrouded in a sleepy haze, is awaken by the signs of the dawn. Soft rain gently drums on the old-fashioned rooftops and the rows of lush green rice paddies, awakening an ambient orchestra silently playing a foggy, peaceful tune. Now and then, a car makes its way through the narrow streets, its tires splashing through the rain puddles that have formed overnight. The orchestra continues, though, in my half-asleep, half-conscious state, I am only barely listening. Finally, as my ringing alarm swiftly propels me into full consciousness, I realize that today really is today and that\u00a0 I have woken up in the Japanese countryside, in Usa city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Spiritual Journey, Step by Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the comfort of Naru hostel, we head towards today’s activity. The vague description in my itinerary, “Trekking on Mount Omoto to Omoto Shrine” had already stimulated my imagination, creating pictures of fantastic landscapes, deep forests, and all the wonders that would await us as we climbed the mountain. But first, we had to reach the foot of Mount Omoto<\/strong> (\u5927\u5143\u795e\u793e), starting from Usa Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our train ride led us to Nishiyashiki station<\/strong>, only a few minutes from Usa. Nishiyashiki station is one stop from Usa station, as seen in the picture above. Inspecting the sign found on the Usa station’s platform, I wondered if depicting Usa City’s flag similarly to the American flag was a conscious decision. After asking a local source, I can confirm that this clever design choice was most definitely intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a quick ride, we arrived at Nishiyashiki station, where the real journey to Mount Omoto begins. Finding the right starting point for the trail was our first priority. I advise you to follow the signs leading to the trail, or, as a backup plan, use Google Maps, which also shows the trail to Oomoto Shrine. When following the signs, pay attention to the kanji<\/em> used for Mount Omoto (\u5fa1\u8a31\u5c71<\/span>)<\/strong> or Omoto Shrine (\u5927\u5143\u795e\u793e<\/span>)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n