JAPAN - Oct 2023 : Two riders with two motorcycles

                

Motorcycle Tour in the Southwest of Japan

 Day-1: 09 Oct 2023 Odaiba to Lake Yamanaka         135 km

We stayed  in the Hotel “Ours Inn Hankyu” in Shinagawa for two days .It is very close to the Station Oimachi. Shinagawa is a suburb of Tokyo in between Odaiba.  Odaiba is a modern and new suburb with new buildings and settlement. It was a rainy day when we came out from our Hotel and arranged a taxi in front of the Station Oimachi (the square of our Hotel). All with our luggage we took a taxi and asked the driver to take us to Decks Tokyo Beach where the Odaiba Rental Shop is. There was a heavy traffic around 10:30 and we had to get out close to the Motor Rental Shop. I had arranged the rental Motorbikes by Moto Tours Japan Inc 4-5 months in advance.   

Nice and young people in the shop had prepared the documents and our motorcycles. We changed our clothing there in their Office space. We checked our bikes and then we departed from Odaiba 819 Rental Shop at 13:00 o’clock. It was still raining and we took the route to Lake Yamanaka.

Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka

There are a lot of highway junctions and tunnels, exits coming out from Tokyo. With the help of our Google map guides we took the direction to the West the route E20. We reached our Hotel Fuji Matsuzono in Yamanaka around 15:00. It is located at the coast of the Lake Yamanaka and the view of our room had the Mount Fuji. 

Mount Fuji behind our Hotel Matsuzono

We relaxed a little bit in the room and took a bath in the public bath of the Hotel. Public bath is in the ground floor and the pool is filled with warm water (approx. 40^oC) and it is very nice for relaxation. After the bath we changed and we walked a little bit at the coastal road from the Fuji Matsuzono Hotel.The view over the lake with greyish clouds is wonderful.

Because of the low season there are only a few restaurants open for the time being. We entered a meat restaurant ca. 660 meter away from the Hotel. We ordered Asahi Beer and half kg beef.We enjoyed our food and drinks a lot. Then we returned to our Hotel Fuji Matsuzono.

Day-2: 10 Oct 2023  Lake Yamanaka to Lake Hamana 320 km

There is no breakfast in the Hotel. I took a short walk at the coast of the Lake Yamanaka in the morning. The weather is nice and the sky is clear. I took some pictures around the lake and then came back to the Hotel. I prepared my cases and put on to my motorcycle. Around 09:10 we departed from the Hotel in the left direction. We took the direction to Kawazu. Kawazu is a nice place in the south on a peninsula. The route is very nice and the surrounding is fantastic with the green hills and trees.

On the route to Kawazu there is a huge radial road for vehicles.

A short stop in a café on the route to Kawazu

We are in Kawazu around 11:30. We looked for a café shop but there is nothing here. Kawazu is a nice and calm village in a tight valley. After a short walk in the village we departed back to Nagoya direction. We took the same route as we came down. 

Mount Fuji from Fujigawa Service Station

Two "companeros" in Fujigawa Service Station

Another view of Mount Fuji

Industrial City from Fujigawa Service Station

Mostly we took the country roads in order to enjoy our motorcycle trip. We stopped in Fujigawa Service Station at the road E1. We enjoyed our coffee at Starbucks and we took some pictures from this view point. Mount Fuji from this point is far in the distance of 24 km. Clouds are moving at the higher skirts of it. After a relaxation pause we continued our ride in the direction to Lake Hamana via Hamamatsu. 

Our Hotel is Family Lodge Hatagoya Hamanako. The girls at the reception do not speak any English or German. We had to communicate through our phones’ translators. Another guest with motorcycle tried to help us for the communication with the girls but his English was also short. It is a clean Motel at the road and behind there is rail. The rooms were big and comfortable. The park place was also very good for our bikes. 

For dinner we walked a little bit to the west. On the way to the restaurant which is approx. 1,150 meters we found two big shops for fishing gear. We went in and spent some time in the shop.  I bought a small pocket knife. There are a lot of, marine etc. We walked further and found Restaurant Hazuki just on the adjacent side of the Train Station. We ate nice Japanese food.

After the dinner we walked back to our Hotel and drank our Asahi beers in the balcony looking to our motorcycles. Then we slept. The night was a little bit windy and was interrupted with fast train noise at the lake side of the Motel.

Day-3: 11 Oct 2023   Lake Hamana to Mie Mihama    210 km

We had to depart early and we had to be punctual for the ferry from Irago port. I knew that the ferries departure times from Irago to Toba. However, we took a short breakfast at the Hotel what they have offered. Two cups of coffee and croissants. It was enough for us.  Then, we departed from the Hotel Family Lodge around 08:50. Just on the adjacent side of the road we filled up our tanks and we continued on the road to Irago. Nice country roads through villages and fields. The traffic rules are obeyed by everyone here in Japan.

