It’s gotten cold all of a sudden, hasn't it? It’s so freezing in the mornings that it’s been tough to get an early start. I'm glad I played it safe and brought along a few winter items.
When I visited the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter on the fifth day, it was raining. The severe cold and bad weather were tough, but that’s all part of traveling. Kurashiki in the rain actually had quite a charming, atmospheric feel to it.
In times like these, a Cleverhood cape really comes in handy while traveling and sightseeing. It’s a huge relief to have.
I kept riding along the coast and headed to Onomichi. It’s a town used as the setting for numerous famous films. With all the long-standing izakayas and snack bars, it really felt like stepping back into the Showa era.
Although I couldn't get any good photos of the Shimanami Kaido due to the rain on the fifth day, I was able to enjoy the superb views of the Seto Inland Sea while riding on the sunny sixth day on my way to Takehara City. I couldn't help but stop over and over again to take pictures. (laughs)
From there, I visited the preservation district for groups of traditional buildings in Takehara City. Buildings dating from the mid-Edo period to the Meiji era remain here. It seems to be a popular tourist spot.
Coastal towns are full of places where old buildings and culture are preserved.
I really feel that the speed of a bicycle is the best way to leisurely explore such towns while sightseeing.
I also managed to enjoy the "usual" highlights.
And then, about three hours from Takehara City, I reached the center of Hiroshima City.
When I arrived looking for a beer and a light meal to wrap up the day, there were so many restaurants that I, being indecisive, didn't know what to choose.
That was when a staff member at Le Jyan Jyan, a wine bar in Fukuromachi, Naka Ward, kindly called out to me, despite me looking every bit the suspicious traveler.
They asked where I was from, and when I started telling them about my trip and my own shop, they listened so intently. I felt happy, and before I knew it, I had walked inside and ordered pasta and a beer. She was beautiful, too... (laughs) And the food was delicious.
I don't just eat at these places; I try hard to introduce myself, wanting to share about the shop we run and my travels, even if the place is far from Nagoya. I’ve come to realize that on a journey, you have to be open yourself, or the people you meet won't open up to you either.
That was how I wrapped up a wonderful day. If you go to Hiroshima, definitely check out Le Jyan Jyan. I highly recommend it.
In search of encounters yet to come, my journey continues.