Cycled the Hakusan-Tedori River Route, a rail trail near Kanazawa where I’m staying. In this photo I’d been cycling towards the Northern Japan Alps for a couple hours; rice paddies flank the trail. I hadn’t realized there was a gradual incline most of the way, so the return trip was faster.
Hi Tom, just checking up on your travels – coincidentally I have been fettling my Brompton bike for a trip abroad and the Trailblazer Guide to rail travel in Japan is open on the desk. I thought I’d consult the expert, I had no idea that you were back there doing another trip this month, good for you! Have you been in touch with John M recently? We usually fit a walk in round about now but he is keeping a low profile this year I think. I shall have to have a proper read of your recent trip reports, so glad to find that you are in Go Go mode at the moment!
Best wishes – from Guildford UK x
Jerry: Thanks for your note. Yes, I’m back in Japan near the end of my visit. Traveling in Japan with a bicycle, eh?! IMHO, the trick is to visit B-list places away from the Instagram set, away from overloved places. However, the Shimanami Kaido is pretty wonderful, with superb views of the Seto Inland Sea from islands and huge bridges. I’ve cycled the whole thing in one day, now I just do sections. It’s always fun to stay in Onomichi U2/Hotel Cycle at one end (the Honshu end). There’s even a wall hook in your room for your bicycle! On the Shikoku end, you then have an option to do part of the Shikoku Henro 88-temple pilgrimage: there’s a cycle route. But oh, there’s so many places. Look at Hokkaido if you like it cool and Kyushu if warmer is your thing. Please feel free to ask questions. Dwight and I are eternally grateful for your Sheep’s Head Way suggestion. Best Wishes.