06/05/2026 / Last updated : 06/05/2026 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Yashimaji Temple & Yashimaru　屋島寺、やしまーる

Nov. 9th. 2025 Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen A wet but warm night at Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen. The name stems from the blocks of stone that were surplus to requirements in the building of Osaka Castle. This being the area where they were quarried and dressed. I wonder if anyone got paid? This small michi no eki is very good for an overnight stay. Few visitors, good toilets, flat and quiet. It also has a small museum dedicated to quarrying. The best place to stay on Shodoshima, in my opinion. Ferry to Takamatsu We set off for Tonosho and the ferry port. Here we take Shodoshima ferry to Takamatsu. We […]

Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden Koko-en

06/05/2026 / Last updated : 06/05/2026 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Himeiji Castle Koko-en　姫路城西御屋敷跡庭園好古園

Nov. 6th. 2025 Michi no eki Yokawa Michi no eki Yokawa is a splendid place to stay. The parking is extensive and for the most part flat. It is also away from the road. The toilets at the far end of the parking are open on both sides and are very good. The onsen is very good too with a large outside bath. It even has a dog run. Today we are going to Shodoshima. It is the last few days of the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival. So we set off for Himeji and the ferry terminal. But first we visit the gardens adjacent to Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato […]

14/04/2026 / Last updated : 14/04/2026 d.d Temple / Shrine

Kyoto Takao (Sanbi meguri)　京都高雄　三尾巡り

Nov. 5th. 2025 Michi no eki Miyama　道の駅美山 Unsurprisingly, michi no eki Miyama provided a very quiet night. We were probably the only shachuhaku vehicle. The large space was very dark and the filthy toilets only one step up from a hole in the ground. Not to be recommended. To give it its due it does have rubbish bins. We set off for Kyoto. There are three temples in the north west of the city that D. wants to visit. Saimyoji　槇尾西明寺 Arriving in Takao, we park by the river next to the entrance to Saimyoji just by the orange bridge. The parking is an exorbitant 1000 yen but we can […]

10/04/2026 / Last updated : 10/04/2026 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Daio Wasabi Farm. Shirahone Onsen Awanoyu　　大王ワサビ農場、白骨温泉

Oct. 31st. & Nov. !st. 2025 Michi no eki Otari Michi no eki Otari is a good place to stay in that it has an onsen and very good facilities. It is on the main road and trucks roar down or rev. up the hill all night so it is on the noisy side. Nearby Hakuba is on the same road and has similar parking so Otari is the better option, certainly it is far less crowded. We were the only vehicle apart from distant trucks. Daio Wasabi Farm The day is chilly, overcast and windy. Rain is forecast for the afternoon as we set off for Daio Wasabi Farm. […]

10/04/2026 / Last updated : 10/04/2026 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Hakusan Shirakawago White Road 　白山白川郷ホワイトロード

Nov. 2nd. 2025 Michi no eki Hida-Hakusan A peaceful night at michi no eki hida-Hakusan. We have stayed here probably 3 times and, now twice, someone has set up a tent in a parking area. This time under the roof of the handicapped parking. I feel a fool not using such space on wet nights but I just can’t do it. Hakusan Shirakawago White Road Today we plan to drive the White Road. This is a toll road currently, 1,700 yen, that links Gifu to Ishikawa ken. The toll is high but the route is long and very spectacular and in this kouyo season (autumn leaves) well worth the expenditure. […]

01/03/2026 / Last updated : 01/03/2026 d.d Hiking / Walking

Okususohana Shizen-en Hiking　　奥裾花自然園

Oct. 30th. 2025 Michi no eki Kita Shinshu Yama no Uchi is a reasonable and popular place to stay. There were quite a number of shachuhaku vehicles sharing the parking lot with us. The facilities are good but a little overwhelmed in the morning rush hour. There is a vegetable market that is very busy with farmers delivering produce and customers waiting for the shop to open at 8.30am. Shibu Onsen – Ryokan Kanaguya　渋温泉金具屋 We depart, later than most, and take the short drive to Shibu Onsen. Here we want to take a look at Kanaguya. This ryokan, built in the 1930’s is the model for the onsen in […]

22/02/2026 / Last updated : 22/02/2026 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Route 292, the highest point on a national road in Japan　日本国道最高地点

Oct. 29th. 2025 Michi no eki Kawaba　　道の駅川場田園プラザ Michi no eki Shirasawa has only the onsen and a leafy parking area to recommend it. The facilities are minimal, no washlet, no heated seat and no flower arrangement. There are rubbish bins only for cans and pet bottles. So, after leaving and driving for perhaps 10 minutes, we pull in at michi no eki Kawaba which has an abundance of rubbish bins. Not to mention the 7 car parks, maybe 4 with their own toilets. There are a number of fancy restaurants quite expensive plus a pond with resident geese. We have stayed here in the past and, on reflection, should have […]

11/02/2026 / Last updated : 11/02/2026 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Nasu Sesshoseki and Shimogo Kannon-numa　　那須殺生石、下郷観音沼

Oct. 28th. 2025 Michi no eki Nasukogen　　道の駅那須高原友愛の森 Morning displays Natsukogen Yuai no mori in all its glory. There are a very large number of shachuhaku vehicles and people arriving for the large shop selling the usual veg. and omiyage(souvenirs). The large plaza area has a display of art works in stone and wood. Also, a shop selling various craft works from jewelry to a large, wooden Godzilla. Adjacent to this, sizeable workshops for woodcarving, pottery, rattan work and perhaps other things. Classes are held here, I would suppose. The place is busy for a chilly Tuesday morning. Rubbish bins are provided, one notably full of wine bottles. People waiting for […]