2018 – Slow tour de Noto and Japan

What are you carrying…?

Posted on by helenhmk

Everything you see in the photo is all we have with us.

Day 2 - Kanazawa - Togi

… here’s another one

Day 2 - Kanazawa - Togi

We have clothing to suit wet wether… but so far it’s been great and is looking good until at least Sunday. hooray! It’s been relatively easy with the few bags we have…. we even have room for some snacks in case we don’t find somewhere to eat along the way.

Day 2 - Kanazawa - Togi

Our suitcases are at our hotel we stayed at in Tokyo. We are very grateful to them for keeping our luggage. Can’t say I’m looking forward to seeing it again….

Day 2 Togi to Wajima

Posted on by helenhmk

The weather is perfect… 20 degrees slightly cool in the morning.

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

There is the odd viewing spot

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

The traditional Japanese scenic views along the way

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

For Studio Ghibli fans – you should recognise this one –

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Cool signs and a lunch stop

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Despite the long climb the surrounds were beautiful

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Reaching the top meant a ride through a 1250 meter tunnel.. not fun, but thank goodness for a footpath!!

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Ah… we made it to Wajima

Day 3 - Togi to Wajima

Day 1

Posted on by kymdt

A short 46 km from Hodatsu to Togo on the Noto peninsula.
Day 1
Helen insisted on doing the 8km leg on the beach. We had to find enough compact sand to make sure that we didn’t fall off. Fortunately, there was a pleasant beach stand that manage to sell beer and very fresh seafood. The clams and squid were awesome. We then continued on a specialised bicycle path, which at some point, we thought had been completely forgotten. For weeks I have been looking forward to visiting Sucre Plage patisserie. But when we got there we learnt it will shut every Wednesday. We were very disappointed. Perhaps, next time. From there we rode through a number of cute little fishing villages. As you might expect, this involves some climbs and some descents. By about 4:30pm we arrived at our destination.
Day 1
Dinner was fantastic at the family run ryokan. I can only show you the dessert perhaps Helen can show you more.

Day 1

Official Start of the slow tour of Noto.

Posted on by kymdt

This tour started at Tokyo station. Our bikes are fully loaded with one S-bag each and two panniers. We will spend seven days riding around 300 km. This is the first time we’ve taken Bromptons on a multi day tour. It will be interesting to see how we cope with each other, the bikes, and the lack of clothes.

Here is Helen jumping for joy at the thought of riding 300 km with me.

Repeating history, but with a different cast

Books

Posted on by helenhmk

The only downside about Japan, is I don’t know enough of the language to read the books. There are so many amazing book shops – and the books and magazines themselves look really interesting – nevertheless I’m working on the language! However, if you are in Tokyo one of thee best bookshops is in a store called Ginza6. Apart from the food available in the basement – oh ichigo (strawberry) ice cream which was about $4..

Tokyo - day 2

….head up to the top floor and check out the bookstore. The central event space in the centre of the shop is surrounded with wooden shelves stacked with books. Spend enough time there and you can find a book on almost anything. I could of bought a book on hospital design, but thought the better for it!

Tokyo - day 2

Food can be cheap…

Posted on by helenhmk

In Tokyo you can find food at all prices. From the very cheap to expensive.

Sunday night a couple of friends were kind enough to take us to a fabulous restaurant on the 41(?) floor. Amazing view… and we enjoyed a variety of dishes. The sashimi in this photo was only 2,000 (Yen)… yes you did read that price correctly. It was the chefs special. The taste was even better! It was a great meal which we really enjoyed.

Tokyo - day 1