Walking around the Ota Kanayama Orienteering Permanent Course.

Every time I came across a sign in the mountains with “mysterious alphabets” written on it, I wondered what it was. However, recently I discovered a sport called orienteering. It turns out that those “mysterious signs” were actually orienteering posts.

After researching, I found out that there is also a permanent orienteering course in Kanayama, so I decided to walk around it.

The map is located at the parking lot of “クルンモット”.

Start from here.

The first post is located at Kinryuji Temple.

Cross the area of Mizubasho (Asian skunk cabbage) habitat.

The second post is located along the roadside.

Even though the cold rain was chilling my body, it actually felt refreshing. However, the insect repellent got washed away, and every time I stopped, I was attacked by swarms of mosquitoes. Unable to take my time to look at the map, I decided to keep running regardless.

If you aim for the peak from Heiwa no To (Tower of Peace), you will find the third post. Unfortunately, I only found old posts.

Head towards the waterfront plaza at Higashiyama Park and proceed towards Matsukaze Pass.

Proceed to the right-hand fork that appears around the area where you can see the old post.

You will arrive at a square where heavy machinery is placed. It has an atmosphere that feels like solar panels could sprout at any moment.

It may have appeared impassable, but fortunately, it was safe to proceed.

The fourth post.

Next, head towards “神明宮”.

If you proceed to the back left of the hotel, you will find “神明宮”.

Proceed through the grounds of the shrine.

The fifth post.

This minor route is the shortest way to the main fort, but it also includes the steepest ascent.

You have arrived at the site of the main keep of Kanayama Castle.

The sixth post is located near the rest area.

Next, cross the motor pool and proceed along the western ridge.

The seventh post is located near the moat. Unfortunately, I could only find old posts in this area as well. It seems that they were renewed around 2005, but perhaps they are still using the old posts as they are.

Descend towards the direction of “三枚橋”.

The eighth post is located behind Kanayama Asama Shrine.

The final post is located to the west of Daikoin, near the start point, and to the north of Kyojuin.

お疲れ様でした！👏
“No.45 Ota Kanayama” was a route with a distance of 8.8km and a cumulative elevation of 374m. 💪🏔️
From start to finish, it was a route that provided a satisfying walking experience throughout. ⛰️✨