Otsuki, Mt. Iwadono: Oct 28, 2023

I visited several places in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prevfectire, during my Koshu Kaido walk.

Otsuki locates in central east part of the prefecture. There were 12 Nakasendo shukuba stations in the Edo era in current Otsuki City.

 

There is a rocky mountain called Mr. Iwadono in the northeast from JR Otsuki station. There used to be a castle (Iwadono Castle) on the top of the mountain.

The castle has famous in a story related to the perishment of Takeda family in the late 16^th century. Takeda family was a ruler of this region.

 

The views of the mountain from the city were beautiful. (See also the top photo)

 

I also climbed up the mountain halfway to a guest center. The mountain views from here were also impressive. (See also the 4th photo)

 

The landscape below was also beautiful. The photo is a view of Chuo Express Highway.

 

I also visited Komahashi area, east from JR Otsuki station. There was a shukuba station (Komahashi shukuba) in the Edo era. I saw only parts of Komahashi shukuba when I visited there in Man 2023, and I made a new visit.

 

I found a collection of about 100 small Buddha statues in the area.

 

Otsuki City emphasize that the city is a homeland of Momotaro legendary, a famous fairy tale widely known in Japan. Main characters of the story include a boy samurai (momotaro), a dog, a monky and a pheasant.

A monument of Momotaro, followed by his animals, stands in front of JR Otsuki Station. (See also the 3^rd photo taken in the night)

The autumn color of Sasago River, which runs in the center of Otsuki City, was also beautiful (See also the 2^nd photo)