Pilgrim Hut No.24 Takamatsu ⸱ Ichinomiya

General Description: The hut is about 11km from Negoroji (T82). The path from Negoroji (T82)splits where it reaches the Koto River. The hut can be reached directly before Ichinomiyaji (T83) by taking the left hand route past Takamatsu National Technical College (2023 Guide, Map 87 Left, centre right). It is located 400m to the north of (before) Ichinomiyaji (T83). The shape of the hut is styled on a fan and a bow and arrow layered together, from the ancient history of Yoichi Nasu's fan.

The owner, Bessho, broke down his old parking place facing the pilgrimage road and built a resting place for school children and Henro. On the wall of the hut, there is also an notice board to convey messages from Mrs. and Mrs. Bessho. There is a water supply beside the hut and a toilet located in the alley.

Water: Available. Toilet: Available, 10m into the alley (not confirmed)

11/4/2023 Comments: Located adjacent to the small urban road which the Henro Michi follows through this partially built up area of Ichinomiya. The immediate area around the hut is extensively built up with what looks like private houses. The area around the site would be mildly busy. It would be well lighted and mildly noisy at night though louder noises from the Highway might intrude sometimes. Local main road, Highway 12 is about 60m away from the hut. A number of amenities, such as combinis, restaurants and an onsen can be found nearby along the Highway. The hut itself is small with two open sides facing east onto the road. Occupants of the hut would be clearly visible to passers by. The large overhang of the roof would mean the hut is shaded well in the middle and end of the day. Its open structure would help with cool breezes, though being in a built up area breezes may be rare and the huts shade may be countered by radiant heat from the surrounding paved surfaces. The bench seats are long and straight so would be conducive to laying down for an afternoon nap. There was no table but the stepped end walls could pass as a support for small items such as bottles or rice balls if it was decided to use the hut for a meal break. A tap with a drain was located on one end wall of the hut. During my visit I noticed some evidence of vandalism of the stone turtle statue by the hut. Unusual for Japan, possibly a rare indication of anti social behaviour in the area.

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