Tsumago DAY 4 hike to Magome, train to Miwa

OK OK WE GET IT NOW - we planned our entire trip backwards. Yesterday in 13 miles we never saw one soul hiking. Today in 7 miles we saw the first hikers, totaling about 40 - ALL walking opposite direction from us. People looked at us strangely all day long - they all knew what we didn't -  WE TOOK THE HARD WAY. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED. Aren't we awesome????

After a nice breakfast at Ryokan

We said goodbye to our hostess  and set off to get our sticks stamped - we now have a new mission of  getting our sticks wood burned. This is our last day in Kiso Valley where they do this. 

Walking through Tsumago was like being transported to another time and another place 

We died at this beauty! 

I love these baskets with woven straps to carry on back 

Never a water shortage 

Almost to the top of the pass (this was another 3.5 miles UPHILL) 250 year old flowering Cherry Tree

A darling Tea House, where we got our next stamp (woodburn), tea, and candy 

Inside Tea House 

Coming into Magome, this dog didn't move or twitch 

Rice farmer 

Not one bear has been seen yet - the bells must work 

At bout this time, we had just come UPHILL steep AGAIN, and we see this sign - I was not happy. It actually meant that we have arrived into Magome town center 

Most beautiful panoramic view! 

YIKES! 

I HAD to - a man with his dressed up doggies all in ruffles

Back to civilization to go to Miwa 

Guest house in Miwa host took us to restaurant - cute hashi presentation 

Like beer growlers, only for Saki 

We met some people at the restaurant who are staying at same guesthouse - who told us about another walk from here - we are really considering it - although today was going to be our last walking day. We both decided that we don't want to be real tourists, but to discover hidden gems. The plan for tomorrow is: 

Yamanobe no Michi is a hiking trail which runs north to south on the eastern foot of mountains in the Nara basin. The path was originally part of the Shinkaido, or "new road", a 1,679 km long route originating in Edo,  or present day Tokyo, and is recognised as Japan's oldest road.