鵜沼宿を朝6時に出発した。
Departed Unuma post town at 6 in the morning.
Unuma is a crossing point with the Tokai Nature Trail (東海自然歩道).
Saw a historic sake brewery still working. Began my walk in rain.
Stopped by Unuma Ninomiya Shrine (二ノ宮神社) and prayed for peace.
Crossed over the Meitetsu Line near Mikakino Station (三柿野駅).
各務原市民公園
Kagamigahara Citizen's Park is where Gifu University was formerly located.
Saw a big catfish here in the Noukawa (濃川) River.
名鉄各務原線と東海北陸道
Meitesu Kagamigahara Line and the Tokai-Hokurikudo Highway.
Walking towards the Central Gifu City (岐阜市).
伊勢道追分
Took the Nakasendo to the right, leaving the Isemichi path to the left.
It was a grand offertory box. Hosohata Hachimangu Shrine (細畑八幡宮).
ちゃじょという読み方が面白い。
The name "Chajo" (茶所) sounds unique and somehow cute.
名鉄名古屋本線茶所踏切
Chajo Crossing of the Meitetsu Line.
広井橋で清水川を渡る。
Hiroibashi Bridge over Shimizugawa River.
Crossed the street in front of JR Gifu Station. Expected a lunch spot there but couldn't find any along the Nakasendo.
Had a snack from my backpack at the foot of Goudobashi (河渡橋) Bridge, overlooking the Nagara River (長良川).
Wild roses on the riverbank.
The weather started to clear up.
A brilliant blue sky opened up over the traditional buildings.
Itonukigawa River (糸貫川).
Miejinja (美江神社) Shrine.
Scenery at Mieji post town. The historic Shingetsubashi Bridge and a tiny Buddhist chapel by the river.
In this area, life is quite close to the water's edge.
Watched a local student couple walk south after school, heading into the youthful landscape.
Crossed over the Ibigawa River (揖斐川).
馬渕家長屋門
The Mabuchi Family Gate: Former residence of the Edo-era ferry crossing administrators.
大垣輪中
Walked along the dike built to protect the local community from floods.
Stopped by Susanousha Shrine (素盛鳴社). It was fascinating to read the signboard describing the very local history of its construction.
もう珍しくなった田んぼの蓮華畑
Renge (Chinese milk vetch) flowers in the rice fields, a disappearing spring tradition in Japan.
側溝にはタニシがたくさんいた。
The roadside ditches were full of river snails.
A short walk across the walkers' bridge, and Akasaka post town (赤坂宿) is finally in sight.
The ruins of Akasaka River Port.
Mino Akasaka is still famous for its lime production today. I took a train to Ogaki, where I was staying for the night.
