After checking out from Kikuka onsen ryokan we dropped by the Kikuchi Castle ruins. It was a sunny day after the frontal rain band had moved on overnight. 

The staffs in the information centre were very friendly and invited us to watch a video (narrated in English) of about 20 min.  The huge ancient hill fort was built some 1300 years ago for defense. While there are other reconstructed buildings such as army barracks, weapons storehouse, observatory etc, those are spread out in the mountains which we have not visited.    

 

Kikuchi Castle ruins

 

 

Kikuchi Koen

Next we dropped by Kikuchi Koen (Park) for about 30 min where sakura was in blossom (about 30%). 

 

Kikuchi gorge

From the nearest parking lot (about 200m slightly downhill) we followed the smallest loop mentioned in the pamphlet picked up in the tourist information centre. While it had rained heavily the day before the uphill trails on the left were not difficult. It took about 40 min to complete the smallest loop and returned to the entrance. While we spotted a few visitors at the entrance taking photos we bumped into a few travellers along the trail on that sunny day.   

 

 

Next we headed to Yufuin. Ascended via mountainous roads in Kuju Kogen and dropped by a soba shop for lunch.  The soba was hand-made locally and delicious.  While we were enjoying it more locals dropped in and they had to wait for empty tables.  After checking the bill we headed to Yufuin via expressway. 

 

 

============>   Yufuin   ============>