Rainy season hiking: Sekinoyama and the Ajisai at Kaneyama Ajisai garden 許斐山・前関ノ山・関の山・金石山・大山
Today I worked out a new rainy season hike which would involve some nice low mountains and end at a Ajisai viewing area and even go past another Michinoeki. I started by catching the JR line to Chikuzen-Shonai station and walking from there to the start point of Sekinoyama. It was the perfect rainy season rainy day. At times it was misty punctuated by heavy rain. I came prepared in a rain suit with rain covers so I was relaxed hiking through the fields and in the forests. I enjoyed the atmosphere and it was good to return to Sekinoyama. I hiked across the peaks with frogs jumping out of my way and snails moving slowly across the trail. It brightened up from Sekinoyama and I even got views of the area at Oyama. I hiked down directly to the Kaneyama Hydrangea Ajisai garden. https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2Up7jbe9qK6ndg26?g_st=ac It is free of charge and a nice if slightly wild place to see many Ajisai flowers. From here it was a short walk to Itoda Michinoeki. I got some fresh vegetables and a drink before walking to Funao station. The path next to the road is covered in vines so you need to be careful following this road. I was surprised to find that Funao station is right next to an industrial cement factory! It was a good trip, I got very wet but I could fully enjoy rainy season on a rainy day!
