My next prefecture was Oita where I took my first ferry across the Bungo Straits to Ehime.
Between Ehime and Tokushima, the beauty of the mountains was overwhelming. The road followed along a meandering river and with each bend, another opportunity for a photograph presented itself. Throughout Shikoku, I met several Japanese Buddhists (old and young) who were on pilgrimage walking from temple to temple.
From the city of Tokushima, I took my second ferry to Wakayama and made a b-line across to Toba in Mie Prefecture. My route was planned along several secondary roads with the kind help of the Wakayama Fire Department. Before I parted, they topped me up with water and some snacks for the journey ahead (Arigato!) The traffic was extremely light and the views were outstanding.
From Toba, I took my final ferry across to Shizuoka and headed to Tokyo with a little jaunt into the heart of Izu peninsula...specifically to Shuzenji.
This trip to Kyushu by bicycle was only one part of what made living in Japan so exciting for me.
The End |
