Edogawa Rampo, Mishima Yukio and Yamamoto Shugoro. These three novelists all chose to stop in Toba to write a book at some point in their lives.
Today’s walk consists of following the footsteps of Yamamoto Shugoro’s novel “Ougino” (the fan field) and reaching the top of Mount Hinoyama to discover the fan-shaped landscape before our eyes.
Ougino (扇野)
A collection of nine romantic short stories by the novelist Shugoro Yamamoto, each depicting the deep love between a man and a woman, and loved throughout the ages. The name “Ougino” in the novel comes from the shape of Toba Bay seen from Hinoyama, which is compared to a fan “扇 ougi” in Japanese.
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| Alt. max 160m | Access. train・car・bus | 3.6km loop trail |
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| Car park available | Duration 1h30 | Trail with washrooms |
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| Beginner level Yes | Recommended season spring・fall |
| | | | | | | |
| Alt.max 160m | Access. train car・bus | 3.6km loop trail | Car park available | Duration 1h30 | Trail with wash. | Begin. level Yes | Recom. sp.・fa. |
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Mount Hinoyama hiking route
Departure from the JR gate of Toba Station. Toba Station is accessible via JR and Kintetsu Railways. If you are coming by car, please use the car parks around the station. We recommend the car park near the JR Toba Station entrance gate, where the parking fee is reasonable.
見守りのカモメAs we leave from downtown Toba, you will pass a convenience store and many vending machines in case you forget to buy drinks in advance.
Point of interest ①, Kompira Shrine, Toba Branch
by granite markers like this one
in front of the convenience store.
of the Kuki clan, you will reach the entrance to
the trail leading to Mount Hinoyama.
About 800m from the start, you will find yourself in the centre of Toba.
There are “Kompira shrine” markers all over town. Please use them as landmarks for Mount Hinoyama’s
hike.
From here we quickly reach the junction with the path to Mount Hinoyama.
The entrance to Hinoyama Trail is located at a sharp bend in the road after you start climbing from Jyoanji Temple. It is very easy to miss if you are not careful.
ガイドのタコPay particular attention to places where it is easy to get lost.
Please note that the trail is a bit confusing at first. The motto for the beginning of the trail is “zig-zag your way up”. Climb, turn left and climb, turn right and climb… and repeat.
avoid tripping over pieces of wood.
leaves rubbing against each other echoes
through the trees as they sway in the wind.
and the sea appear through the spaces
between the trees.
We have arrived at “point of interest ① “, Kompira Shrine, Toba Branch
Konpira-san Toba Branch Shrine is one of the six shrines descended from the first Konpira-san Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture. It was built in 1956 as the sixth Konpira-san shrine in Japan. It houses Konpira, a sea god, and the spirit of Emperor Sutoku. Konpira is also known in Buddhism as one of the twelve generals, assistant to the Buddha Yakushi Nyorai. The shrine is visited by many people involved in shipping and fishing.
By the way, there is a restroom at the shrine. This is the last restroom on the way to Mount Hinoyama.
The route to Mount Hinoyama is past the torii gate and up the stairs. After paying a visit to the Toba branch of Kompira Shrines, it’s time to head for the summit.
Point of interest ②, Mount Hinoyama’s viewpoint
If you turn right (when facing the shrine), this will lead you to a viewing platform that encompasses the town of Toba.
The path is well maintained. Please note that there are lots of thorny plants.
We reach a very open and pleasant place. This is “point of interest ②”, Mount Hinoyama’s viewpoint.
This is the place chosen to be the setting for Shugoro Yamamoto’s novel “Ougino”. Now, since we have
come this far, let’s go to the top of Mt. Hinoyama.
Point of interest ③ Mount Hinoyama’s summit
From here we enter the second half of the trail. Like the first half of the trail, you will continue through thick forest.
The motto for the second half of the trail (including the descent) is “Find the tape and keep going!”.
On the second half of the trail, you will see red tape wrapped around the trees and spread out at equal intervals. Thanks to the person who marked the trail.
Sit on the bench and take your time to enjoy the view through the trees. It is a very relaxing natural area where the sun shines through the trees and a gentle breeze usually blows. Take a deep breath. You will feel as if you are one with Mount Hino.
You will be surprised to know that such beautiful nature thrives so close to Toba city centre.
見守りのカモメBe careful not to fall asleep in the wild!
Safety first. Hinoyama to Toba station.
There are two options for the return journey, it is recommended to follow the route presented here, as the
other path has sections that are difficult to walk.
route.
Kontaiji temple.
Temple, turn left. Follow the road and you will
meet the convenience store on your way.
ガイドのカニQ＆A
Hikerガイドのタコ
悩めるHiker見守りのカモメ