A ferry ride to Chiba Peninsula - a beautiful ride - Six Wheels Through Japan - Osaka To Sendai and Hokkaido - Part 4 - CycleBlaze

A ferry ride to Chiba Peninsula - a beautiful ride

Yokosuka to Minamiboso

Today is going to be fun. A few km from where we are staying, we will be taking  a ferry from Kurihama in Kanagawa Prefecture to Kanawaya Port in Chiba Prefecture. Whew! Try keeping those names straight.  We are looking forward to exploring Chiba as we have read about its beauty.  We will stay tonight at a Grand Mercure hotel  which is located on high near Minamiboso, a 2 km climb with great views. We really like Mercure Hotels. We are able to take advantage of the age of their hotels which greatly reduces the price. This one has just been fully renovated, has an incredible Onsen and free snacks and beverages in the afternoon and evening.  A holiday within a holiday.

Our hospitable hosts in Yokosuka, a really lovely young couple.
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We look pretty keen, first in line for bikes and motorbikes.
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It’s kind of funny. At home we live on an island where ferries are a necessity and at times it is a love/hate relationship. However, when we are travelling, we love taking a ferry. It expands the adventure!
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The crew welcome us aboard like we are special visitors, ushering us to our spot and securing our trikes. Unlike at home, they want us to ride our trikes onto the ferry.
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Ferry food for a 40 minute crossing.
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We have learned that Japanese people really love to eat and they certainly seemed to appreciate the ferry food.
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The interior of the ferry.
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Pets are welcomed onboard and in the lounges. The only restriction is that they must be contained in a kennel or bag when above the car deck. These dogs are on the open air deck so they are allowed a bit more freedom.
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It is a blustery day and we are on our way.
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A large freighter in the bay being directed by a pilot boat
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The food area has lots of choices.
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We have landed in Kanawaya Port. Welcome to Chiba Prefecture. We liked the art representing local culture on the stone walls along the road. The ferry ride has saved us a day of riding.
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This is the ferry we took. The ferry has had a dramatic refurbishment having been painted in these bold, striking colours. It is quite dramatic.
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We met this fellow on the ferry. He is from Australia loves to tour by motorcycle. He rents a motorcycle and takes a week to explore. Off he goes on his deluxe Ducati motorcycle.
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We are already in love with Chiba. The scenery is stunning and so lush. We liked this tunnel which is quite attractive with the painted flowers and nature taking over.
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Fishing boats lined up along the road.
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We try, we really do…but we have trouble mastering selfies. This was our only successful attempt.
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Fishing is the number one business and pastime along this coast. This fish art piece by the road fits in to what we are seeing.
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Not sure why, but this turquoise colour is very popular here on the fishing boats.
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Karen PoretSea likeness, perhaps?
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4 weeks ago
Sorting the fish from today’s catch.
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The local fishermen’s boats are lined up.along the shore by this village.
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The verdant, lush hills are a dramatic backdrop for the ocean and the coastline.
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A different kind of tunnel. Liked the message to share the space: pedestrians, cyclists and cars. Like so much of where we have ridden on this trips, the hills are big and steep. We are grateful when tunnels ease our way.
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A public Onsen….the red sign with an oval shape and three curved vertical lines tells you that an Onsen is there.
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Everyday, where ever we have been, we see beautiful greenery and flowers alongside the road. The next few photos show some of what we have seen.

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Bill ShaneyfeltMaybe candelabra Aloe
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81518-Aloe-arborescens
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4 weeks ago
Karen PoretTo Bill ShaneyfeltThanks, Bill, as I was suggesting “torch aloe”..
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4 weeks ago
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Karen PoretFreesia, Bill?
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4 weeks ago
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A local favourite fruit is the Loquat (also known as the Biwa) which is in season. We are so lucky to be here for that. We’ve eaten them in jelly and candy. They resemble an apricot and have a large pit and they are delicious.
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Karen PoretHow interesting of your entry for a loquat today, as it was featured on the front page of the San Jose Mercury News about its popularity with the Asian people. :)
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4 weeks ago
Barry BartlettIsn’t that so often the way….we were given a jello dessert with a whole loquat in it. We had no idea what we were eating and now we see it everywhere.
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2 weeks ago
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Just in case we forget we are in Japan…we did like this sign.
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Barry, 2 cars and a motorcycle in one little tunnel…should work, right? Note the blue painted arrows on the road. These are along the Pacific Coast Cycle Route.
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This tunnel is quite beautiful in how it is built into nature and how nature is growing and reclaiming the space.
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We have checked in to Grand Mercure, a pet friendly hotel. Loved this long haired daschund and his soulful eyes.
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Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles)
Total: 1,097 km (681 miles)

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