Today we spent the entire day exploring the countryside on E-Bikes that were hired from the gym next door to the accommodation.
I planned a possible route out in advance that generally followed rivers in the hope it would be fairly flat and took us through some pretty countryside. There weren’t really any big things to see, it was just an opportunity to spend the day enjoying the scenery.
We started off following the main road along the Yoshino river
We stopped for a snack overlooking the river in central Otoyo
And then carried on along some smaller roads that took us through woods and villages
There was a massive Ginko tree next to a shrine entrance
We crossed the river on one of the many submersible bridges in the area. Since the river is prone to flooding during typhoons, the bridges are designed to be low without barriers and other things that would be easily washed away.
Next we headed away from the river and up into the hills towards and area known for lots of rice terraces.
We followed the ‘Stone Road’ where there were some random statues and things people had created
Along the way there was a small shrine with a giant cedar tree
We climbed a little further into the hills until we reached our destination, a small observation tower overlooking the rice terraces. We stopped to have some lunch and enjoy the view.
A local farmer spotted us and came and said hello and got us to write in a visitor book. He was surprised we’d come by bike!
It was then time to head back, initially the way we came, and then following the river again, although this time on the other side of it, making a big loop back to the house.
