Japan

Gotoshi Library- Fukue Island

Posted on by helenhmk

When on the boat to Fukue Island, Kym asked me if there was a public library on this island we were visiting… and surprisingly there was – and from the couple of photos online it looked newish and recommended we visit given the walking distance from our accommodation.

The design looks pretty simple, it has large windows – with comfy seats in front (nice to see them facing out too). Good consistent signage and a map of the building and where collections are located next to the catalogues.

The shelving is modern (similar to other Japanese libraries). There was a lot more comfortable seating than I had seen in other libraries.

Magazines seem to be popular in Japan (but what would I know).. given the wide subject range which is on sale and available in libraries.

They did have a small English collection, but given it’s not their main language it’s not surprising the size or age. Yes I would if weeded most of the titles out, but I can’t blame them for the collection.

Opening hours are consistently good: 10-6 every day, but closed Monday’s.

When on holidays it’s always worth checking out the local library. They are usually good for seating, wifi, newspapers and public amenities…. and for annoying Kym who usually tells me “not another library..!”.

Shimabara cycling

Posted on by kymdt

Did we enjoy our riding in Shimabara? The answer is a big yes.

It might have been because Shimabara is making an effort to support cycling tourism. The Goigoi Ikomon website ( in Japanese) has a a lot of useful information and routes (in GPX form).

But that’s not the reason.

We were planning to do part of the Shimabara Peninsula 1 Lap Route. We were took the train to from Nagasaki to Kobe and planned to ride the route to Shimabara City.

When we had a look at the route we could say that it followed the national road route 251. It also implied that there some bike infrastructure maintained.

This route is not the Shimanami Kaido. It was a busy truck route and so we rode a kilometre or two and decided to abandon the original plan. I was looking for a photo of the busy road – but we didn’t take any. You’ll just have to trust is that there were a lot of cars and trucks. So I have included a picture of the cute train instead.

We used our Beeline App to place a few points along the route they were off the main truck route and let it work its magic. Within a few minutes we had a route of quiet byways. Much more fun and interesting.

The route is 25km and mostly flat. Riding through fishing and farming communities. The route we took is on Strava.

Here is an important piece of advice. Just because someone promotes a route as suitable for cycling doesn’t mean it is. At least in Japan there usually is a nearby quiet route that you can take instead. So if it doesn’t feel right then change your plans – either do another route or take the train instead.

I am certainmy glad we stopped and opted for plan B. I still think checking out the Goigoi Ikomon website especially for the hill climbers who want some more challenging and less busy routes.

Here are some more photos from this ride.

We also plotted out a loop ride for the next day. This route is just over 20km with 219 metres of climbing. It is also available on Strava.

It took in many of the interesting spots around Shimabara. Here are some photos from this bike route to whet your appetite.

Morning

Posted on by helenhmk

… and this was a fabulous breakfast for just over $10 (exchange rate has gone up in past few days). A real delight In Kumamoto.

… as a bonus the menu was in English. I would have chosen it from the pictures alone.

Kym found it on google last night.. it only does breakfasts. In Japan there are not many places you can find open for breakfast. It’s located opposite the railway station complex, and on the second floor – highlighting good things are around if you look (and thanks to google).

Christmas Markets…

Posted on by helenhmk

Everywhere.. and with continual Christmas music to match.… we. We checked out the Markets in Kumamoto… and we can hear at least 2-3 songs at the same time. We also had the mulled hot wine.. what else are you going to do when it’s under 10 degrees..?

Watching leaves

Posted on by helenhmk

While we move closer to Tokyo (and then end of the holiday), the temperature is certainly getting colder.

We got to Kumamoto earlier thanks to an earlier ferry ride, and 13km from the port to the city.

Before going to the castle we stopped off at Kitaoka Nature Park… which had plenty of autumn leaves and bamboo forests for the two of us. I say that as there was only one other person in the whole park apart from us. I think autumn is my favourite season in Japan.. just the variety of colours in the leaves when the sun shines through… ah.

I stood there watching the leaves fall… with no other sounds apart from the birds and the leaves…. Ah Japan…

Another great day on the Brompton…

Posted on by helenhmk

Today was for wandering around Shimabara by bikes. We managed to cycle between 28-31km (depending on who’s Strava account you want to believe).

In addition to the castle we also came across

  • Relaxing time at old Japanese house and morning tea
  • Old Samurai warrior street
  • Location where the Castella cake is made (Kym bought $5 bargain pack – who needs fancy packaging..)
  • Shimabara library
  • Views of the mountains surrounding Shimabara
  • Buried houses from the eruption in 1990
  • Statue for Samurai Blue (Japan soccer team)
  • Sea wall
  • Cat cake shop

The morning was a little warmer than yesterday- but around 2pm it began to get colder.

Kym designed the route before we left the hotel this morning… but it is interesting what you find that is unplanned. Here is what the route looked like:

Due to the mountains, it is a hilly area… so yes there were more hills in today’s ride.

How’s the weather?

Posted on by helenhmk

It’s getting a little cold – as you can see by the temperature for today.

We will be visiting the Shimabara Castle…. and seeing other local sites…in a 20km loop ride around the town.

Started the day off well with breakfast.

Local trains…

Posted on by helenhmk

Morning..! Today we are taking a ride in a third sector railway – a very local train with one carriage…. getting off at Kobe (different to what you are thinking).

Once we get to Kobe we will be cycling to Shimabara.