Another lovely day in Alpine Japan. More gentle climbs today, though good heights were gained. The valley floor has Japan’s prettiest villages the sign reads. How judged I wonder? The surrounding ridges have more peaks than you can count.
Lots of workers out working their small holdings contrast with logging factories.
Roads are quiet but you can tell we are approaching a more populous area. Motorbikes compete with the chattering of the cicadas as they fire up their tymbal organ.
We also passed a sight of what looked like a large trebuchet. Read later it’s a 1200 year old festival involving large logs at a shrine and going down the hill side. Like cheese rolling I suppose.
As we approach our destination, a small hotel complex, it feels very Western – or maybe we’ve introduced Japanese species.
Nice day, apart from for one rider who had a pothole tumble. All OK and on mend after a check-up. A reminder to us all.
Travelling reflections 