Omonichi to Ikuchi Island

Our new Guide, Ryu (pronounced Leyu), met us this morning at 10 am.
Ryu came to Japan in May, 2024. He was born in England to an English father and Japanese mother. Although he attended Japanese school in England, he has really only learnt Japanese in the last 18 months and speaks fluently now. He is about 25. He lives on Yuge island in a government apartment which costs 80 pounds per month (around $160 AUD!
We left Omonichi and got the ferry to Mukaishima island (we were there yesterday). We rode more of this island today before crossing one of the 4 suspension bridges that join these islands. The weather was, again, hot and humid. Today we used neck coolers and found them to help a lot. We get the impression from the Guides that they are surprised we are doing this bike tour at this time of the year!
Ryu was a much more laid back guide who didn't push us along as much as Alex did yesterday. Today we were riding along shaded bike paths for a lot of the time and down traditional Japanese back streets.
Ryu chose a delightful restaurant for lunch. He gave us lots of time to cool down and rehydrate and enjoy delicious food. Roger had curry and I had pasta with eggplant.
We stopped at a shop that specialises in Daifuku. They had only one left so we were each able to have a taste of this delicacy. It is mochi on the outside made from sticky rice & sweet bean paste which encases seasonal fruits.
A little further on and we stopped for gelati. Our accommodation tonight is at our very first Japanese Ryokan on the island of Ikuchi.
This has been an experience we will never forget. Shoes remain at the entrance of the Ryokan and you wear slippers, but not on the tatami mats in the bedrooms. There are also special slip on shoes just for the toilet. To shower, you go to a communal shower and sit on a low stool. You can then go into the warm communal bath if you choose to - we didn't, it was too hot! We were given a Yukata to wear after our shower and to dinner. The dinner deserves it's own Footprint!
So, we really feel as if we are experiencing the real Japan now and it is absolutely fascinating!Read more