On the second day of our ride exploring Wakayama’s sea and mountains, we chose an early departure at 6:30 a.m., taking into account the ferry schedule for our return trip. It was a ride to be enjoyed only during the cool morning hours before the sun unleashed its full intensity. In contrast to the deep greens of Day 1, today awaited an encounter with Wakayama’s proud azure seascapes. Text_Ryuji IsePhoto_Tatz Shimizu Day 2: Spectacular Coastal Route — Along the Ria Coastline and to the White Limestone Cliffs Route OverviewStarting Point: Haman no IeRoute: Head north along the coastline toward Shirasaki → descend inland southward toward Mihama Town → Kii Hinomisaki Lighthouse → follow the coas […]

Hello, this is Ontama Negitoro.This time, I rode the Saba Kaido from Kyoto with my father, who’s now in his 50s.My love for cycling probably comes from the “early training” I received from him—he’s a cyclist himself.The Saba Kaido is one of the routes we used to ride together several times when I was in elementary school.Thinking back, we rode pretty far for a kid, didn’t we?This time, we made the trip again as a parent-child ride, heading all the way to Wakasa Bay in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, for some mackerel! Table of Contents 1. What is the Saba Kaido?2. Accessing the Saba Kaido (From Kyoto)3. Crossing the Oldest Saba Kaido Route: Harihatagoe4. Remnants of Spring Snow5. To Kumagawa-juku: […]

Hello, I’m Ontama Negitoro.This time, I’d like to introduce a short cycling trip to the “Town of Shinobi” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, a place famous for ninjas. When asked about famous historical spots in the Kansai region, most people would mention the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The “Town of Shinobi” is located along the route connecting these historic cities and major urban centers like Osaka to Mie Prefecture, home to the Ise Grand Shrine. Quite fitting for a place known for its stealth, don’t you think? Table of Contents 1. Onto the Iga Kaido, Where Ninjas Once Raced Through2. A Castle Fit for a Shinobi – Admiring Hakuho Castle3. That’s a Ninja House!4. […]