Funaoka and Murasakino

Stops along the way

Things to notice.

1. 01

   1

   Funaoka Hill (Funaoka-yama)

   A low wooded hill in the middle of the residential north — five minutes up through trees to a rocky top. The view runs west across the tiled roofs to the hills, and east over the whole basin. Locals come to sit, not to be seen sitting.

   01

   Funaoka Hill (Funaoka-yama)

   A low wooded hill in the middle of the residential north — five minutes up through trees to a rocky top. The view runs west across the tiled roofs to the hills, and east over the whole basin. Locals come to sit, not to be seen sitting.

   ◉Street View
2. 02

   2

   Kenkun-jinja

   The *jinja* (Shinto shrine) on the hill's flank, dedicated to the warlord Oda Nobunaga, who once held the city from near here. A steep flight of steps and almost no one on them. Worth the climb for the quiet alone.

   02

   Kenkun-jinja

   The *jinja* (Shinto shrine) on the hill's flank, dedicated to the warlord Oda Nobunaga, who once held the city from near here. A steep flight of steps and almost no one on them. Worth the climb for the quiet alone.

   ◉Street View
3. 03

   3

   Funaoka Onsen

   A *sento* (neighbourhood bathhouse) from the 1920s with carved wooden transoms and old tilework — a working bath, not a museum, so go in and use it if you like, or just look at the frontage. Towels and soap are sold at the desk.

   03

   Funaoka Onsen

   A *sento* (neighbourhood bathhouse) from the 1920s with carved wooden transoms and old tilework — a working bath, not a museum, so go in and use it if you like, or just look at the frontage. Towels and soap are sold at the desk.

   ◉Street View
4. 04

   4

   Imamiya-jinja

   A handsome *jinja* north-west of Daitoku-ji with a vermilion gate and broad grounds. Known as the 'good-fortune' shrine; the reason most people come is waiting just outside the east gate.

   04

   Imamiya-jinja

   A handsome *jinja* north-west of Daitoku-ji with a vermilion gate and broad grounds. Known as the 'good-fortune' shrine; the reason most people come is waiting just outside the east gate.

   ◉Street View
5. 05

   5

   The aburi-mochi shops

   Two rival shops face each other across the lane at Imamiya's east gate, both grilling *aburi-mochi* (skewered, charcoal-grilled rice cakes in sweet miso) over coals as they have for centuries. Sit on a bench, order a plate and tea, and pick a side. One claims to be the oldest sweet shop in Japan.

   05

   The aburi-mochi shops

   Two rival shops face each other across the lane at Imamiya's east gate, both grilling *aburi-mochi* (skewered, charcoal-grilled rice cakes in sweet miso) over coals as they have for centuries. Sit on a bench, order a plate and tea, and pick a side. One claims to be the oldest sweet shop in Japan.

   ◉Street View
6. 06

   6

   Murasakino lanes to Kitaoji

   South-east through the *Murasakino* backstreets — quiet, low houses, the odd old shopfront — toward Kitaoji station. No single sight, just the walk down off the hill into the city's grid.

   06

   Murasakino lanes to Kitaoji

   South-east through the *Murasakino* backstreets — quiet, low houses, the odd old shopfront — toward Kitaoji station. No single sight, just the walk down off the hill into the city's grid.

   ◉Street View