Yamakita is a town located in Ashigarakami District in Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s very attractive place for mountain climbers, because the town is the start point of many hiking trails. This time I decided to go on the easiest trip around the Yamakita area, called ‘Kawamura Castle Ruins and The Shasui Falls Hiking Course’.

At first, I came to the Yamakita Railway Park, that is located close to the Yamakita Station. Park was created to display the old steam locomotive, called D52. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to go inside the locomotive, but from the outside it’s impressive as well. Next to the park, there is a small playground for children. Then, I came to visit the Kawamura Castle Ruins. At the beginning of the route, walking along the small monuments and tree alley was very pleasant and easy, but then I had to go up the long stairs. When I was trying to catch my breath during the going upstairs, I expected at least the beautiful view from the top, but when I got there, I was very disappointed. Hill was covered with bushes, then I couldn’t see too much. Instead the the ruins, there is only the monument, that memorialize the castle built in late Heian Period.

After, I came to see the town’s greatest boast, the Shasui Falls. The Shasui Falls are located in the precincts of Saishō-ji, a Buddhist temple. Falls drop in three separate plunges with a total height of 90 meters. The upper falls has a height of 69 meters, the middle falls has a height of 16 meters and the lower has a height of 29 meters. Before the highest fall there is a small red bridge, that contrast with the lush greenery and makes the view really awesome.

Summary

‘Kawamura Castle Ruins and The Shasui Fall Hiking Course’ is perfect for people, who don’t like a tough hiking and long walking. If you don’t have much time, let’s visit only The Shasui Falls, that is definitely must seeing spot in Yamakita area.

Weronika Golubska

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.