On the ferry from Irago to Toba 

On the ferry to Toba

Approaching to Toba Port

Vehicles are embarking at the Port Irago

Isewan ferry is approaching to the Port Irago

Two peaceful faces on the ferry: Grandma and little girl

Around 10:10 we arrived at the Irago ferry port. Two motorcycles and riders 9,600.-Yen to Toba. It takes around 1 hour. The weather is nice. The sky is clear. The ferry took us on time and we departed at 10:40.

After a nice sea we arrived at the Toba port. It is a little city on the same island as Tokyo but if you miss the ferry then you have to take the ride all around the bay which causes you an extra way and time. 

We took the route 42. We were out from the city. Then we took E 23 and then followed E42. After a while we decided to follow the country roads. There are always alternative routes to the highways. At the exit of Seiwa-Taki junction we came out from the highway. Then we followed the road 42. After the exit of Omia we found a nice place to stop for lunch. We ate some noodles and bought a small bottle of Japanese whiskey. Actually for the following nights.

Lunch break after Omia Exit

Restaurant for lunch stop

    There we bought also some gifts at the shop of the restaurant. The view around the route was very nice. Hills were covered with tall and green trees. We enjoyed our ride.

Short stop on the way to Mie Mihama

Nice place/cafe to stop on the way Mie Mihama

     

Kissing the fish means another visit will happen

Pacific Ocean

At 16:10 we arrived at our Hotel Fairfield by Marriott Mie Mihama at the coast of Pacific. The Hotel is a modern and new one with large rooms and spaces in the lobby. After we relaxed a little bit in our room we walked on the beach just on the other side of the road. The ocean was calm and silent. We enjoyed our whisky sips at the sea side during sun set.

At the Pacific Coast at Mie Mihama

Coast to Pacific

In front of the Hotel Mie Marriott at the beach of Pacific

Then we tried to find some restaurants around the hotel but it was not possible. Then we asked the Hotel reception for a Japanese restaurant. And they found a restaurant for us in the village neighboured to this place. We took a taxi and drove to this very small fish restaurant called Kiyomasasushi. The fisher and his wife prepared for us a very nice and fine sashimi food. We enjoyed it a lot with Sake. 

Small Fish Restaurant Kiyomasasushi in Mie Mihama

Our fisherman and cook at the Restaurant Kiyomasasushi

There were no other guests in the restaurant. After the meal the guy took us with his own car to the Hotel. He did not ask for money and did deny payment but I have paid 4,000.-Yen for this drive. The food was fantastic and we enjoyed our night.

Day-4: 12 Oct 2023      Mie Mihama to Kyoto        190 km 

There was limited breakfast banquet in the lobby of our Hotel Fairfield by Marriott Mie Mihama.We took coffee and ate some small items which we heated in the Microwave oven. Around 09:35 we departed from the Hotel. We took the road in the direction to Mihama. While passing the town we bought fuel for our bikes. Then we continued in the direction to Nara. We had a very nice ride in the Yoshino Kumaro National Park. We were in the curving roads and we passed cute villages with green view all around.

Café at the roadside looking to Yoshino River

Homemade tasty peach pie with coffee at the Café at Yoshino River

We followed the route 42, then 309 and then we stayed on the route 169. There was also Ikehara Dam on the river. We found a very nice café at the side of the road. It had a nice view over the river Yoshino. Inside there were hats used for decoration. I ate a very fine pudding and we drank coffee. The guy who prepared for us was very nice. After taking some pictures at the pink steel bridge we continued in the direction to Kyoto all along the Yoshino River. 

After the great Imose Bridge we left the Nat’l Road 169 and turned to the right. We followed the route to Kyoto. There were fast highways heading Kyoto and we found our Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo.

