The post recounts a cycling tour in Japan, highlighting the experiences of both cyclists and a support driver. It describes the journey through Hiroshima and Kure, the challenges of accommodation, and nostalgic insights into Japan’s hospitality. The support driver shares reflections on the role, emphasizing the balance between work and leisure.
AI was used in the research of the factual content used below with subsequent editing.
- A Winding Coastal Road
- A Glimpse Into the Hotels of the Past
- Thoughts on Being the Support Driver
- Never Plan to Drive Back to the Same Spot
While the first part of the cycling tour allowed a hub and spoke approach, that last days were spent packing, riding/driving, and unpacking for a few days. Hiroshima and Kure were two of these single day days (see Heading to Hiroshima, and A Rabbit Kure for Militarism). The end of the tour was spent in a ‘traditional’ hotel. As well thoughts on supporting such a ride.
A Winding Coastal Road
A small mystery was solved involving curve-ahead signs. Many included lettering such as “R = 180M”. This was the radius of the curve and it warned drivers about exactly how sharp the upcoming bend was. The smaller the number, the tighter the corner.
Detail of one of the demons in the shrine, 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
Boats within the breakwater, 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
One of the many shrines dotting the road and maintained by locals, 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
The serene buddha watching over the coast road, 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
Statues in a small coastal town, the reason for their existence is hard to determine, 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
Four jolly buddhas atop of old school lockers, found in a hoarder’s yard filled with amazing treasures (and junk), 2026-04-13, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. Small sailing and fishing boats moored along the coastal road, 2026-04-12, Coastal Drive from Kure, P. Potter. 
A sunken boat no longer responding to the tide’s commands, 2026-04-14, Rabbit Island, P. Potter.
A Glimpse Into the Hotels of the Past
One of the challenges for the organizers was finding enough hotel rooms to accommodate 15 people. In some cases, the pickings were a bit slim, such as our stay at an establishment called the Tabist.
Someone put a lot of money into the building decades ago… but not so much since then. It was also was a glimpse of Japanese hotels from long ago. For example, sleeping was on futons and bathing was via a men’s and ladies’ public bath (technically a ‘sento’ as an onsen is the one using natural mineral hot‑spring water).
Despite the threadbare furnishings, the hosts were hospitable and friendly and views from the balcony stunning. An experience and a glimpse into Japan’s tourism past from 40 or more years ago.
Thoughts on Being the Support Driver
As discussed in the first blog of this series, Getting to Japan on a Suggestion, I had not given too much thought to exactly what is involved in driving a support vehicle. Other demands on my time precluded much deep thought and the fact that it was an interesting challenge.
Fly to Japan, learn to drive a right-hand vehicle, navigate without a knowledge of the language… what could possibly go wrong? In the end, nothing. In fact, the two weeks driving was more meditative than exciting, service focused, and time consuming.
The driver needs to be at the van before anyone else and the last one to leave after the bags are picked up. No complaints or lamentations, just a better understanding the being driver means enjoying a ‘working holiday’. Would I drive again for another tour? For the right location, circumstances, and group, absolutely.
Never Plan to Drive Back to the Same Spot
The one thing for me to remember is that a future, similar activity will never be exactly this experience. The hard work of the organizers (Danielle and Anne Marie), the incredible location, the unique vibrancy of this year’s cherry blossoms, and the luck of good weather may never again be recreated.
Another aspect that is neigh on impossible to recreate are the individuals who made up the group. All were excellent riders, but more important exceptional humans. They were willing to contribute to the ride’s success, share a laugh afterwards, and welcome strangers into their circle of friends.
Thank you Shimanami-Kaido group for being a great group, see you next trip!
YEG Ville 