ishikiri shopping street, spirit away

The Mount Ikoma trail is an old pilgrim trail. Long time ago, monks walked these trails across the mountain to Nara and beyond, seeking enlightenment, and gaining tax deductions.

The trail open grandly with a shopping street at Ishikiri. I followed the trail of ancient shoppers, but resisted the temptation of buying anything. My goal was far grander than small town shopping...

To reach Ishikiri: Take the Kinetsu Osaka Line from JR Tsuruhashi (which is on the eastern side of the Osaka Loop line) to Ishikiri station (about 15 minutes from JR Tsuruhashi), then walk east, then turn left at the 2nd or 3rd corners (both way is OK) there are plenty of maps around the area.