In Onomichi, there is a place called the “Path of Literature”. It is an interesting place but for a regular foreign tourist, it is really nothing special. Heading up the ropeway to the top of Mt. Senkoji, you begin at the top of the loop and walk down to Senkoji Temple before walking up on the other side. The Path of Literature is basically a set of 25 stones with various poems and scripts engraved into the rocks. They range from beautifully kept rocks to old and faded rocks. There is a lot of history with them but me being the illiterate, at least in Japanese, traveller, it is hard to appreciate what was written on them.
Path of Literature (Reads: “Path of Literature”)
Path of Literature
Path of Literature
The stones themselves range from cliff faces to simple rocks that are strewn about the path. Sometimes it is easy to spot the rocks and sometimes it is a little hidden. The text ranges from a couple lines to longer passages. They have everything from bare rock faces to the text being painted black or white to help it stand out more against the natural rock face.
I Assume this is a List of Writers
Path of Literature
Path of Literature
Path of Literature
As I mentioned, the entire path was lost on me. I noticed a lot of old people really appreciating what was written and understanding who wrote it. I wish I had a better understanding of it but alas this foreigner may never truly understand it. For now, just enjoy the photos of a few select rocks and take a moment to enjoy it if you ever visit Onomichi.
Famous Writer (I Think)
Path of Literature
Path of Literature
Path of Literature (Reads: “Path of Literature”)
Information
- Path of Literature (Onomichi City – Official Site)
- Path of Literature (Onomichi Guide)
- Path of Literature (Ononavi – Japanese Only)