Tuesday 18^th April, 2017

Miyazu to Kyoto  (232 kms)

A fine morning so no need for the bimani.

We drove along the coast and it was interesting to see deserted houses and restaurants. It seems once the nearby motorway went through, many of the fishing villages lost their through trade. Near one fishing port there were a large number of warships and naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier.

The first Regularity, about 50kms from town, was interesting. About 3kms into it we came across a policeman who used his red baton to flag us down. We stopped and he came over to the car. He told us twice that the roads were dangerous and to drive slowly. Just after this incident (apparently he stopped many of the rally cars) we came around a corner and the mechanics’ truck blocked our view of the control as they were parked immediately behind the control car and we thought they were helping a rally car. We didn’t see it until we had passed it. Reversed back quickly!

Next we drove 60kms to the village of Kayabukino-Sato, famous for its thatched roofed houses and traditional crafts. Drove slowly around, took photographs then headed for lunch about 3kms further on.

Parked in the village carpark was a vintage Alfa Romeo, owned by a local, looked to be 1920's and original condition. On its radiator it had a scorpion.

We had a very nice traditional Japanese lunch taking off our shoes as we entered the restaurant and seated ourselves at the low tables. 

The cherry blossoms are falling here and they created a snow like vision as they fell on to the bonnets of cars.

On the way to the next Regularity we spotted a very large racoon. He was on the side of the road and as we approached he ran up the hill. Throughout this trip we have noticed signs on the roads indicating that racoons are about. Many houses have large ceramic or plastic racoons at their front doors.

Regularity two was about eight kms and average speed started at 45kph, then down to 38kph and then up to 40kph.

Regularity three was on narrow roads with overhanging trees, low kerbs, narrow bridges, hair pin bends, moss on all the stone walls and wet leaves on parts of the road. This one was only about 4kms long. Average speed started at 38kph, down to 36kph, then to 34kph. The Armco along this stretch had seen better days, with lots of damaged parts where cars/trucks had failed to take the corners.

Coming into Kyoto we had permission for the cars to park in the inner grounds of the Heian Shrine for a blessing from the priest (for safe travel) and a group photograph. It was the quickest blessing received to date! From the shrine to the hotel the cars drove through the bright orange tori gate.

A special dinner tonight in the Gion district where Geishas (or apprentice maikos) served and entertained us – seated on tatami mats at low tables. Their role was to serve, entertain and converse with us. Several of them entered the Geisha house at the age of sixteen. If they marry, they cannot continue as a geisha.