One of the streets in Kyoto: Shijo Shimmachi

Famous Japanese knives in a shop in Shingyogoku Shopping Arcade

Nishiki Market in Kyoto

Fisherman trying to open oysters in Nishiki Market

Seafood ready to eat in the Nishiki Market Place

Kyoto is a city with hundreds of Temples

One of the narrow streets in Kyoto

It was around 15:00 when we entered the Hotel which is located right in the centre and with a parking lot in the basement. It is very useful to have a parking place in big cities. We parked our bikes and then came to the Reception for check-in. We are going to stay here for two nights. It was a big room and we relaxed a little bit. After one or one and half hour we went out for a walk in the city. Shijo Shimmachi is the main street in Kyoto. Many of the shops and restaurants are located on and around this street. We walked to the East on this street and we found the Shinkyogoku shopping arcade. We saw a lot of shops of different styles and products. Then we came to the Nishiki market. It is a very special place and serving as a fish market as well for other food stuff. We bought some sea food from different shops and we ate at the bar tables. Tasty and fine oysters, jumbo shrimps, fried shrimps were our starters for tonight. Then we walked to the Tapenyaki restaurant Izutsuyacho which we had reserved two hours ago. It is a fine restaurant. We sat at the meat bar and ordered some special meat and Kobe beef. Fine red wine was also one of the important items. We grilled in front of us on the hot plate and ate with joy. Then we returned to our Hotel. 

Day-5: 13 Oct 2023           Rest Day in Kyoto (Visit to Ishida Factory)   

We had a breakfast at the Hotel buffet. It was a good and rich breakfast. After the breakfast we waited for Mr Hisato from Ishida to pick up us from the Hotel. He and two guys came and picked up us for the visit to the factory of Ishida. The factory is located close to Kyoto. The name of the town is Shigajigyosho.

It took around 40 minutes to drive. The factory is located on a big area in the East region of Kyoto and is very big and modern. We spent almost two hours in the field of the factory and saw a lot of important and particular things in the manufacturing plant. 

ISHIDA Factory Visit in Shigajigyosho close to Kyoto

Ishida Factory Visit

Lunch with our friends from Ishida Co

After finishing the visit, Mr Hisato took us back to Kyoto and on the way, we stopped for lunch in a Japanese restaurant. After the lunch Mr Hisato took us back to our Hotel. After a little stop in the Hotel we decided to  walk in the city of Kyoto. 

We walked on the Shijo Shimmachi street and found the bookstore where we bought some audio CD’s. Then we bought Japanese cooking knifes by Seisuke in the Teramachi –dori. After walking sometime around we came to the Nishiki Market. We wanted to have our dinner here with various sea food and Sake. We bought fried shrimps, oysters etc. and ate at the bar tables. At six o’clock the market is closing. And after that we went out and walked to the East side of the Shijo Shimmachi street. We crossed the river and we walked in the town Hanamikoji. This place is very typical with cafés and restaurants where you can meet also Geishas. We occasionally met two-three of them walking in the streets. 

City Kyoto

Fish Market in Kyoto Nishiki Arcade

Nishiki Market

Famous Japanese Knives

Then we walked back to our Hotel. And in the street of our Hotel we bought a whiskey from the Family Mart and we drank in the room. 

Day-6: 14 Oct 2023       Kyoto to Tokushima         190 km 

We slept longer and we took breakfast in our Hotel Mitsui Garden at 09.00. After having a long preparation we departed from the Hotel around 10:00. The weather is cloudy but there is no rain. We are lucky! I paid 4,000.-Yen parking fee for two days. It is roughly 27.5 USD. We headed to the Kiyomizu-dera Monestry.

Kiyomizu-dera Monestry

This temple is 3-4 km away from our Hotel but the traffic was very terrible at the entry to the Monastery. The roads are narrow and there are a lot of tourist busses. We found an open park place and we left our bikes there. The outdoor parking lot is with traps for each place. After someone parks the car to the position, in certain time the embedded trap raises and hinders exit of the car without payment. We walked to the Monastery and it took only 15 minutes. There are little shops on the narrow street heading to the entrance of the Monastery. After walking in the Monastery yard and having seen some wooden buildings we came back to our motorcycles. The monastery Kiyomizu-dera is well known with the wooden buildings out of cherry trees and is in the heritage list of Unicef.   

Kiyomizu-dera Monestry is completely made off wood

Young couples are visiting this monastery with their native clothing. Girls are wearing Kimono‘s and young men are wearing similar clothing in grey colour. They all wear typical Japanese slippery on top of their white coloured socks. Kimonos are mostly rented in the Kimono Shops. 

We departed around 12:00 o’clock and took the direction to the Kobe Bridge in order to be in Tokushima. We did not paid park fee because the traps where designed for cars but not for bikes. We rode in Kyoto for approx. 25 minutes and then we found ourselves on the highway heading to Kobe Bridge in order to pass to the Island Awaji. On the highway E28 we bought fuel and then continued to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Bridges, tunnels are essential constructional objects for Japan

The bridges and the tunnels in Japan are everywhere and they are  wonderful products of the innovative Japanese Engineers. 

