Tokaido 57 Walk (5) Hirakata-Korien: April 6, 2026

 

I started my walk today from Hirakata shukuba station. Hirakata was the largest of the four shukuba stations added to the Tokaido between Kyoto and Osaka.

The area around Keihan Railway's Hirakata-shi Station has now been converted into a commercial district.

 

The town has been renovated to retain the atmosphere of the old Tokaido, with many houses featuring lattice doors and windows.

 

The site of the main inn (honjin) has been developed into a park.

 

An inn building, which retains the architectural style of the time, is now used as a museum.

In the Edo period, Hirakata shukuba station flourished along the Yodo River. People of the time moved the area (from Yodo shukuba station through Hirakata to Koraibashi in Osaka) not only by walking but also by boat.

 

In the Edo period, the Yodo River flowed right beside this building. A new embankment was built in the Meiji era, and the river is now a little further away from the building.

From the second floor of the building, the view of the Yodo River was clearly visible. (See also the 2nd photo)

 

The riverbanks of the Yodo River had been developed into a park. (See also the top photo)

 

There is a museum exhibiting the history and nature of the Yodo River nearby.

 

After walking for about 15 minutes from Hirakata shukuba station, I arrived a promenade with a waterway along the Tokaido road. Here too, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. (See also the 3rd photo)

 

The Tokaido road then followed the Yodo River embankment. Many people were passing by on foot or by bicycle.

 

The skyscrapers of Osaka were visible downstream.

The Tokaido Road passed through Hirakata City and entered Neyagawa City. This time, I walked as far as Kōrien in Neyagawa City.

 

Tokaido 57 Walk (4) Iwashimizu Hachimangu-Hirakata: April 5, 2026

 

I walked the old Tokaido 57 stations route for the first time in about a year. The Tokaido 57 route was developed around 1620 as an addition to the Tokaido 53 stations route (Tokyo-Kyoto section), which was developed in the early 1600s.

The Tokaido 57 route is approximately 50 kilometers long, from just before Kyoto to Osaka. Further explanation can be found in the “Tokaido 57 Walk (1)” post (March 27, 2025).

Today's walk was from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine to Hirakata. Near Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, three tributaries of the Yodo River (Uji River, Katsura River, and Kizu River) meet. Approximately 220 cherry trees are planted along the riverbank at the confluence.

My visit coincided with the peak of cherry blossom season. Many people were there enjoying the blossoms.

The Tokaido road follows the Yodo River embankment. The cherry blossoms viewed from the Tokaido were magnificent. (See also the top photo)

Many people were enjoying cycling and walking along the road on the embankment. I found some cyclists sitting on the land to enjoy the cherry blossoms. (See the 2nd photo)

At this time of year, the rapeseed flowers were also in full bloom. Butterflies fluttered among the flowers. (See also the 3rd photo)

 

The Tokaido road left Kyoto Prefecture and entered Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture. I found a site of the Kuzuha daiba after crossing the prefectural border. It was built in 1965, at the end of the Edo period, for the purpose of defending Kyoto.

 

Continuing along the road, I arrived at Kuzuha Station of the Keihan Electric Railway. In front of the station is the largest shopping mall along the Keihan lone.

 

Part of the Tokaido road has become Osaka Prefectural Road No. 13.

 

Another section goes through a residential area.

The parks in the city were also full of cherry blossoms at this time of year. (See the 4th photo)

 

The Tokaido road continues south along the Yodo River. After walking over 10 kilometers from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, I arrived at the eastern end of Hirakata shukuba station.

 

Hirakata was a long, narrow shukuba town stretching for about 1.5 kilometers. The townscape retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.

 

Cherry blossom: March 27-29, 2026

 

The cherry blossoms in Tokyo reached full bloom this past weekend (Friday, March 27th - Sunday, March 29th). Many places were　crowded with people enjoying hanami or cherry blossom viewing.

I enjoyed the cherry blossoms along the walking pathways and in parks in Setagaya City.

 

On March 29th, families and groups of young people gathered at Hanegi Park, enjoying picnics under the blossoms.

The weather was fine, and the contrast between the bright blue sky and the pink cherry blossoms was striking. (see also the top and the 2nd photos)

 

Many cherry trees were also in bloom along the walking pathways.

Spring flowers such as rapeseed blossoms were also in bloom.

 

I saw children playing under the cherry trees in a small park.

This year, cherry blossoms started earlier than usual in many areas across Japan, including Tokyo. This is said to be due to the high temperatures in early spring.

Snow & election: Feb. 8, 2026

 

We have had heavy snowfall in northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokuriku regions) since early February. Tokyo also experienced snowfall yesterday and today.

