Esashi to Kumaishi 40km

We woke to a bright sunny morning across our little island. We walked the perimeter trail of Kamome Island and took in the old Samurai battlements and banqueting rock ledges from centuries ago. Leaving Esashi we rode through the old town, with it's traditional buildings and warehouses, and ancient old tendered garden trees. The ride north along the coast was beautiful and dramatic, lots of interesting outcrops and crystal clear blue water. It was warm and sunny so we stopped at every vantage point to take in the view and rest. We stopped at a community campground in an expansive park with lots of grass and shady trees. It's now Obon, the biggest holiday period in Japan, so lots of people are out camping with family. Japanese people travel home to visit family, the graves of ancestors and partake in local rituals. We were lucky enough to be on the main road through the village when the ritual floats were being pulled to the local shrine. This involved lots of young people, playing instruments and drums. It's a very happy festive time to be in Japan.Read more