After passing of the bridge we took the first exit on the Island Awaji. We took the Nat’l Road 28 which goes all along the coast of the Awaji Island. East coast is looking to the Osaka Bay. At 13:50 we stopped in a place where there were some food shops. We ordered noodle and lemonade. We wanted to drink their locally made Awaji beer but the guy did not sell us because he saw that we are riding. Most probably this is because of the laws. I ate also a fried pouch inside with caramelized onions. It was very tasty. 

We continued on the coastal road 28. After half an hour it started to rain but not much. Close to the South end of the Awaji Island we entered the E28 highway at Sumoto. From Sumoto to the Bridge between Awaji and Oge Island we took the highway E28. We left the rain on the Awaji Island. We had got a strong wind passing the Onaruto Bridge in-between Awaji Island and Oge Island. The bridge is fantastic but the wind was strong. It was trying to push us away from the lanes. 

After the small Oge Island we crossed another bridge (Kanaruto Bridge) in order to get on the Shikoku Island. Our goal was Tokushima. This one is a small city with little population (less than 800,000).

We reached to our Hotel Tokushima Grandvrio at 17:00. It is a multi-storey hotel at the bank of the Shinmachi River. We parked our motorcycles in the closed parking lot of the Hotel. We shared same room with my Companero. 

View in front of our Hotel Tokushima Granvirio

Around 19:00 we went out having the umbrellas of the Hotel. We walked along the river to the centre of Tokushima. There we found a Japanese restaurant called Ajisen. It is a typical Japanese Restaurant. Usually, in a Japanese restaurant there is a straight bar table and the guests are sitting either at the bar on high chairs or you take off your shoes and sit on the floor around lower tables located in a separate area of the restaurant. We sat at the bar table. There is no need to take off the shoes. After having a good meal with wine we paid approx. 90.-USD. After the meal we walked back to our Hotel Tokushima Granvirio. 

Day-7: 15 Oct 2023     Tokushima-Oboke-Shikoku-Imabari-Hiroshima      430 km 

We woke early today. The weather is nice and the sky is clear. The temperature is around 19-20 degC. There is an annex building which belongs to the Hotel. This one is located at the bank of the river and there is a passage from the Hotel to this building above the street which separates both buildings. There is breakfast hall in this annex building. We took our breakfast. In this kind of Hotels, if there is a breakfast option, it is usually satisfying and according to our expectations. I took green salad, omelette, yoghurt, fruit, croissant and coffee. 

After the breakfast we made our motorcycles ready and we departed from the Hotel around 08:45. We took the route 203, then 192 and after that 439 which goes in the direction to the mountain Tsurugi. The central part of the Island Shikoku is with higher altitude. We came to Miyoji then took the Nat’l Road 492 in the direction to Mima. The environment is splendid. We have forest and sometimes villages at the side of the road. The pavement quality of the road is wonderful. Only a few cars are on the roads. Riding with motorbikes is wonderful. 

The route from Myoji to Mima is descending through villages. The road is not wide but of very fine quality. After Mima we stopped in Tsurugi town in a café to rest at the road side. There was also a Tourist Info Centre in the same building. We asked for some information but the lady couldn’t help us with her poor English. She only gave us some maps for Hiroshima region. 

After we finished our coffee sitting outside on the benches we continued our trip. However, we would like to continue on the Nat’l Road, we took by mistake the E32 highway. After riding approx. 40 km on highway we took the exit Ikeda IC and took the Nat’l Road 319. This road took us to a wonderful canyon along the Yoshino River. The river is flowing on our left side and there are rafting boats in the river. On the other bank of the Yoshino River there is a rail road. From time to time a train was appearing among the trees on the other side. We were heading the town Shikoku on this ascending road. We passed Minawa, Awa Kawaguchi, Kaboke and reached to Oboke. There we saw a nice road side café and some shops. There was also a gathering of motorcyclists. Almost 200 motorcycles were parked in front of the building on the parking lot. There was also a stand of BMW where they were introducing a new model. Our rental BMW GS750 bikes attracted a Japanese couple and we chat a little bit. They showed also their bikes. The man has a GS1250 triple black and the lady has GS750 triple black. These polite and kind people were very proud of their bikes and we took some pictures with them. 

At the Yoshino River

BMW Motorrad Meeting at the Yoshino Canyon

BMW Motorad Meeting

After resting here for half an hour we departed in the direction up to the hills in the direction to Shikoku. Just before Shikoku we took the Nat’l Road 439. We rode all along the Yoshino River. Our tanks were almost empty and we were really stressed because of the tank level. We saw some tank stations but they were closed. Maybe because of Sunday. So we came to Motoyama where we found a Toyo tires and tank station.We filled up our tanks and continued our ride. 

Noodle Soup at the lunch break

Two nice ladies were cooking meal in the small cafeteria.

