Saturday 15^th April 2017

Kokura to Hiroshima  (246 kms)

This morning we left behind Kyushu, the most southern island, and travelled over the large suspension bridge to Honshu. Only one Regularity today and we had to drive 148kms, mostly by Expressway, to get to the starting point.

This Regularity was interesting for the change in speeds over a short distance. Starting at 42kph, changing down to 35kph then 32kph. There was confusion at the start as there were two marshalls at the designated start point who said the actual start was “further on” and to follow the roadbook. Several cars turned back after about 3kms thinking they missed a self-start. Turning back was an achievement in itself as the road was narrow with overgrown sections. The area also had quarries and gravel trucks. The truck drivers were very polite and waited patiently for the rally cars to move on.

At lunchtime we arrived at Iwacuni for a visit to the beautiful 5-arched bridge. We were here six days ago and the cherry blossoms are now falling and green leaves appearing. 

On our arrival there were men dressed as samurais, welcoming us to the bridge.

For lunch we sat on our haunches and ate from Bento boxes- bits of fish, omelette, pickled vegetables etc.

We had to be at the hotel by 3pm as we were going out for a dinner cruise to the island of Miyajima, famous for the tori gate built on tidal sands and the orange structure forms the iconic image of Miyajima. Unfortunately it was raining but the boat supplied umbrellas and we were able to walk to the tori. People throw coins up to the cross beams for good luck or wedge them in the lower columns. Deer also wander about and they are considered messengers of the gods.

On the boat we had an origami lesson and made paper cranes to deposit in the Peace Park tomorrow as symbols of peace and hope.