I found the roads, roofs and school grounds covered with snow. The trees were lightly covered in snow at a walkingway in Setagaya City.

 

A small snowman, likely made by a child, had been placed on a tree stump.

 

The Lower House election was held on February 8th. Snow was piled up on the side of the road leading to the polling station.

Prime Minister Takaichi and her ruling party won the election in a landslide victory.

The election campaign featured little policy debate. Instead, the images of politicians as well as parties were contested. Takaichi looked to have succeeded in promoting the image of a strong leader.

As in the US and many European countries, signs of populism, inward-looking attitudes, right-wing shifts, and social media elections were evident, in my impression. 

New Year and Mt. Fuji: Jan. 2-4, 2026

 

2026 has begun. Tokyo and the surrounding area were blessed with beautiful weather.

I visited some places in Tokyo, Odawara, and Shizuoka in the new-year days.

 

Mount Fuji, covered with snow, stood majestically under the clear skies.

This photo was taken from the window of a Shinkansen bullet train in Fuji City. The top photo shows the view across the Fuji River.

 

While walking through Shizuoka City, I could see Mount Fuji between the houses and fields. (See the 2^nd photo)

 

A university relay race was held between Tokyo and Hakone on Jan. 2nd and 3rd. Odawara Station, where the JR and Odakyu lines meet, was crowded with relay supporters and visitors of the new year.

 

I visited several shrines in Tokyo and Shizuoka.

The photo shows Rokusho Shrine in Setagaya City. There was a place where omamori (charms and amulets) and other items from the previous year were burned.

 

Sengen Shrine in Shizuoka is home to seven different shrines within its complex. Many visitors were offering prayers for the new year. (See also the 3rd photo)

Temples and other historical places in Nara: Dec.3-5, 202

I visited the ancient city of Nara in late autumn. Nara became Japan's capital in the 8th century and is rich in historical heritage. During my stay, I visited many temples and shrines, encountered countless national treasures, and learned many on Japanese history and culture.

 

Heijo-kyo was built in Nara in 710, making it the capital of Japan. Although the capital was moved to Kyoto (Heian-kyo) in 794, Nara continued to flourish as one of Japan's most important cities.

Nara is home to many famous temples and shrines. 

Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located in the current central area of Nara City. This area is now known as Nara Park, where numerous deer are kept. I saw many foreign tourists and Japanese students on school trips.

 

Todai-ji Temple was built in the first half of the 8th century and is famous for the Great Buddha of Nara. The original statue was completed in 752 as a prayer for peace for the nation and its people. It repeatedly suffered damages from earthquakes and wars, then was subsequently repaired. It stands 15 meters high. Many people, including groups of elementary school students, exclaimed in surprise. (See also the top photo)

 

The Great Buddha Hall (Kondo), where the Great Buddha is enshrined, is 49 meters high and 57 meters wide. It is the largest wooden building in the world.

 

The main gate (the Great South Gate) houses Nio statues, masterpieces of carving in Kamakura period (late 12th century-1333).

 In front of the gate, deer begged visitors for food. (See the 4th photo from the top)

 

Kasuga Shrine was built in the late 8th century. Deer are considered messengers of the gods, and many reside within the shrine grounds.

 

Kofuku-ji Temple was built in the early 8th century and has since endured numerous wars and disasters. It is famous for 50-meter-high five-story pagoda. The pagoda is undergoing major restoration work from 2023 to 2034. It was covered with construction cover.

 

The remains of Heijo-kyo locate about 5 kilometers west of Nara Park. Several palaces and gates have been restored within the vast green space.

 

Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple locate in the southwest area of the Heijo-kyo ruins.

Yakushiji Temple was originally founded in the Asuka region and moved to its current location during the Nara period. 

The eastern pagoda retains its beautiful appearance from its construction in the 8th century. The western pagoda was rebuilt in 1981. (See als the 3rd photo)

Toshodaiji Temple was founded by Ganjin, a famous Tang monk who was invited to Japan during the Nara period. Buildings such as the Golden Hall (Kondo) convey the culture of the Nara period.

 

Horyu-ji Temple is located in Ikaruga Town, about 20 kilometers southwest of central Nara. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the temple was rebuilt in the early 8th century. It boasts the world's oldest wooden buildings. (See also the 2nd photo)

 

There locate buildings such as the Golden Hall, five-story pagoda, and South Gate, in the western area of the temple.

The five-story pagoda is the oldest surviving pagoda in Japan and stands 31 meters tall.

 

The Golden Hall (Kondo) houses the famous Shaka Triad and other statues.

 

Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are all registered as World Heritage Sites. These temples and shrines convey history and culture dating back 1300 years. I fully experienced it.

The autumn color was also beautiful. (See also the 5th photo) 

I had a good time.