We reached to Imabari. Imabari is a town just before the sequence of bridges to the main island of Japan. At Imabari we took the road E76 which took us on 7 different bridges to the main island. We crossed maybe among tens of island. The spectacular environment and view astonished us very much. We saw many ship building docks around islands. Japanese Engineers and Architects must be proud with bridge, highway and tunnel design.  Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Kurushima Bridge, Hakato Oshima Bridge, Tatara Bridge are of wonderful designs. Just after Tatara Bridge we saw a road side rest station (Lemon Bench). We stopped and we took some refreshments. After resting for 15 minutes we continued on the highway in the direction to Hiroshima. There were still a few bridges to cross. These region of Japan between Imabari and Onomichi-Ohari is with hundreds of islands and the bridges are connecting these island to the main island. 

Tatara Bridge

After passing to the main island we took E2 highway to the West direction.We arrived at our Hotel Hokke Club Hiroshima at 18:00. It was getting dark when we came in the Hotel. We left our bikes at the entry of the indoor parking lot which belongs to the Hotel. It is very safe and secure. We had two separate rooms (708 and 709) in this Hotel. After 40 minutes we went out. We went to the Teppanyaki Restaurant Iron Plate.

We ate very fine food and drank a bottle of wine. The Chef grilled for us on the hot plate lobster, shrimps, and Kobe Beef. It is an exclusive and expensive restaurant (300.-USD). 

Hiroshima by night

Teppanyaki Restaurant in Hiroshima

After the dinner we walked in the city. The city Hiroshima is built on the delta of the Ota River. Night life looks to be attractive here. We came back to our Hotel. We went to public bath and then I went to sleep whereas my Companero had got some clothing to wash in the laundry. 

Day-8: 16 Oct 2023           Hiroshima-Himeji         250 km 

We woke early around 06:30 in the morning. The sky was clear and the weather was nice. I had planned to make a walk in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. At 07:30 we commenced our walk in the direction of the park which is located in between two Branches of Ota River. We walked along the Peace Blvd and came to the Peace memorial Island. It was the worst day for the Hiroshima people when US dropped the atomic bomb here in the summer 1945. There are many sculptures and memorial objects in this area to remember the day of the bomb. 

“From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

On 6 and 9 August 1945, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and remain the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict. Japan surrendered to the Allies on 15 August, six days after the bombing of Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan and invasion of Japanese-occupied Manchuria. The Japanese government signed the instrument of surrender on 2 September, effectively ending the war.”

Ota River in Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial

Destroyed building in the backround because of the atomic bomb.

I took a few pictures and then we walked back. On the way back at the Peace Blvd we sat in a well-known coffee shop where we took coffee and something to eat. Our breakfast was fine (approx. 12.-USD) at this café. Then we returned to the Hotel and prepared ourselves for the ride to Himeji. 

We took the road 54 in the direction of Akitakata. We want to ride on the Nat’l Roads rather than highways. Therefor we are always careful for not entering the “E...” roads. Just before leaving the city we bought fuel. Then we took nice country roads in the Northeast direction. After Fuchu we took the highway to Himeji.

I planned to be in Himeji castle today. It is closing at 16:00 o’clock and therefore we squeezed our bikes little bit on this highway E2. 

Nice weather, clear sky and wonderful quality of the pavement enabled us to reach to Himeji Castle parking lot at 14:50. We left the bikes in the indoor parking place and walked to the Himeji Castle. It is almost 400 meter from the parking lot. We walked within the yard of Himeji Castle and we looked inside, too.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle:- Completely out of wood

City Himeji:- View from the Himeji Castle

Wooden ceiling of Himeji Castle

The castle is made out of wood. Completely wooden building is located on the highest site of the city. World Cultural heritage Himeji Castle is built in the first years of the17^th century. Princess Sen the granddaughter of the shogun Tokugawa leyasu lived in this castle between1616-1622. 

After 16:00 we turned back to our bikes and took the last part of our today’s ride. We came to our Himeji Castle Grandvirio Hotel at 16:30. It is a big Hotel right in the Centre and we parked our bikes in the Hotels parking lot. We shared a big room together with my Companero. 

We walked in the direction to the Himeji Station. It is only 400-500 meter from our Hotel. In the near vicinity to the Station we found a Restaurant called Kudobu. There we ate typical Japanese food. First we started with sashimi, then we got grilled fish and sea food. First Asahi beer and then we continued with Sake.

Chef of the Kudobu Izakaya

Grilled fish: Tasty

Our choice of Sake

Friendly waitress in Kudobu

The people in the restaurant were also very nice and polite. After having this fine dinner we walked to our Hotel Himeji Castle Grandvirio.  After having a bath in the public bath of the Hotel I went to sleep. 

