Introduction: I gave my girlfriend a choice; ocean or mountain? and she picked ocean so we decided to go to the ocean where we have never been together.
I woke up around 6:00am, began with stretching and packed all items for the trip. Loaded my bike and other gears into my car then headed out around 8:15am to pick up my girlfriend. We finished loading items, then headed out at 9:15am. It was under sunny weather and the temperature is picking up. I drive up to Fukiage IC at 9:19am and took a toll road toward west, changing the expressway at Nagoya West IC Loop 2 to head south at 9:25am. It was supposed to be a detour to avoid traffic jam from construction work near Nagashima IC but this path had an accident so there was a long line. I do not feel about the benefit of taking this route.
After joining into Isewangan Expressway at 9:45am, it's time to catch up. I drive to Kameyama on Shin-Meishin Expressway and joined back to Higashi-Meihan Expressway, continuing on Ise Expressway. The road get busy by the cars visiting Ise Shrine today near Ise Exit. At 11:40am, I have arrived the end of the expressway and proceeded toward Route 167 to Daiosaki, making a stop to buy lunch at a nearby convenience store around 1:00pm, I exited Route 260 at Daiozaki Entrance crossroad. Driving down slowly toward the parking. I paid 300 Yen around 1:30pm and walked to the Hachimansan Park. The view here was nice, we had bread, riceballs, and meatballs and croquette.
After lunch, we walked down the narrow street back where there are gift shops and pearl stores alongside. I geared up both bikes and we headed out.
It was windy but the weather was nice. We started late so coming back will be more like in the evening than early afternoon. Began riding the bike toward west. I thought crusing along the beachside was easy but it was tougher and rougher. We started from going up to the intersection then proceeded on Route 260 toward the tip of penensila. There were a couple of bridges along the way.
Maruyama Bridge
Pearl Bridge
Reached at Goza Shirahama at 3:20pm.
At Gozashirahara Beach
I wanted to take a different path to get back so we took Yuyake Pearl Road that lead us the south side. Coming back to the parking at 4:30pm. It was 30 minutes past the clsing time but the owner kept it open for us. Going back on the hilly road up to the major road, headed back to Ise city.
Uwan
My girlfriend wanted to have pork buns for snack, and the store to be closed at 6:00pm, so I had to hurry back to Ise. Taking the same road but with more traffic I can see. Arriving at the store at 5:40pm, dropping her off first while I look for the place to park my car. They only had two red beans buns left. She bought one and we shared. Now she wants to visit the store at opening tomorrow.
We then headed out to find a restaurant for the dinner. We found a chinese restaurant with very much nobody so considering the COVID, this is a good pick but my girlfriend did not like the plate she ordered.
Dinner was a chinese
Driving to the hotel, I parked my car and we walked to the front for check-in. Get the key, the bath is full and also the breakfast can only be availble from 8:00am. I guess it's during the holiday season so certain things I cannot help.
Stepping out from the hotel after carrying the belongins in the room around 8:00pm. The outside has no wind and ocean was very quiet. I turned on an LED lantan and we walked along the beach. The moon was shinig over hazy sky. There was a section where a store renting a booth for BBQ. I guess this is a way to avoid close contact, and had fun at outside in COVID era. Going to bed around 10:00pm.
Night view while walking along shore
I woke up around 5:00am, and stretched my body. We headed out again around 6:00am. We went to check out the famous Meotoiwa, wedded rock, located nearby.
Wedded Rocks
Wedded Rocks in a different view
I was not sure why the shrine was displaying the ropes, thinking it was a part of exhibit but soon we found signs about the replacing ceremony of the rope is going to be held today. So no wonder why the hotel is just so expensive. Coming back to the hotel around 7:40am and had breakfast from 8:00am. The dining is located at the top part of the hotel and I can see the nice view around the hotel.
We left the hotel atound 8:45am after packing because the meat bun place we missed yesterday was opening at 9:00am. Actually I wanted to leave early because the parking by the mountain trail I wanted to go is very small and likely to be filled very quick. We drove to the store and bought meat buns and other items then headed to the parking for Mt. Asama. There seems to be a way for visitors to approach but I just followed GPS and driving past the narrow road only local people use. When I get to the site, the parking was full but soon there was a couple driving out so I was able to secure my spot.
We geared up and began ascending from 9:30am, it was easier route than I expected, compare to other mountains. Passing a bridge that goes over former cablecar track, and reached the summit of Mt. Asama. The viewing point is a little far from there so we continued on paved road to a tourist stop and finally to the open area where I can see the ocean.
Remaining of old cable car track
It was a short walk and we find a bench with a good view, decided to eat our lunch just around noon.
Summit marker of Mt. Asama
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I can see the Cape Irago far away
Lunch
Leaving the summit, stopping at the gift shop at summit and found local beers, so we get some of them. Before leaving the area, we stopped at Ochinko Jizo and Kongoshoji Temple, and walking back to the parking.
Pond with many lillypads
We are back at the trailhead at 2:30pm.
We are done, so we geared up for the trip back home. I drive back to Ise IC to get on the expressway, because of the festival, only the entrance side is open. I passed the gate at 2:45pm and drive toward Nagoya with other cars. My girlfriend wanted to have a dinner with relatives so I drove careful and fast enough to make it on time, then just looking to the side and found her sleeping. Switching to Nagoya Expressway at 4:40pm, getting off at Fukiage IC. Dropping her off and her bike at 5:00pm, and I come home.
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