Riding my Motorcycle around Honshu Island, Japan
Update 48 (November 2023)
Tsuyama to Numata, Japan
Riding in Japan is a pleasure. On previous visits to Japan I remember looking at the Tokyo expressways and thinking it was all too confusing and I would never bother. The train system is fantastic and the Shinkansen are definitely a fun experience. But for a longer visit it is definitely worth having a go at driving.
The big plus is your fellow drivers. Japanese drivers are very courteous and relaxed. No one is being rude and tailgating you or skimming past. People push the speed limit a little but when there is no choice they just chill and stay a safe distance back.
From Tsuyama I kept going East and skirted around the top part of Kyoto. I might come back to Kyoto but for now will keep going north east. The weather is dictating my route. I just look a few days ahead on the forecast and avoid the snow.
Sushi for lunch on the way to Kusatsu Ritto, on the northern side of Kyoto. You register your seating choice, counter or table and party number at a little welcome self serve kiosk and it gives you a ticket with your allocated seat number. Then you order your choices on the screen and a few minutes later the computer plays a little tune and your item zips to a stop a few seconds later. Hot water tap on the right to make your own green tea from the matcha powder provided.
I just stayed one night in Kusatsu Ritto. This is Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest fresh water lake.
The Echizen-Kaigan coastline drive. I was along the coast for a while but as it turned out you also spend a lot of your time in tunnels as the mountains go right down to the coast.
Passing through Sawa, Awara, Fukui. I have no idea how this tree managed to grow like this but it caught my attention as I rode past. The road led to a temple that seemed abandoned.
Near the entrance to the temple.
Further on, the Engyo Temple Takatsukicho.
Near Kanazawa, my first glimpse of snow.
Capturing the afternoon sun. It is starting to get dark early. By 4;30pm you have lost most of the light.
My first morning in Takaoka I was up early and went for a walk at the Takaoka Old Castle Park. It was one of those magical mornings.
The main temple, before the official opening time.
Later in the morning I decided to use a launderette. The hotels have coin laundry’s but they are the combined washer/dryer and never seem to do either well. I always walk when I am in a town. It’s the best way to get to know a town.
The coin laundry was impeccable. My shoes even got a well deserved clean and dry in the Sneaker Laundry on the left.
Moving on from Takaoka. Chicken Karaage for lunch.
Heading inland I passed through Hakuba, a popular skiing location. It is still too early in the season. Opening here is around the end of December, but it was a wake up call that my time riding a motorcycle was reducing. I couldn’t stay in Hakuba because there was snow coming that night.
I passed through Hakuba and spent a couple of nights at Shinano-Omachi. The view from my hotel room above.
Leaving Shinano-Omachi.
The view from my hotel room in Numata.
I started using this report from the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is excellent to judge how I can dodge the weather and continue north. Of course I need to return, which does cast a little doubt at times. But I think I am good for now. The green ring marks my location at the time.
Taking a walk at the Numata Castle Ruins.
A nice curry for lunch at the little restaurant on the left below.
Ferry motorcycle from South Korea to Japan
Update 47 (November)
North east of Honshu Island
Update 49 (December 2023)