Day-9: 17 Oct 2023     Himeji – Takefu Echizen shi     270 km 

We woke up and walked to the Himeji Station. It was around 08:30 and the people were on the way to their work. We found a coffee shop within the Station Building. The name is Pronto. We got our breakfast there. Coffee and toast with egg and cheese was good for me. 

Then I went to the change office where I converted 200.-USD into 28,200.-JYen. Then we turned back to our Hotel. We prepared ourselves for the ride to Takefu-Echizen-shi. We will ride in the Northeast direction and will reach the Japanese Sea. We departed from the Hotel Himeji Castle at 09:45.

We took the route E95. Then it became E2A. We took the exit at Takino-Yashiro IC. We passed Kato and Ayabe. Then we followed the Nat’l Road 27. The sky is clear and the weather is nice. We were riding in a pastoral ambiance and the view was very nice. 

We saw a little café at the left side of the road. After passing it 200 meters we decided to turn back and to have some rest there. It was a really nice restaurant with only 4-5 tables. A couple is running this place.

We ate something special with eggs etc. I bought two handmade small bags as gift for the young girls. It is only 1,700.-Yen (=11,50 USD). After having some pictures we departed. The Nat’l Road 27 took us to the North coast where we passed the towns Maizuru and Obama. From time to time we saw japanese Sea on our left. The road took us through Wakasa, Mihama and Tsuraga. Tsuraga is a big industrial city in this region. From Tsuraga on we took the highway E27. We arrived at our modern Hotel Route-Inn Takefu at 16:15 and took two separate rooms (205 and 206). 

We relaxed in our rooms for two hours and then came out for seeing the neighborhood of the Hotel. There is a big mall close to the Hotel. We went into the mall and bought a small bottle of Japanese whiskey Fuefuki.

Then we found a meat restaurant called Ishiyakisutekizei outside of the mall. We ate some meat on the hot plate served to our table. It was not so special but our dinner was over.  There was also another shop on the way to our Hotel. There were millions of items and products. It is a very rich and attractive retail shop with very bright lighting inside and with a continuous, annoying marketing video on the monitors in every aisle. I bought a SD card, an adaptor plug and some small gifts for friends. 

We wanted to sit in a bar and drink something. According to the google there should be a bar called Yamato on the other side of the main road. We found it. But it was dark and there were no people around. We thought it is closed because out of season. Then we returned to the Hotel and sat in the lobby. We drank some of our whiskey. Then went to sleep. 

Day-10: 18 Oct 2023        Takefu Echizen shi-Nanao    175 km 

We had got breakfast at the Hotel. There was a breakfast buffet but not so rich. With some fresh fish, salad and croissant and coffee I finished my breakfast. We departed almost at 09:30 from the hotel. Next door in the corner there was a tank station Eneos. We filled up our tanks and then we headed the Takefu Knife Village which is only 5,5 km away from our Hotel.  

We paid a visit at the Takefu Knife Village ( https://www.takefu-knifevillage.jp/story-en ).There is a factory looking workshop where the people are forging, shaping and sharpening knives. We also bought some knives for our home. The sales crew were really friendly. They were helpful with their answers to our questions and with their suggestions. 

Takefu Knife Village

Cheerful Sales Team at the Takefu Knife Viillage

Inside the Takefu knife factory 

Sharpening master in the Takefu Knife Workshop

Showroom in the Knife Factory

Showroom in the Takefu Knife Factory

After 30-40 minutes we departed from the knife factory. We took the road 8 to Takefu and then passed our Hotel. First we passed the industrial city Fukui and then all the way up to the coast we followed the Nat’l Road 8. We reached to Komatsu, then Hakusan and then Kanazawa. Passing the town Kanazawa we saw a very big Uniqlo Shop and we turned and parked our bikes in front of it. We bought some small pieces.

After the Shop Uniqlo we continued on the road 60 and then we took the highway E86. E86 is running all along the coast and on the left there is the Japanese Sea. We rode approx. 35 kms on this coastal road.

After Hakui we were in green forest and then we suddenly arrived at Nanao. We found our Boutique Hotel “Room design hotel”. Most probably the owners are architects with modern architectural philosophy. It is a small Hotel in one of the streets of Nanao and has a different look. I finished our check-in process alone because there was only a IPad and no one else. 2^nd floor number 202 was our room which we shared with my Companero. We parked our bikes just in front of the Hotel. 

Our bikes are parked in front of our Hotel

Walking in the town Nanao

Nanao :-Walk in the town

Inside of our Hotel "Room Design Hotel"

Japan is a secure and safe country. Someone does not need to have concern about parking the bikes outside. However we feel better when we put our bikes in a shaded place. 

