view from Daikanpo
10/08/2021 / Last updated : 28/10/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Yamanami Highway, Daikanpo and Nabegataki　やまなみハイウェイ、大観峰、鍋ヶ滝

As the pandemic slithers on, long distance travel seems inappropriate, but some relatively local excursions can be excused as contact free. In this spirit we head for Aso. This volcanic vent in central Kyushu is really outstanding and the surrounding area is spectacular in different, calmer ways. Today, we skirt the edge of the Aso caldera and visit Daikanpo. This is a viewing spot on the edge of the caldera that provides a view of the active volcano that is the centre of Mount Aso with all its attendant peaks. The most identifiable being the ragged skyline of Neko-dake. From this viewpoint, one can gain a clear idea of the […]
Yobuko
02/01/2021 / Last updated : 29/10/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Nanatsugama Quasi National Park and Yobuko 七ツ釜、呼子

November. 2020 An extraordinarily hot day for November. Due to the Corvid 19 pandemic, long trips seem indulgent and reckless, so we take a day trip to Nanatsugama Quasi National Park and Yobuko. From Fukuoka, we take the coast road R.202 to Karatsu. This road used to be narrow and very busy but, due to the toll road highway (Free in this area), the coast road has become far less frequented. It has also been improved so less heart-stopping but still satisfyingly winding. There are also good views of the sea for considerable parts of the way. Niji-no-matsubara　虹の松原 This road also passes through Niji-no-matsubara an area of pine trees planted […]
Uchiko-za
06/08/2020 / Last updated : 30/10/2021 d.d Drive Shikoku Area

Uchiko and Shikoku Karst 内子、四国カルスト

October 29th. Tenku no sato Sansan and Uchiko Fresh Park Karari michi no eki Tenku no sato Sansan michi no eki is a good place to stay. It is not the first time for us to stay here so it holds up on a second visit. This, despite the torrential rain all night that remains solid in the morning. There is extremely heavy, low cloud all around. Absolutely no chance of climbing Mt. Ishizuchi today, though the weather is forecast to clear by the afternoon. We set off for Uchiko, a town with a preserved historical district. On arrival, we park at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari michi no eki. This […]
Sky
30/07/2020 / Last updated : 30/10/2021 d.d Drive Shikoku Area

The UFO Line-scenic drivecourse　　UFOライン

October 28th. Beppu-wan SA Woke in Beppu-wan SA (Oita-do highway) after a cold and very windy night, and a drive from Fukuoka. This service area is on the top of the hill overlooking Beppu near the APU campus. I once met an APU student, from Singapore, whose first words in Japanese were “Kaze ga tsuyoi desu ne” The wind is strong, isn’t it? If you spend time around APU you will understand this. Nevertheless, from a shachuhaku point of view Beppu-wan SA is a good place to stay,. It is busy early on a Sunday night but ultimately quiet. There is a viewing mound, or grassy knoll, with a view […]
Hakusan White Road
17/05/2020 / Last updated : 31/10/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

The Hakusan White Road – scenic driving　白山ホワイトロード

June 12th. Hakusan White Road A peaceful night at Hida Hakusan as the rain eases and gives way to a morning of patchy sunlight. I make use of the Ashiyu, or hot spring foot-bath, before we set off for the Hakusan White Road. This is a toll road through the mountains from Shirakawago in Gifu over to Ishikawa pref. We have limited expectations, as we know the road is closed, due to a landslide, on the Ishikawa side. We also know it is possible to go as far as the onsen and nature centre. The toll, at 3200-yen return, is a bit steep. In the event, as the way through […]
Yashimagahara wetland
06/05/2020 / Last updated : 11/10/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

Yatsugatake line, Yashimagahara wetland 八島ヶ原湿原

July 6th. Yatsugatake Echo Line Kobuchizawa michi no eki was fine for an overnight stay. Even on a Friday night it is not so crowded and very quiet. The morning is dry, but overcast, as we set off for Kirigamine following the Yatsugatake Echo Line and Vinas Line. This is a good drive, even on a weekend though the weather is, of course, suspect. At the Kurumayama ropeway station the clouds are hemming in the mountains, so we don’t think it is worth the price of two tickets so pass on by. We do stop a little later at a spot, to view flowers, that offers a trek up the […]
Kiyotsu-kyo tunnel
22/04/2020 / Last updated : 13/10/2021 d.d Drive Chubu Area

Tagokura Dam, Rokujuri-goe Pass and Kiyotsu Gorge　田子倉ダム、 清津峡

June 23rd. Oku Aizu Kaneyama is a good place to stay. There was some major construction in progress, but the view is better than most, the facilities are good and rubbish bins are provided. Shachuhaku friendly. It is also set in a  picturesque area. Very Nihon mukashi-banashi as in old folk tale. Tagokura Dam Today rain is forecast, but there is some hazy sunshine as we set off. First, we drive to the Tagokura Dam on the Tadami River. The road leading up the dam is very steep and delivers spectacular views. The dam was planned in 1939 but, after many difficulties, was finally finished in 1960,  J Power is […]
Sarobetsu wetland
30/01/2020 / Last updated : 15/10/2021 d.d Drive Hokkaido Area

Wakkanai to Asahikawa, Scenic Drive　　稚内から旭川

June 9th. Cold and windy night in Wakkanai, but warm enough in the car. By morning, the breeze is still chilly but the clouds are breaking up and the sun is making the effort to break through. By the time we are ready to leave, it is a warm, sunny day. Sarobetsu wetland by Ororon line We take the coast road – Ororon line (R.232) back towards Sarobetsu. This is a great road, following the coast with splendid views of Mt. Rishiri and with flowers busting through the sasa on either side. As we head south, we can see the array of wind turbines standing tall and hazy in the […]