Pilgrim Hut No.4 Kaneuchi

General Description: From Byodoji (T22) to this hut is about 7 km and the hut is on the left side of National Highway No. 55 between two short tunnels. It is a further 13 kilometres to Yakuōji (T23). It is just a few metres after the bridge that goes to Iyadani Kannon (Okunoin 22).

The internal shape of the structure is derived from a local legend and takes the curved form of a shell fish.

21/4/2019 Comments: This hut lies on a short section of Highway 55 between two tunnels, with sheer hillside behind and a steep fall off to the river across the road. Consequently it is a fairly isolated spot excepting for the traffic on the road a few metres away. While there are street lights near the entrances to the tunnels on the highway, my guess is this would be a dark site after sundown.

The seating inside the hut takes the form of a curved bench which makes it a little awkward to lie down for a rest. Also this arrangement means there is a dead space between the hut walls and the seat backs. If you drop something into that space, though hard to do, it will be hard to get out as well. It is also a difficult space to keep clean. The sheltered location and the double slatting (hut wall and seating backs) do make it a very protected spot to escape from the sun, wind and rain.

No pictures of the hut itself, but included a picture of the road traffic and tunnel as I walked by.

1 photo submitted

Don’s sleep score: 0

No water, no toilet, no vending machines, no privacy and right next to a busy road with lots of trucks.