Author: helenhmk

Fukue Island, Goto – last ride…

Posted on by helenhmk

Today our brief time on Fukue Island ends, as we catch the ferry back to Nagasaki. In the last three days we cycled approximately 109km. Here is the map of the three routes:

The last ride today occurred in very wintry conditions. Imagine if you can (in Australia this might be hard with current temperatures) 9 degrees in the wind. On the up side there was not as much climbing as it was only 297meters.

The scenery was very different, as we cycled through some very small villages, farms and along the sea wall. it was lovely to have a nice flat surface for awhile instead of continuously going up or down.

We were cycling around Mt Onidake which was a volcano having last erupted 18,000+ years ago and created the Abunze Lava Coast which can also be walked.

Surprisingly the patisserie location was amazing – not surprisingly really given they use Echire butter. But it was also a welcome stop out of the cold. We had a brief stop at the Geo-Centre which contains information about the formation of the islands and a look out point.

The route back was up and down between farms and small roads, alongside the airport (it was not flat as suggested) back through the top of town and zipped down to a lunch place Kym had found before it closed at 2pm.

Certainly a great little ride (26km+ or 30km depending on who’s Strava account you want to believe) and fabulous water views.

It’s amazing what you can see in an hour…

Posted on by helenhmk

We were aware of the relativity new Shinkansen from Nagasaki which – eventually will connect to Hakata… but for the time being goes as far as Tadeo-Onsen. we decided to take a ride in the morning before visiting fruit bus stops in the afternoon.

All Shinkansen stations have a similar look and feel – this does aid the traveler, as it makes them easy to navigate.

We had bought reserved tickets the previous night online and so after cycling to the station (bagging our bikes) we collected them from the machine at the station.

I love catching these trains as much as I love cycling… so with the Brompton it’s a perfect match. There was also enough leg room too. The journey was only 25 minutes- so it did not take long at all. We got to the station unpacked the bikes and set off.

Our first stop was a library – no surprises there.. but the library itself is one of those architecturally amazing libraries. It looks stunning.

The library itself has two buildings, one for adults and a separate one for children. The adult one features a bookshop (Tsutaya) and a cafe (Starbucks). Items in the bookshop also include products from the area (which Japan specialises in) and other books and magazines. There is a fairly comprehensive selection of books and products. The library itself is set over a couple of floors and the shelving is similar to Tsutaya book shop if you have visited. Wayfinding is simple and clear. RFID units and catalogue is built into the furniture- and if you are purchasing from the shop it’s all self done from the machine.

There are only two spots where you are allowed to take photos… which is completely understandable. I did spot a couple on the ground floor taking photos in between the shelves – hoping no one would see them.

Around the library were a considerable number of people studying and using the tables. They didn’t have much in the of soft furniture. The shelves were pretty full and they only had a few display areas. They also had a specific spot for local history collection and food could not be consumed in the area.

In the carpark they have a hot potato vending machine…. Perfect for cold days. If you are wondering what the opening hours are – it’s 9am to 9pm every day.

It’s really a fabulous library. Visiting these amazing public spaces in Japan it does make me wish for better investment for the community in our facilities in South Australia.

After the library we cycled less than 200meters to the Takeo Shrine – which also features The Great Camphor Tree of Takeo – which happens to be 3000+ years old, and still alive.

From here we cycled back ti the station to catch the train to visit fruit bus stops. while the route was pretty short – it was a really easy cycle.

Bus stops…

Posted on by helenhmk

On my list this trip was visiting the fruit bus stops in Nagasaki prefecture.

To get there we caught a local train from Isahaya. It was very much a local train. There were two carriages and the driver was also the person who took the fares – so when you got off you had to ensure you were in the front carriage to give him the fare – 380 yen (3.80 approx).

Unsurprisingly we were the only ones that got off at Nagasato. As you can see by the photo of the station – there is not much around. From here we got on our bikes to find the first bus stop which was about 2 minutes down the road – which was a watermelon.

The bus stops are made from concrete in the shape of fruit. Originally they were made for a travel expo in 1990… and then moved to their current locations. They are well maintained both inside and out. They certainly are a feature of the area – as there are a few tourists who seek them out.

