Of all the most interesting discoveries on my adventure! How did I end up sleeping at the museum? Before I left Adelaide, I put the question out on the Horizons Unlimited website for any advice on routes to take in Japan. (where I met Hiroyuki and his wife!).. well I also got a message from Kim in Denmark who advised me of a Rider House in Yufuin along side a...
Japan is a very expensive country, and their expressways are top of the list! My toll bill yesterday was over $60 AUD!!! Granted I was on the expressway for about 6 hours, but still! However – You get what you pay for.. always!! Japan has EXCELLENT roads… they are super smooth, seem very new, clean (never see a lick of trash...
I have to say that I really didn’t want to come here.. I remember so vividly the images from the a-bomb at school.. Clearly can still see the black and white photos of children running down the street naked and injured with a flattened city behind them.. On top of that, I remember our lesson wasn’t about destruction of people and families, it was about...
After a nice sleep in the backpackers that Hiroyuki drove me to, I got up for an early morning walk. I always enjoy exploring places before the town wakes up… seems more peaceful and special that way.. Found my way into the old town Takayama How do I always find little animals in trouble? I came across 3 little birds who must have tried their...
Friday morning, a wonderful big breakfast made by Midori, and it’s time to pack up the bike and start heading south. The quintessential Mum – making sure I have something to eat on the road.. 😉 I love it.. Grandpa checks out the bike. I try my best to explain that pannier is where my computer lives.. They gave me some more detailed maps, since...
Ok, after school drop-off, Midori wants to show me around.. we decide to go to Zenkouji Temple in Nagano City.. The majority of Japanese people are buddhists.. (Photo: Sometimes I hate being reminded how bow-legged I am!!) Anyway, this ancient temple was so big and beautiful made of wood. Some info I looked up: Zenkouji is a non-sectarian temple whose religious...
One of the greatest places I found early in my trip planning is a website called “Horizon’s Unlimited”.. Here I met Hiroyuki Nagahara and he offered lots of great advice for my travel through Japan. He is a keen motorcycle adventurist and has traveled many countries in the world. In fact, his honeymoon with wife Midori lasted 15...
You wouldn’t believe it, but I can’t help but laugh at the day I’ve had again.. We organize to get motorcycle insurance – again! I go there at 11 AM, by time I found it, and they are closed. Sign says 10:00 – 20:00.. That’s about the 4th shop I have been guided to that has no staff!! Oh well, I’ve had enough of...
Just a quickie as I am exhausted from a very big day… Might just upload the photos and let them tell the story.. I started off early this morning at Japan Automobile Federation to get my Carnet approved. Then madly tried to locate Motorcycle Insurance.. no luck and long story I might add tomorrow. Finally gave up in Tokyo city so I could get rental car back to...
WARNING – I was very SNAP HAPPY today!! What a fascinating culture to get to learn in a couple days.. But I am certainly out of my league at the moment! Still without the bike, as I am going to the JAF office in the morning, to hopefully get my Carnet stamped for approval to ride in this country! In the meantime, I am trying to get used to the roads here...