The Kanto Region
The Kanto Region includes the cities of Tokyo,
Yokohama, and Kawasaki, where we live. For
this reason, all of our short-range touring
is in this area. Luckily, There are several
choice touring spots in easy distaｎce of
the bustling capital.
The Izu Peninsula
2000.6.6 Golden Week trip to Izu.
The Izu peninsula is a popular vacation spot
with several famous onsen and features the spectacular Izu Skyline
toll road that runs down the middle of the
peninsula with views of Mt. Fuji and the
Pacific Ocean.
Route 59
Nishina Pass
Shuzenji Onsen is a resort town so old that
it was frequented by the Tokugawa Shoguns.
The Tokko-no-yu bath is carved out of a boulder
in the middle of the river at the source
of the spring. Not terribly private, but
very hot and relaxing.
Kurone Iwaburo at Hokkawa Onsen is built
in the rocks on the shore of the Pacific.
Painted on one of the rocks in the bath is
the unlikely catch copy "the bath you
soak in while looking at America." Our
eyesight isn't quite that good, but the sound
of the waves crashing around as you relax
in the hot bath is quite soothing.
Boso Peninsula
On the other side of Tokyo is Chiba's Boso
peninsula. This has some amazing riding such
as the Boso Skyline and some great beaches.
Boso is also the site of one of Kanto's only
rider houses, Papasunchi, owned by veteran rider Papa-san. It is
being built by the voluntary efforts of a
bunch of Kanto area riders.
The Five Lakes of Fuji
Mt. Fuji is ringed by five major lakes, Yamanaka-ko,
Kawaguchi-ko, Saiko, Motosu-ko, and Shojin-ko.
There are several good campgrounds in the
area, our favorite being the Saiko Lakeside
campground, which has a good take-out curry
shop within walking distance.
Something we often discover when we get home
and develop our pictures is that while Fuji
is often clearly visible and always breathtaking,
it rarely shows up in pictures.
Nikko
Nikko is historically important for many
famous temples and shrines, including Toshogu,
which commemorates the first Tokugawa Shogun,
Ieyasu, but the beauty of the surrounding
mountains, especially the famous Kegon no
Taki Waterfall and Iroha slope, famous for
flamboyant autumn colors, makes it a worthwhile
destination even if history leaves you cold.
Lake Chuzenji has a great campground.
Kawaji onsen is not only is mixed bathing,
but is also in full view from across the
river.
(Not that this stopped us. In fact, we recommend
the place.)
Sado-ga-shima
Sado Island doesn't really belong in this
section, since it's located in the Japan
Sea, but we didn't want to leave it out as
it is exquisite. Accessible by ferry from
Niigata, this island has a dramatic landscape
and a laid-back populace, most of whom live
in quiet fishing villages. The sushi is fresh
and delicious.
The cherry trees bloom late in Sado, so we
had the pleasure of riding through windblown
cherry petals during our Golden Week trip.
