水無 abandoned village 石原山・秋葉山・杉谷山・曲渕山・川原山・八丁山
雷山・井原山
(佐賀, 福岡)
2024.03.20(水)
日帰り
Today I was lucky to meet two volunteers who have been cutting back the bush in the abandoned Mizunashi village. They told me the village was mostly populated during the Edo period over 200 years ago. There were about 10 families living in the village each with their own house. Many of the stone walls are still standing and you can see where the rice fields and gardens were. There is one foundation of a house that someone was living in until around 50 years ago. Some farming machinery and pottery is still lying around the foundations. There is a fascinating feeling about that place. They must have been tough people to live so remotely.
Hike notes:
The climb from the Magarabuchi bus stop follows the country roads to an old farm road that enters the forest. The path to Ishiharayama was pretty good except for a few spots that were a little bushy. The most difficult section is the final 100 meters to the Ishiharayama summit. Be ready for some 山椒 mountain pepper fights. My trajectory down was easier. I maintained the trail a bit by cutting back the mountain pepper plants.
Because its March, the trail is still visible and easy to follow. I imagine that in a couple of months it will be much more difficult to see. Summer hikers will have to push through the taller weeds and extra foliage.
The trail gets easier after Ishiharayama, especially after the power line tower.
The views from Kawaharayama are super nice.
There is a historical site on the ridge between Kawaharayama and Hacchoyama. Seems to have been a battle that took place hundreds of years ago.
Hacchoyama is situated in a very peaceful forest. Very quiet place to sit and relax.
Some areas were affected by the heavy rains of 2023, but much has been repaired and I was able to pass by safely.