After we relaxed a little bit, we walked in the city. It is a small city with 50 K population. We walked along the water canal and then to the Station. Then we turned back. On the way back we met a Japanese Izakaya at the Road 249. Izakaya is a typical stay-drink-eat restaurant. Someone sits at the bar table facing the Chef behind the bench. Chef serves with food and drink directly in front of you. We ate and drank at Izakaya Shinmei Taka very tasty food and we paid 10,700.-Yen (73.-USD).

Izakaya Restaurant in Nanao

We ate sashimi at Izakaya

It was a good sleep after that meal and a few glasses of Sake. 

Day-11: 19 Oct 2023       Nanao - Takayama           180 km 

There was no breakfast in our Boutique Hotel. We enjoyed very much the pastry and croissants of the pasticeria in the next neighbored house just a few meter away from our Hotel. The lady had just cooked the pastry and put to the shelves. We bought a few and we ate while walking in the streets of Nanao.

Morning walk on our Hotel's Street:-Collapsable trash containers once in a week

The only missing thing was coffee. Only 200 meter away from our Hotel we saw a Budhist Temple (Kotokuji Temple) which was under restoration. Anyway we entered the yard of the Temple and took some pictures in the garden. Then we returned to our Hotel. We prepared our bikes and made us ready for the ride. 

Kotokuji Temple Entrance

Kotokuji Temple in Nanao

At 09:30 we departed from the Hotel. We took the road to the Noto Island. We had in mind to visit the Glass Museum. It took only 20 minutes from the Hotel and we arrived there under a clear and sunny sky.

Most part of the museum is outdoor and we bought the ticket for the interior glass arts. The museum is called Notoshima Glass Art Museum. There are hundreds of pieces exhibited from different artists. Most of them are Japanese. There is also a Museum Shop and someone can find nice pieces as gifts. 

Notoshima Glass Art Museum, Nanao Island

Outdoor exhibition of Glass Art, Nanao

Around 11:30 we departed from the Museum parking lot. Via the city Nanao we took the Nat’l Road 160. This coastal road curving along the Toyama Bay took us to Takaoka. We wanted to use the highway from this point bout because of some reasons (?) we couldn’t take the highway. We rode further to Toyama and we tried again to take the highway. We decided to take the Nat’l Road 41. This road took us along the Jinzu River. We passed Jinni Dam on our left. Then, suddenly we saw a road side restaurant and we turned and came to the restaurant. It is an interesting place for us. Right at the entrance you have to take off your shoes, so we did. You have a special primitive wooden key to lock your shoes in the lockers, so we did.

Then you have a very big restaurant with regular tables. We ordered noodles and sashimi accompanying two glasses of beers. It was very tasty and we enjoyed our meal. 

There was also another hall on the other side of the Restaurant which is looking to the Jinzu River. There were a lot of old people laying on floor, some of them were sleeping or doing meditation. It was strange ! 

Around 14:30 we departed from this place. We had got a beautiful ride upto our Ryokan (=Japanese Hotel) Miyamaso. We are at an elevation of 1250 meter within a narrow valley. The weather is humid and cool.We had our dinner and breakfast included within the Ryokan price. 

Our Ryokan in Miyamaso

In Miyamaso

In Miyamaso

Afternoon in Miyamaso

Afternoon walk in Miyamaso

It was around 16:00-16:15 when I went out for seeing the environment. I took some pictures and then came back to the Ryokan for dinner. Our dinner was prepared for 18.00 o’clock. It is very strictly requested (?) for being ready for dinner on time. It was a very rich Japanese dinner. We took also Sake for our dinner. We are the only guests of the Hotel. Most probably there are no other people staying in the Hotel. It is out of season. 

After dinner I took a bath in the public bath and relaxed. Then I went to sleep on my floor bed (matrass laid down on floor for sleep).

Day-12: 20 Oct 2023          Takayama - Kusatsu        185 km 

I woke up at 06:30 this morning and went down to the public bath of the Ryokan. After the bath I went out to take photo around our Ryokan. I came back for breakfast at 07:30. The breakfast was prepared by the lady.

Breakfast table in the Ryokan Miyomaso

In the other corner of the dining room. It is again a Japanese style of breakfast. We didn ‘t like much because it was not for our taste. I paid 31,430.-Yen (215.-USD) for two people for one night incl. dinner and breakfast.

