Sakura Ride to The Kintai Bridge

I took a ride to The Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni last week to see cherry blossom.

I used to be a houseplant,but I am going out everyday now after finishing my job because I got a bike last week. Kawasaki Ninja250R

I still could see beautiful Sakura even it was said that sakura is overblown.


Sunset view


Iwakuni castle




I went to gas station for the first as a rider. It was much easier than I had expected because I thought I was gonna slip while I fill up gas with the worst case scenario.

Taking a ride along coastline made me so excited in Kure bay area. Also there is a express way from Hiroshima to Kure called "Kurea line", and express way fee is free for now due to pilot program. Of course I got on that express way, but... I passed the exit to be exempted from express fee, so finally I had to pay 300 yen at Ozu exit... yup now I know where exit to get off at for free of charge!
Make sure you get off at Niho exit!!

Running Distance at this Ride:100km
Fuel Consumption 27.5km/l
Total Running Distance 399km

I plan go home(Fukuoka) by bike which is 250km away from Hiroshima. seems not tough for experienced riders, but for me it feels like going abroad! I am in training now to ride further distance little by little.

An awesome night, cormorant fishing!

I went to Kintaikyo (Kintai bridge) in Iwakuni with my family on farther's day last week.
It was the first time I saw cormorant fishing up close.

Before the cormorant fishing, we went to a famous Japanese restaurant "Sanzoku".
It is about an hour drive from Hiroshima and only 10-15 minuets drive from Kintaikyo.

The restaurant was decorated in traditional Tanabata flags. They are so beautiful!!

After a lovely dinner, we were ready for the great night.

But when we arrived at Kintaikyo, the staff at the reception asked us to buy an Obentou (lunch box) for dinner. We have already eaten, which was a shame because it looked really good!!
We didn't have Obentou but I reccommend you to buy an Obentou there or you have the option of bringing your own obentou, but will have to take your rubbish away with you after.

On the tour we stopped in front of Kintaikyo for around 30 minuets. Perfect to have some food and a few beers on the boat if you bring them.
The young man who was punting the boat along looked very new and we thought he had not earned his traditional outfit, because of the bright colorful shorts he was wearing. We hope he keeps his job and passes on their ancient tradition to the next generation.

When right fell the fishing began. The boat was led by fire light and 8 birds were working busily to catch anything that moved.
You could see the birds swimming underwater.

It really was a wonderful sight. And a terrific evening!

After the tour finished and we were back on dry land, the birds line up on the gunwale of the boat and dry their wings. Perfect for a few pictures.

Well done guys!!

Thank you for your work!!

SAKURA sakura SAKURA

Cherry blossoms are starting to bloom all over Hiroshima!!
Yesterday I went " Hanami " which means cherry blossom viewing
to CHU PEA park and KINTAI KYO(Iwakuni).

CHU PEA park is near Miyajima. You get off at the next station
after Miyajima, and it's about 10 min walk.
They have many types of cherry blossoms.

Actually, it wasn't fully bloomed.
But it was still beautiful.

This is a hanging cherry blossom. The whole picture of the hanging
cherry blossom is the first picture at the top.

After visiting this park, I went to Kintai-kyo in Iwakuni.
This place one of the major viewing spots in Japan.
Iwakuni is also a very nice place for a day trip.
Very easy access from Hana Hostel.

Please don't miss this beautiful season for cherry blossoms!