 From Kyoto, they travelled in an eastward direction, passing through the Suzuka Pass, which was without doubt the most difficult part of the journey.Once clearing the pass, the retinue would descend into the Ise region and turn south, eventually reaching the Kushida River (櫛田川).Here, the Saiō would stop to perform a final cleansing ritual before crossing the river and travelling the short distance to Saikū.