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aggregate of the villages of Mina, Naganomura &c., which surround it, may furnish a population of 50–60,000 souls. This agglomeration of people seems to be flourishing and the superstition which attracts devotees to this sanctuary is more earnest than ever.
From Zenkoji to Sakaki.—From Zenkoji to Tanpagima, 1 ri 12 chô, the road traverses the plain and river Shinano. This river as has already been said, empties at Niigata into the Japan sea. It has its source to the south of lake Suwa, runs there from S. to N., afterwards turning towards the N. W. to Niigata. One may follow the right bank as far as Niigata, but this which is called the Nagasaki route, is very bad, and for this reason it is preferable to proceed down the shore from Niigata to Takata, according to the itinerary here indicated.
From Tanpajima we may shape our course either towards Matsmoto or directly to the east in order to reach Lake Suwa. This latter route is preferable because we thus avoid three very difficult passes, which are in the direction of Matsmoto.
We turn consequently to Shinonoi, 2 ri 10 chô, and, thence, following the valley of the Chikumagawa and affluent of the Shinanogawa, arrive at Sakaki, 4 ri, by a picturesque road, traversing fertile and well-peopled districts.
The plain before Shinano has been the theatre of battles famous in the history of Japan (about 1520?) between the Princes of Echigono Kenshiu and Takeda Shingiu. Two ri further on than Shinonoi and about 1 ri from the road and on the right, a series of pretty high mountains called Obasuke-yama may be seen, at the foot of which is a remarkable, large stone, about 20 in. high at the side of a little pond, which tradition represents as guarded by a fantastic dragon, and other absurdities which merit no further mention. Before Sakaki the river Chikumagawa makes a way for itself across the mountains, by a vertical fissure very remarkable and having a fine effect.
From Gakaki to Nagakubo.—The road follows the
