Back in Canada, especially during summer vacation, I often take off and explore some of the country-side on my motorcycle, usually packing my fishing rod and tent. Golden Week here is also the perfect opportunity to experience places off the beaten track. There is some stunning scenery along the oceanside road from Kyoto to Tottori and Mt. Deisan. The manager of the local rental shop is great and he gave me a brand new Yamaha FZ 1000cc for transport. There are some wonderful old lighthouses along the route to check out offering incredible views over the ocean. People living in the secluded fishing villages are not used to meeting foreigners and one girl at the gas station I asked for directions took me to the local hotspring and to dinner at her favorite izakaya with her friends. Such hospitality! In Canada, I worked on constructing a log house and observed some fine examples on the slopes of Mt. Deisan, many offering accomodation. On my way back to Kyoto I decided to drop in at the hotsprings just below the massive dam in the river at Yubara Onsen. Definitely not for the shy…..the hot pools are right out in the open and bathing is `co-ed.` Not surprizingly, the time flew right by and soon I was enjoying soaking under the stars with new friends. Love to include a photo of that one, but maybe not……..
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