Akechi Pass Hiking & The Illusion Train of Light — The Route Taken by Mitsuhide Akechi Toward Honno-ji

June, 1582 (Tenshō 10) In the darkness, an army of thirteen thousand halted. At the head stood a man, facing a crossroads in his life. To the right lay the road to the western enemy, to the left, the road to the enemy in Kyoto. Breaking the silence, the man spoke: “The enemy is in Honnō-ji!” Who, indeed, was the enemy? Unknowing, the thirteen thousand soldiers began their march toward Kyoto. A message that would change fate reached two men. “At Honnō-ji in Kyoto, Lord Oda Nobunaga has been slain in a rebellion! The traitor is...” ~Sakai~ Tokugawa Ieyasu: “Akechi...” ~Bitchū Takamatsu Castle~ Hashiba Hideyoshi: “...Mitsuhide.” [The opening theme of the Taiga drama Kirin ga Kuru begins to play] (Screenplay: Akito) Akito’s final guided event of the year will conclude with “Akechi Mitsuhide Commentary & The Illusion Train of Light”! We will walk the “Akechi-goe Route”, said to be the very path Akechi Mitsuhide took when marching toward Kyoto to confront Oda Nobunaga in the historical mystery known as “The Honnō-ji Incident.” Along the way, we’ll discuss: “Who was Akechi Mitsuhide?” “Why did he betray Nobunaga?” “Were there other possible routes?” “Who was the true mastermind?” and more. At the end, we’ll listen to the Kirin ga Kuru theme and reflect on Akechi Mitsuhide’s fate. The hiking distance is about 10 km, with a mountain level of 3. We will walk at a relaxed pace while giving explanations. After the hike, we’ll board the Saga Scenic Railway’s Illuminated “Train of Light” and enjoy the fantastic night scenery of the Hozugawa Gorge. Note: The Hikers Premium Pass cannot be used for this event. Participation fee: ¥2,500 (including Torokko train fare)