The downside of these bus-stops is they are on the main road – which is one lane in each direction. Cycling on the road is a little unpleasant- so it’s really best to use the footpath given the large number of trucks and other vehicles. For this reason we used the footpath.

While we were enjoying it given the road conditions we decided to go back to Nagasaki early from Konagai station.

The best way to see these bus-stops is probably by car – but I’m still pleased we took the time and visited.

You can read more about visiting them here

Visited a library

Posted on by helenhmk

Downtown Nagasaki and what do we wander past… a library – and there is little surprise that we venture inside.

What I liked –

  • List of popular titles on the catalogue (this is a good idea)
  • Room for talking on the phone
  • High ceilings
  • Great range of craft/sewing magazines
  • New book display on entrance on both floors
  • Lots of people!

Grand Cycle Tokyo…

Posted on by helenhmk

As a cyclist you want to cycle in cities in far off places. You hear about major public rides and you want to experience them. Cycling on the Rainbow Bridge with our Brompton was one of these experiences.

When the opportunity came up while in Japan we crossed our fingers we could participate. For the chance to do this we had to enter a ballot – and for this we thank our Tokyo Brompton friend Mayumi who thankfully also wanted to do the ride and we registered as a group with her. Most importantly we were lucky enough to get selected.

The package for people cycling included a 16-page plus booklet on the ride (all instructions), and your participation number sticker for helmet and back.

The ride was held on 1 December, and started in Odaiyba. To get there for us involved either a 50 minute train ride (with changing) or 48 minute ride. We choose the ride – nothing better than cycling through the streets of Tokyo early morning. Regardless of choice we had to set off at 6:45 – yes you read that time correctly. Naturally we took a little longer as towards our destination the route was blocked by the ride barriers as people had started earlier.

After meeting fellow Bromptoneers we went to the gathering area for all riders where we began to join the line up – and I mean line up.

Organisers also provided opportunity for people to do the ride with rented bikes (including e-bikes) – so there was a large number of these at the beginning where people were provided with bikes and helmets.

Like all large organised rides there was a lot of walking to the beginning- as they only let 100 people go at a time to ensure there were no bunch-ups. If you’ve ever done a community ride in Australia you would have experienced this… it’s largely frustrating.

Okay I will acknowledge we walked for at least 2km before actually cycling.. as we winded around the paths to the start. On the bright side through this process we saw Mt Fuji. It’s amazing how large it looks – whenever and wherever you see it.

Looking at the photos you can see it was perfect weather. No clouds.. and the temperature was due to be 17 degrees, and not much wind – perfect!

… we did the yellow route on this map

When we got on the bikes.. within the first 300 meters you begin to go up to the middle of rainbow bridge which is an elevation gain of approximately 50 meters within half a kilometre. Like all good bridges there is a middle point (weph)… and a little after that there was the u-turn to go back down the other side and towards the Tokyo Harbor Uminomori Tunnel.

The tunnel was quite dark (given it’s designed for cars it’s not surprising. However there were colourful lights flashing and some music at the mid- way point. At this point I was behind a parent and child who was not cycling to straight, so it was easier to stay behind them until getting out of the tunnel (yes another short hill). The route them took us to the Around Uminomori Waterway – which is where the rowing events occurred for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – and the Tokyo agate Bridge can be seen in the distance. This was a brief rest stop where small refreshment and snack was provided.

Getting back on the bike it was over the same route (through the tunnel) and back to the start at Odiaba.

After parking the bike we lined up for the free soup and attempted to buy lunch. Ended up with a chicken/rice dish which was satisfying. Like any large event there were a number of food trucks- but slightly complicated as they predominantly took paypay (Japanese online payment system). There were also an umber of stalls selling bike parts, clothing and cycling gear.

I also want to highlight the portable toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever had the pleasure to use – and this was at the end of the event. I recognise this might seem weird – but credit where it’s due.

Overall it was a great event and I’m pleased to have participated on my Brompton. Huge thanks goes to Mayumi for registering us in the lottery in the hope of getting a ticket and being the fabulous organiser who also delivered the attendance package to our hotel.