Cycling Japan – day 23 – Chirihama to Wajima

Day 23 – Chirihama to Wajima
Distance: 81.1km
Ascent / descent: 707m / 710m
Weather: blue sky and sunny 🙂
Accommodation: camped at Wajima Sodegahama campsite (free, it’s not open yet)

It rained during the night but it was a nice change to wake up to the sun shining into the tent and a blue sky 🙂

The Japanese people I’d met last night invited me over for coffee and had made a toasted ham and cheese sandwich for me – what better way to start the day?! Thank you!!

It’s a stunning day to be cycling around the Noto Peninsula today!

Cycling through rural areas near the sea

Veggies growing in the sand

Old wooden houses by the sea

I thought I would try and get to Wajima which would include some decent hills but it would also be a day of touring Michi no eki’s! The first one was in Shika and I sat there for about an hour and charged my things as well as trying the local donuts and obento.

Then I detoured to visit the Ganmon rock arch which was a very popular tourist spot with many busses and people enjoying the good weather.

A woodblock painting of the Ganmon rock arch

Ganmon rock arch, Noto Peninsula

I passed more rock formations before reaching the longest bench in the world, in Togi. The owner of the Michi-no-eki here said I could camp there but it was only 2pm so I decided to continue on.

More rock formations, Noto Peninsula

Sacred rock islands

The world’s longest bench in Togi, Noto Peninsula

I followed Route 249 as it turned inland to cut off a corner of the coast and the area I passed through was stunning. I knew I had to get going now to arrive somewhere before sunset but I couldn’t help but stop continuously to take photos of the gorgeous flowers and landscapes! My route weaved in and out of small settlements with traditional wooden houses and sparkling new roof tiles – all with their own small allotments and people busy tending to their fields. The path sometimes continued right by the sea with stunning views or went inland amongst old terraced rice fields. It was a stunning ride after leaving Chirihama but not so nice getting to Chirihama beside the highway, in my opinion. Cherry blossoms are still in full swing and magnolias are only starting here whereas further south in Japan they were already finished.

Heading inland slightly on Route 249 and passing old terraced rice fields and traditional houses

It’s Tottoro!

Cherry blossoms are still blooming here in the Noto Peninsula!

Terraced rice fields, Noto Peninsula

I arrived in Wajima and reached the campsite (not open but I’d called the tourist office and they said I could camp there if I could find a spot) and there were heaps of tents set up and the sun was setting in the sky. I found a spot, set up, took sunset pics, borrowed someone’s lighter and cooked my first camp meal of this trip – pasta that I’d bought at the Mont Bell outdoor store way back in Kagoshima.

It’s a cool evening but I’m snuggled in my sleeping bag with the sound of the waves crashing and very happy to be here.