fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Races and Events
      • fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Pedals to Petals

The Bible for any bike trip in Japan is the guidebook “Touring Wave” by Shobunsha Publications. With detailed info on hot springs, campgrounds and roadways, this treasure chest of touring info allows you to enjoy exploring the unknown with just a map in your hand.

Miho, my trusty sidekick, and I had turned to the page describing the route from Kagoshima to Kumamoto and had run across the description of Tsunagi Hot Springs having “views from the outdoor baths of the Shiranuikai Sea.”

Our trip thus far had provided daily sightings of the cherry blossoms in bloom; however, upon landing on Kyushu we found the buds still hardened themselves against cold gusts of wind. The flickering of hibernating flower petals would soon herald the awakening of spring.

We put power to the pedals and pushed on with thoughts of Tsunagi’s ocean scenery and hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in our minds.

Unfortunately, as we approached the hot spring no lights welcomed our arrival; the onsen was closed for the day. It’s bound to happen when traveling by map, and we had almost given up on our stay at Tsunagi when one of the cleaning ladies passed by.

The sight of two sweat-drenched bikers stopped her in her tracks and, with no small amount of pity, she offered, “If it’s just a shower, I can let you in.” We took her up on her hospitality and washed in the empty bathhouse. Then we came upon a suitable grove of cherry trees behind a nearby souvenir shop.

spirit of silence

The grass we found was perfect for hanami, and with the kind permission from the shop owners, we pitched our tent in front of the trees.

Of course, to enjoy hanami properly you’ve got to have something to drink, so we raced over the hill in search of a liquor store. The hospitable store owner threw in some towels emblazoned with the store name as thanks for the copious amounts of beer we bought.

As we made our way back to camp, the sun was slowly passing below the horizon and, upon arriving at the cherry trees, we were delighted to see them lit up for the evening. A quaint and aged stone bridge nearby arched across the cobblestone riverbed, the scene glowing in the orange lights. 

An image of a scholar from the Meiji Era dressed in his hakama (Japanese formal attire for men) walking across the bridge came to mind as if it were a picture in sepia tones—truly a magical scene.

Our private hanami was possible because the hot spring was closed for the day. Although we were not able to enjoy the soothing baths, the kindness of many townspeople marked the day. As the beer began to take affect, we climbed into the tent and gazed at the silhouettes of flower petals as they danced upon the tent.

Surrounded by these enormous cherry trees, we thought about how we were gazing on the same sakura as many generations before us as we drifted off into the world of dreams.

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Categories