13/02/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Nanao, Noto Hanto and Takayama 七尾

Day 72, November 2016, Tateyama view Wake later than usual, about 8am at michi no eki Himi, so we are well rested. We walk to the sea front, basically across the road, to see the view that was one reason for coming here. Namely, the snow capped mountains rising straight out of the sea. That is, appearing to rise out of the sea, if you get closer there is the city of Toyama and a lot of industry to destroy the illusion. From Noto Peninsula it really seems that the snowy peaks rise out of the sea. We can see the mountains and get the idea but, it is a […]

07/02/2019 / Last updated : 29/01/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Kuonji Temple　久遠寺

Summer 2018, Wake to an overcast, misty morning at Asagiri Kogen, Michi no eki. Immediately we move further away from the stench, emanating from the manholes, so we can attempt breakfast. Kuonji Temple Set off for Kuonji, as the day brightens into sunshine. Shy, Fujisan continues to drape its elegant form in cloud. By 9.30am it is 30 degrees C. The road to Kuonji passes Motosuko, Motosu Lake, and then climbs into the mountains before deciding to follow the wide but shallow Fujigawa. Fuji River. Kuonji is approached through a traditional temple gate and then, a narrow street, climbing past the usual shops and restaurants associated with major temples. The […]

07/02/2019 / Last updated : 29/01/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Mt.Shirane Yugama and Manza Onsen　白根山湯釜

Summer 2018, Route 292 Our plan for the day was to walk around Mt.Shirane Yugama, a crater lake above Kusatsu. On arrival, we find this is not possible, as the area is still closed after the sudden eruption of last January. Consequently, we decide to drive around and approach from the other side via route 292. We take the toll road (Manza highway) to Manza onsen where we pick up R.292 again and drive to the highest point on a national road – 2,172 meters. This is, of course, pointless but the views are magnificent. On this route, the toll road bit, I was surprised to see two serow; presumably […]

05/02/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Lake Saiko glimpses of Fujisan and Asagiri kogen RS　西湖

August 2018, After a few days in Tokyo, we drive out in the direction of Mount Fuji. Following the navi through the maze of city. Worried we will not have time walk at Kuonji, we get on the Chuo Highway, only to realize there is still too little time and get off again. Winding through the narrow mountain roads of Kanagawa pref. we skirt around Lake Sagami and finally arrive in the Fujisan area around 3pm. The elusive mountain is nowhere to be seen. Lake Saiko We visit Lake Saiko, a very quiet lake by five Fuji lake standards. No power boats for a start. That should – read “no […]

05/02/2019 / Last updated : 29/01/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Michi-no-eki Myogi and Chichibu　秩父

Summer 2018, Michi-no-eki Myogi As expected Myogi RS. turned out to be hot and steamy. There was also some revving of engines and high speed comings and goings. So D. told me. I confess, I slept through most of it. We learn later that Myogi is something of a Mecca for Bosozoku so perhaps it is not such a good place for shachuhaku(sleep in a car) even if handy for Tokyo. The michi-no-eki itself is fine, overhung by the rock massif of Mt. Myogi. Halfway up, on a crag, there is a clear white kanji ‘Dai’. This, I am told, denotes a shrine; which I am disinclined to visit. Chichibu […]

28/01/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Shirakawago　白川郷

Day 71, November 2016, This morning there is a thin layer of ice all over the car. I had expected the windscreen to be frozen but, not the whole car. Nor had I reckoned on ice on the inside of the windscreen. I think the temperature was -3 C. degrees. We had expected -6 C., as forecast, and were quite warm enough. We began our day with a short drive to Shirakawago but, the weather grows darker and darker. As we arrive, there is a steady drizzle and the temperature has risen only to 6 degrees, so a bit raw. Shirakawago Protected by numerous layers and rain suits we set […]

28/01/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Matsumoto Castle　松本城

Day 70, November 2016, A cold morning, and getting colder, with a chill wind blowing. The michi no eki ‘Alps Azumino Horiganenosato’ is busy with elderly people from small trucks delivering vegetables. Customers, buying large amounts, crowd the shop. There are signs requesting that people don’t buy too much of any one item, only 3 bunches of spinach, for example. Matsumoto Castle We set off for Matsumoto castle and park in the city parking. Then go to the bank, which somehow gives us a discount on the parking. The castle is interesting as castles go. It is at least original, not a concrete replica so, you can see how it […]

28/01/2019 / Last updated : 10/02/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Yatsugatake Highlands and Suwa Taisha　八ヶ岳、諏訪大社

Day 69, November 2016, Kiyosato Highland　　清里高原 A very wet night but, we woke to a warm morning of weak sunshine, golden hills and Onbashira paraphernalia. Onbashira is the crazy festival, held every 7 years, when the locals ride tree trunks down a very steep hillside, hoping not to get killed. We decide to visit Kiyosato Highland, a place D. used to visit as a child. As the road starts to climb, the clouds roll in and cover everything. This mist lends a truly mysterious air to the larch forests and we drive gently through mist wreathed trees. Sometimes, we stop at viewing spots or parking places. We can see nothing […]