I will introduce a pottering course that allows you to enjoy nature in Yamato City, located in the center of Kanagawa Prefecture, a little off Sakai River that runs from Shonan to Machida and eventually to Lake Shiroyama.

From Machida Station to Yamato Station

The starting point is Machida Station. After passing through the downtown area in front of the station, you will soon see residential areas and narrow streets, but continue southward along the Sakai River, which flows right next to the station.

Riding for 30 minutes along the approximately 11-km road, you will arrive at Yamato Station in no time.

We have just started riding, but let’s have a meal first.
The tempura restaurant “Shuho” is located only 2 minutes by bicycle from Yamato Station. While chatting with the friendly owner at the counter, I tuck into a tempura bowl lunch.
I recommend the tempura made with seasonal vegetables and fresh ingredients at a reasonable price. There are many other lunch menus such as soba noodle sets and set menus.

With my stomachs filled, it is time to move on to today’s destination.

Josenji Temple, full of kappa

About 5 km south of Yamato Station is Josenji Temple, a Soto sect temple whose head temple is Eiheiji in Fukui Prefecture.

From the temple gate to the main hall, there are many flowers and grasses on both sides of the temple, and many statues of kappa (water imps) are placed in the grounds and found throughout the garden. The temple is also known as “Kappa Temple.” Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, and are always greeted with a different view: paperbush in spring, hydrangea and fresh greenery in summer, and white red spider lilly and autumn leaves in fall.

At this time, in late May, the hydrangeas are just beginning to bloom, and by June they will be in full bloom.

How many kappa can you find?
You may even find your favorite kappa statue. Please enjoy the various forms of kappa.

*There are no bike racks here, so you will have to park your bike on the fence or posts.

Izumi no Mori, a park full of nature

Next is “Izumi no Mori” located about 6km by bicycle from Josenji Temple.

This park is positioned as the natural core of Yamato City, centering on Yamato Suigenchi (water source), and boasts an area of approximately 42 hectares of urban green space. The well-maintained park is home to wild birds, seasonal flowers and grasses, a stream, and a campsite, where you can take a relaxing walk through the forest and refresh yourself after a long day. If you walk slowly, you may be able to spend one to two hours in the park.

Bicycles can be pushed along the path, but you need to be a little careful because of the gravel and steps. Let’s take a leisurely stroll in flat shoes.

 Sweat it out at the end of the day

About 2km north of Izumi-no-Mori is Tsuruma-yu, a public bathhouse with a large Mt.Fuji.

It is an atmospheric public bathhouse with an old-fashioned-style bathtub, high ceilings, and wooden changing rooms. The most impressive feature of the bathhouse is the wall painting of Numazu Fuji, which matches the atmosphere of the bathhouse perfectly! It is a perfect match with the atmosphere of this bathhouse and is sure to be a hit with retro Showa-era lovers.

This bathhouse opens at 3:00 p.m., so it is perfect for the end of a stroll. Let’s wash away the sweat from your stroll in the slightly hot water.

Soap and towels can be purchased at the stand, so feel free to stop by.

In addition to Tsurumayu, there are also public bathhouses such as Kikunoyu and Yamatoyu in the neighborhood, so you can look forward to taking a different bath each time you visit.

On the way back to Machida Station, you can go out to Sakai River and walk north for about 9km to arrive at Machida Station.

Course Introduction

Distance: 32km  Elevation gain: 120m

Summary

Riding along Sakai River makes you want to go all the way to Enoshima Island, but it is a recommended course for those days when you wake up late or just want to go for a short bike ride in the neighborhood.
The course can be circled by city bicycles, so you can ride leisurely with your family or loved ones, or even in casual clothes.
Please enjoy the smells of the four seasons as you ride along.