We departed from the Ryokan and came higher on the road 471. We were at an altitude of 1,500 meter. Nat’l road 158 took us down to the valley. The surrounding forest with autumn foliage was beautiful. We saw 10 degC on the bike’s temperature gauge. We stopped in a road side café and we drank coffee in that silent place. The road was wonderful. The weather was clear and the roads were very nice for riding. When we came down to the valley the temperature rose again. 

We stopped in some places on this road. It was joyful riding today. When we arrived at our Ryokan Tamura in Kusatsu, it was earlo for check-in. It was 14:00 o’clock and we parked our bikes in front of the Ryokan and walked in the town. We were hungry and we found a small Izakaya Restaurant and ate sashimi and drank Asahi Beer. We paid 3,520.-Yen. This was good enough for lunch. Then we moved to our Ryokan in order to do check-in. Right at the entrance to the Hotel we took off our boots and placed them there on the shoe shelves. We have got a double room on the third floor (306). It is a Japanese style room. After setting up in the room I went out for taking some pictures. I made a long walking tour up on the hills of Kusatsu. I saw some Temples and also some interesting narrow streets. There were many water canals around the streets to guide the hot spring water properly. It was around 16:45 when we met with my Companero in a wine shop Anzaishot. We bought a couple of Japanese Whiskey (most probably the best) and drank together with him. 

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

At 18:00 o’clock we were in the Ryokan to have the dinner. They served it in the room 206. Meanwhile, one guy prepared our matrasses in our room. Our room was converted to sleeping room:  ready for sleep. We enjoyed our dinner and after drinking a cup of green tea I went out to take photo in the darkness. It was very attractive and artistic during the night with steam and lights around the geothermal Centre of Kusatsu.

This central square of Kusatsu with geothermal springs is called Yubatake. There were many people in the square watching the steam coming out from the hot springs and relaxing at the feet bath pools made for public. 

Free public foot bath in Kusatsu

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

Center of Kusatsu:- Yubatake

Later on I came back to Ryokan Tamura and I went down to the public bath. The water is around 40 deg C and Sulphur is very intensively to feel. After this bath it was good for me to sleep. 

Day-13: 21 Oct 2023         Kusatsu –Tokyo Odaiba Motor Rental Shop 215 km 

Early in the morning, between 07:00 and 07:40 I walked in Kusatsu and took some pictures. After I came back I went downstairs where there is public bath of the Ryokan. Our breakfast said to be ready at 08:00.

There was a lady waiting for us exactly at 08.00 outside of our room. She took us to the room 206 where they had prepared a breakfast of Japanese style. 

We did not like much our breakfast at the Ryokan Tamura in Kusatsu. There are a lot of sea weed and salted fish. Boiled rice is always there. The egg was cold (this is their way of cooking). We would like to have some coffee but there was only green tea. While we were at the breakfast some other guys are packing our matrasses in our room away and the room is again like before. 

At 08:30 we departed from the Ryokan Tamura. We took the same road when we came to Kusatsu yesterday. The weather is nice, the sky is clear and the temperature is good to ride. First we took the Nat’l Road 292 then took the branch 145. After filling up our tanks somewhere at Naganohara we rode along the Agatsuma River. After 75-80 km, most probably at Shibukawa, we got the highway E17 for the Tokyo direction. There were a lot of vehicles on the highway but the lanes were flowing continuously. We did not stop until we found a Service Station on the left of E17. It was around Miyoshi. We bought some food and coffee and we had completed our late breakfast in a proper way.

Then we continued our ride heading Tokyo. Coming closer to Tokyo, highways are very complex with many branches and exits. As experienced riders we took always the right way at the right junction. We were in a tunnel which I presume, is not less than 20 km. After riding out the tunnel we found ourselves close to our goal. We came very close to the Moto Tours Japan Rental Shop but we had to fill tanks. We looked for tank station. That part of Tokyo looks like it is newly constructed and populated. Modern, tall buildings with nice roads and wide sidewalks. There we found a tank station and filled our tanks. Then we headed Rental Shop and arrived at 13:00 o’clock. 

We are back in Odaiba after 12 days : Rental 819 Odaiba Shop

Friendly welcomed by the Rental Shop 819 Guys

Me and my companero with the guys of Odaiba Rental Shop

Guys in the Rental Shop took us inside the shop and we carried out the take over and prepared our luggage to go to our Hotel Ours Inn Hankyu in Shinagawa. Guys called a taxi and we had been driven to our Hotel. 

This was our Tour-2023 in Japan with two motorcycles and two riders. Approx. 2,780 kms and during 13 wonderful days. 

 After the motorcycle tour we spent two more days in Tokyo and saw some interesting places, buildings and gardens. We flew back to Istanbul on Sunday, Oct,22nd, 2023. 

Some pictures from Tokyo :