- 2023.03.15
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Cycling with Paul in Ashizuri…part #2!
Remember Paul? He’s one of our Visit Kochi Japan writers, and an avid cyclist! In January, we followed him around Cape Ashizuri (southernmost point of Shikoku), which is a great place to explore dynamic Pacific Ocean views, rich history, and serene countryside life in Kochi
Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of Paul’s favorite spots: Ryugu Shrine! Let’s see what he has to say…
“I never get tired of visiting Ryugu Shrine. Located on the Ashizuri Peninsula, the shrine itself is tiny. Perched on a rocky outcrop, however, it borrows views from its dynamic surroundings to great effect. The panorama of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing relentlessly onto the rocks is simply breathtaking.”
“The shrine is dedicated to a sea god and has long been worshiped by local fishermen and their families. I am told that even today, fishermen visit regularly and make some quite extravagant offerings. Poking around the interesting rock formation is great fun, but do be careful not to get too close to the water's edge as the waves are unpredictable and mighty!”
“As a cycling enthusiast, I love the ride to Ryugu Shrine, which has to be one of the prettiest in Japan. The road which curves along the top of the cliffs offers awesome views over the ocean and takes you through some gorgeous camellia tunnels that bloom in February. Although local buses still run along the sometimes narrow road, there is very little traffic to worry about, which is another plus!”
“For such a spectacular destination, the entrance to the trail down to Ryugu Shrine is easy to miss. Keep your eyes out for a shrine gate made of gray stone. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk along a beautiful forest trail.”
The area around Cape Ashizuri is a great place to base yourself when exploring the Ashizuri Peninsula and very convenient for biking to and from Ryugu Shrine! Learn more: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10033
Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of Paul’s favorite spots: Ryugu Shrine! Let’s see what he has to say…
“I never get tired of visiting Ryugu Shrine. Located on the Ashizuri Peninsula, the shrine itself is tiny. Perched on a rocky outcrop, however, it borrows views from its dynamic surroundings to great effect. The panorama of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing relentlessly onto the rocks is simply breathtaking.”
“The shrine is dedicated to a sea god and has long been worshiped by local fishermen and their families. I am told that even today, fishermen visit regularly and make some quite extravagant offerings. Poking around the interesting rock formation is great fun, but do be careful not to get too close to the water's edge as the waves are unpredictable and mighty!”
“As a cycling enthusiast, I love the ride to Ryugu Shrine, which has to be one of the prettiest in Japan. The road which curves along the top of the cliffs offers awesome views over the ocean and takes you through some gorgeous camellia tunnels that bloom in February. Although local buses still run along the sometimes narrow road, there is very little traffic to worry about, which is another plus!”
“For such a spectacular destination, the entrance to the trail down to Ryugu Shrine is easy to miss. Keep your eyes out for a shrine gate made of gray stone. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk along a beautiful forest trail.”
The area around Cape Ashizuri is a great place to base yourself when exploring the Ashizuri Peninsula and very convenient for biking to and from Ryugu Shrine! Learn more: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10033
