Tommy (from Penang) Rides in Japan

1. Taken at Odawara Castle

This castle is located only 33 min by Bullet Train from Tokyo station. This was our first place to visit after the arrival at Tokyo Haneda airport. We arrived at Haneda at 23.00 hours. After few hours napping at airport, we started off towards Odawara by normal train. It took 1 hour and 25 minutes. Eight out of nine friends are first time to visit Japan so Japanese castle seems to be very exciting for all. When we reached Odawara, it was the day for the classic car exhibition so you may surprised to see so many classic cars even in Japan.

At the Castle

2. Hakone ride with foldies

We decided to go with foldies except one friend, because it is so easy to pack and unpack whenever we take a train or monorail in Tokyo. However, I found it is not so easy and comfortable to go for a long ride. One of our longest ride was 72 km per day, so many up hill and down hill.

Riding in Hakone

With Our Foldies

3. Odawara station starting point

8 am.  After having a breakfast at station, we all are ready to go with full engine.

Odawara Station

4. Hokona Yumoto - Dinner at Hotel

It was one of the spots we all are looking forward to since we left Penang.

Sashimi, grilled fish, all kind of Japanese food were waiting for us. Of course Sake and Japanese beer as well.

Dinner at the Hotel

5. Japan Bicycle Tour Label

One of our friends made special T-shirts for this ride. In the centre on this label you may see, Captain Susumu. Since this t-shirts will be only one in the world, I bought 6 of them. Ha-ha.

Summary of this trip

We had nine riders altogether, from 43 years old to 72 years old including

two medical doctors and all of them are businessmen. Only I am retired.

Originally the idea of visiting Japan was to go in October 2013. However, it is too long and cannot wait so we decided to make it this year.

All wanted to enjoy Onsen Hot Springs taking bath naked, Genuine Sasimi and all kind of Japanese food. I was a caption as well as a tour guide so very busy to look after all. But enjoy our first experience. Just for your information the route we took was the one I have riden as a solo rider at the age of 20, so it was for me a kind of sentimental journey.

The second day was a bad weather day, heavy rain and wind. We cross over the hill which is about 800 meter sea level. We all struggled to complete the ride. The distance was only 30 km but an unforgettable ride for all.

The third day was the longest riding day, 72 km.  However, we were all encouraged to complete this ride. The dinner at Shimoda, Chinese dinner which all were missing and were so happy with Japanese style Chinese meal.

Every day after the dinner we all enjoyed Onsen Hot Springs. As you know when we take a hot spring, we just jump in without any clothes, very exciting moment.

That is all about our Japanese Bicycle Tour

Submitted by:

Tommy (Susumu)

Note: A very interesting account of your cycling trip in Japan, Tommy. It is great to have some reports from our cycling members who live overseas and cycle in another part of the world. We look forward to your return to Bribie Island in April next year when we will be interested to learn of your experiences first hand.