Pilgrim Hut No.17 Suzaki

Don’s sleep score: 4

It's right next to a road, but there is water, toilet, and explicit permission to sleep here. According to one of the reviews on Google Maps, "The sign says "if staying over night, be sure to be after 4pm, including preparation time. Sleeping before 4pm will get in the way of other users, and there are plenty of suitable camping sites available like public parks 1km~ ahead."" (The review is by a Japanese and was posted in April 2022. An earlier review says there was a sign suggesting overnight stays were not allowed.)

General Description: The road from Soryuji (T36) to Susaki can follow the Uranouchi (Highway 23) route or the Yokonami Skyline (Highway 47) route. This hut is located on the right (north) side of the highway about 19.5km along Highway 23 and about 3 kilometres past where both routes merge.

The Rotary Club of Susaki built this hut. A water supply is installed next to the hut. A plastic wall for windshield, which was not originally included in the design, and a signboard drawn by children were later installed.

27/9/2019 Comments: This hut is in a semi rural area, so it is peaceful but not isolated. Close to the road, Highway 23, a moderate road, but not as busy as Highway 56 to the north. It could be mildly noisy at night. The hut is about 4 km before the central part of Susaki and appeared well cared for in October 2019.

There is a Yamazaki convenience store about 1km toward Susaki. The hut seemed to have electricity but for lighting only I believe, I didn’t investigate.

It has a very good seat/resting platform which is well sheltered from weather on three sides. The open side faces the normal approach direction for pilgrims, so occupants are totally visible by observers to the east.

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