Cycling Japan – day 4 – Kamikawa campsite to Kushima

Day 4 – Kamikawa campsite to Kushima
Distance: 71.6km
Ascent / descent: 479m / 475m
Weather: sunny and hot
Accom: Hotel Nakamuraso, Kushima, ¥5,400

I had two choices today, either head back through Kagoshima or turn east and head to Miyazaki instead. I decided to go for the Miyazaki option as I had already spent a few days in Kagoshima but have never been to Miyazaki.

It was a hot day and I was already starting to get sunburnt when I decided to stop for lunch at an old-looking supermarket for a bite to eat. I bought an obento and sat outside eating it when an elderly lady on a bicycle rode up to me and started chatting. She asked me where my tea was and I pointed to my water bottle on the bike. She then went into the supermarket and came out with a bunch of bananas for me and an iced cold milk coffee. That’s a double whammy for me – I don’t like bananas and I’m lactose intolerant! What to do?! She insisted that I drink the coffee straight away because it was nice and cold so I unscrewed the cap and took a very small sip in front of her (the last thing I want while riding is to have the shits!), and begged her pleadingly (in my head) not to stand there and make me eat a banana! She eventually left and I was able to pour the coffee away (I know this is a waste but it would really make me sick!) and I packed the bananas in my bag.

I reached a river path which was a welcome site for a few km even though I had a headwind the entire time. I also saw one long black snake sunning itself on this path but it slithered away before I got close enough for a picture.

Rows of green tea

My first riverside path and I’m delighted!

Cycling between fields

I just happened upon a sign for this ancient burial mound…

Yokose ancient tomb

I eventually found a 7-11 and stopped to use wifi. I was also able to give the bananas away to an elderly man who gave me a peanut butter sandwich as a swap – this was perfect as I love these sandwiches!

Although I’d been putting on sunscreen all day my legs got really burnt. 🥵

I decided to check into a hotel in Kushima to escape the bad weather that’s expected overnight. I also need to try and make a plan for the coming week as I’ve realised I’m a lot more efficient if I know exactly where I’m trying to aim for each day.