Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I went on a camping tour from Tokyo to Minami-Awa Sunline Mobile in Tokushima Prefecture on the Harley-Davidson FLSB Sports Glide. In this article, I would like to introduce the details of that trip. If you are interested in camping touring in Shikoku and Tokushima Prefecture, please use this as a reference.
We departed from Tokyo at 9pm. First, use the lower path and head west. On the way, I stopped at a convenience store in Yamanashi Prefecture and took a break.
As we entered Yamanashi Prefecture, we could see Mt. Fuji, but since it was midnight, we were not able to see its magnificent sight this time. Mt. Fuji, as you know, is Japan’s tallest mountain and is also registered as a World Heritage Site. From the fifth station, which passes through the Mt. Fuji skyline, you can see a sea of clouds and a distant lake, and be moved by the magnificent nature.
Fuji Skyline is a popular road for bikers, with its curves and views. However, please note that this is a toll road.
Leaving Yamanashi behind, we headed south to Shizuoka.
Nagoya – Mie Prefecture
Via Shizuoka, ride your bike west on the lower road to Nagoya.
Nagoya is famous for sightseeing spots such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, as well as local gourmet food such as miso cutlet and chicken wings.
Dishes made with local chicken called Nagoya Cochin are also delicious. Nagoya Cochin is characterized by its tender meat, concentrated flavor, and strong umami flavor.
Once you enter Mie Prefecture, you can experience nature and history such as Ise Grand Shrine and Ise-Shima National Park. Ise Jingu is Japan’s oldest shrine and is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. The inner and outer shrines are approximately 6 kilometers apart. After visiting the shrine, you can enjoy souvenirs and meals at Okage Yokocho, an old-fashioned shopping street.
On my way from Mie Prefecture to Kyoto, I crossed the Biwako Ohashi Bridge. The Biwako Ohashi Bridge is Japan’s longest land bridge, crossing the northern tip of Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake, and is rich in waterfowl, fish, and other creatures. From the Biwako Ohashi Bridge, you can see the blue water of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains, which is very pleasant.
In Kyoto, you can enjoy visiting famous temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji. Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, and many cultural assets and traditions remain. I was particularly impressed by the view from the Kiyomizu-dera stage. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is built on a hill, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto city and the mountains in the distance. The stage is supported by pillars 13 meters high, and legend has it that if you jump off the stage your wish will come true.
After arriving in Osaka via Kyoto, we rode around to see the symbols such as Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku. Osaka is Japan’s commercial city, full of vibrancy and individuality. I took a break and ate Osaka’s famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Takoyaki is a round piece of flour dough filled with octopus, green onions, etc., then grilled and seasoned with sauce or mayonnaise. Okonomiyaki is a flour batter filled with cabbage, meat, etc., then grilled flat and seasoned with sauce or mayonnaise. Both were hot, juicy and delicious.
Akashi – Awaji Island
I stopped by Kobe on my way from Osaka to Akashi. Kobe is one of Japan’s leading port cities, with an exotic and fashionable atmosphere. It is famous for dishes made with high-quality beef called Kobe beef. Kobe beef has beautifully marbled meat, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a sweet taste. You can enjoy it with steak, sukiyaki, etc.
When we arrived at Akashi, we crossed the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and entered Awaji Island. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is Japan’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Honshu and Shikoku. From the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, you can see the tidal currents of the Akashi Kaikyo and the surrounding islands, which is spectacular. Awaji Island is Japan’s largest remote island, rich in nature and history. There is also a park called Awaji Island National Akashi Kaikyo Park where you can enjoy flowers and animals.
Tokushima Prefecture Minamiawa Sunline Mobile
After entering Tokushima Prefecture from Awaji Island, we crossed the Naruto Kaikyo Bridge. The Naruto Strait Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Awaji Island and Tokushima Prefecture, and you can see the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. The Naruto Strait is surrounded by the sea and mountains, where one of the world’s largest whirlpools occurs, and Minami-Awa Sunline Mobile is a cottage and campsite where you can relax with nature.
Tokushima Prefecture is famous for its agricultural products such as Sudachi and Naruto Kintoki. Sudachi is a citrus fruit with a strong sour taste and aroma, and is used in cooking and drinks. Naruto Kintoki is a sweet and flaky sweet potato that is used in sweets and dishes. Other attractions of Tokushima Prefecture include high-quality meat such as Awa chicken and Awa beef, and traditional culture such as Awa washi paper and Awa dance.
Minami-Awa Sunline Mobile has a fully equipped parking lot, so there is no problem parking your motorcycle.
Those traveling by motorcycle can stay with peace of mind. I stayed overnight using the camping equipment I brought from Kanto. Minami-Awa Sunline Mobile has good access to all parts of Shikoku, and I think it’s a great base camp.
We hope this article will be helpful to those who are going on a tour from Kanto to Shikoku and Tokushima Prefecture.
