To Izumi via the Island of Nagashima, small but mighty
Izumi, host to almost 12,000 migrating cranes
Minshuku Tomikawa has provided us with a wonderful experience. The building itself is lovely and thoughtfully designed - this combined with the people who own and run the Minshuku and you know you have found a good place to stay. Like many Japanese Inns, it is not available on the usual sites like Booking or Hotels. Our strategy is to find a place like this on Google maps where we can get the info we need and get in touch or drop by. Since we checked in without notice, we couldn’t have meals, but it sure looked good and included a grill at each table for breakfast.
She seemed to like the feeling of the trike. When she sat down, her ahhh of surprise showed that she enjoyed the comfort of Azub’s new Dream Seat and then she laughed as she couldn’t reach Barry’s pedals.
As we were leaving, Keiko asked where we were headed. We said Izumi at which she looked very concerned. She told us that the small Island Nagashima, which is where we start our ride off the ferry is only hills and big ones! We reassured her we would be fine. We’re committed now.
The figure in this statue is one we see often in this area. Ushibuka Haiyabushi is a folk song born in this town in the latter half of the Edo period. It is said that this folk song spread throughout Japan by sailors from this port. A dance has been added to the folk song. At the beginning women sang to entertain sailors and the hand raised in the statue signifies this.
We recall a festival we attended in Sapporo on Hokkaido in the spring. Groups of dancers, singers and musicians from communities all over Japan attended and competed through the streets of Sapporo. We think the theme of this festival is connected to Ushibuka Haiyabushi.
Women sorting and preparing fish. This is a common sight along the harbour.
Loading the ferry. The workers are very engaged and precise with one fellow directing traffic with a whistle in his mouth. Very fast and efficient loading.
The Ishibuka Haiyabushi bridge, designed by the Italian architect Lorenzo Piano, it has an impressive design. It is almost 1 km long and is designed to harmonize with the natural scenery. The bridge features wind shields resembling fish scales and at night it is illuminated in multi colours andis the primary sightseeing spot in Ushibuka. This bridge takes you to a town isolated by a bay and the next island. ..and yes, it has dedicated cycling lanes. The sides of the bridge have a down sweep which protects cyclists from the wind.
Kumamon welcomes us aboard. This mascot has become the most popular mascot in Japan and in 2 years, his image has generated 1.2 billion US dollars in revenue which supports this region
Okay, it’s official. Nagashima will be remembered as more than an island of hills - it is also a place of beautiful flowers, art pieces, outstanding views, great food and welcoming people.
Another creature made of dried Japanese spruce in front a produce business. We think there must be a contest or a public desire for these creations. Very effective.
Meet Splat, a lovely praying mantis that Barry got to know. Unfortunately Splat didn’t look both when crossing the road….well that’s the end of the story.
Another creation, this time a truck made of bamboo. A funny thing, there are no bathrooms and we thought this lookout with some bushes would be just the spot. Well, that is until a camping van pulled up…and then out came the retriever. We will have to find another spot…yikes.
Could it get any better? Well yes, it did when this golden retriever joined us with his family at the lookout. We both love animals and have a particular fondness for this breed due to Mochi at home on Saltspring Island.
This small island, 10 miles long and 7 miles across is full of interesting, beautiful places. It is small but mighty with hills, flowers, art and it gave us an extraordinary time. We will not forget this gem.
We are now entering Kagoshima prefecture and a Michi-no-eki greets us.
