Trip 2 - Day 12 - Oboke to Awaji

After the rain of yesterday, we hoped and prayed for nice weather today. Thankfully we were not disappointed. When we opened our bleary eyes and peered out we were greeted with blue skies as far as the eye could see. Pure awesomeness!

Our plan was to ride out along route 32 to route 439 and visit the Nagoro Dolls Village and the Okiuya Nija Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, and then burn north up 439 to the Tokushima Expressway and thence to Awaji island. Unfortunately, today will be our last day on Shikoku!

Our route for the day

Starting out on route 32 and then continuing on route 439, we climbed from the Iya Valley back up into the mountains and back into the wilds of Shikoku that we've come to know and love. Yet again the scenery was spectacular, and we found ourselves stopping often to take photos.

Amazing scenery along route 32

First stop along route 439  was the Nagaro Dolls Village. This tiny village, existing in a single strip along route 439, has been suffering massive population loss in the last few decades due to death or families moving out of the area. A town local has taken it upon herself to populate the town with dolls to replace those that have departed.

Some of Nagoro's permanent residents

Just a little way along route 439 from Nagoro we then came to the Okiuya Nija Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge. This bridge (actually a pair of bridges) is one of only two vine bridges still remaining in the Iya valley that were built over 500 years ago. Although they are now strengthened with wire under the foot treads, these bridges are remarkable structures, and you can't help but marvel at their construction.

One of the two impressive vine bridges here.

The river valley over which the bridges pass is also very beautiful, with a crystal clear river running between huge boulders in a lush forest. We spent a good half an hour wandering around and taking in the natural beauty of the area.

The bridges are surrounded by the wild beauty of Shikoku

Soon it was time to make tracks, so we jumped back on the bikes and started the long trek up route 438 to the Tokushima expressway. Yet again the wilds of Shikoku were on show as 439 passed through soaring pine forests and small mountain villages built along swift flowing rivers. We rode fairly slowly, trying to soak in this last bit of wilderness before we arrived back in civilisation for good.

After stopping for lunch (more tonkatsu and tomato sauce wtf), at last we reached the freeway and twisted the throttle hard. In no time we'd reached the Onaruto bridge from Shikoku to Awaji island, and this time the day was absolutely perfect.

Riding over the Onaruto Bridge to Awaji island.

Once across the bridge we exited the expessway to try and get some more photos of the bridge, first from a freeway rest stop, and then riding right out to the end of the point next to the bridge to take photos. It was well worth the effort, and we got great views of the bridge.

Views of Onaruto bridge from various locations.

Now on Awaji island proper, we decided to make an impromptu detour to our original plans. Since our accomodations were on the east coast of the island about a third of the way up, we decided to ride there by traversing the coast, starting at the bridge.

As it happens this resulted in some very nice riding indeed, and although the coastline was not as rugged as those we'd seen in Shikoku and Kyushu, the sea air made a nice change to the expressway and was very relaxing.

Riding the south and east coats of Awaji island.

Just as we were nearing our accommodations, disaster struck. Richard was pinged by the local millicents for riding through an active pedestrian crossing.

Richard being booked by a 'Super-Cop'

With Richard having to accompany the diligent policeman back to the station, I stayed at a Lawsons (the scene of the booking) waiting for him to be brought back. At the same time, Lucas rode on to the accommodations to secure our room for the night. All in all, about half an hour was wasted and it resulted in an unfortunate fine for Richard (it could easily have been any of us), but in the end we all reached our hotel safely and that's the main thing.

It's now late and after having consumed a quite average ramen and gyoza dinner, we have raided Lawson's for additional supplies and are ready for our ritual bath. Our last day of riding is tomorrow - Waaah!