春の知多半島を巡る、一泊二日750kmのツーリング[Kawasaki W800 Street]

春の知多半島を巡る、一泊二日750kmのツーリング[Kawasaki W800 Street]

Yamate Street, Nishi-Shinjuku Gas Station. In late March, I embarked on a two-day trip to the Chita Peninsula. Over two days, I will be touring around the Chita Peninsula. The first day involves riding to Nagoya via the expressway, heading towards the tip of the Chita Peninsula while enjoying sightseeing.

This trip is themed as a ‘leisurely journey’. Metropolitan Expressway, Hatsudai Minami Interchange. Riding swiftly to Nagoya via the expressway. Traveling approximately 330km on the expressway. Tomei Expressway, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, Midori Ward. Departed around 9 AM, and there was still a bit of congestion. On weekdays, congestion clears up after the rush hour.

I managed to get past the traffic around 10 AM. Tomei Expressway, near Gotemba Junction. From Gotemba, heading to Nagoya via the Shin-Tomei Expressway. Shin-Tomei Expressway, Shin-Fuji Interchange. It was a clear day on the Shin-Tomei, but the wind was strong. I increased the engine’s revs to stabilize the motorcycle.

Ise Bay Shore Expressway, Toyota Arrows Bridge. Entered the Ise Bay Shore Expressway past noon. Ise Bay Shore Expressway, Nagoya South Toll Booth. Switching from the Ise Bay Shore Expressway to the Nagoya Expressway. Taking the Nagoya Expressway towards the city center. Nagoya Expressway No.3 Ohtaka Line, Yobitsugi Interchange.

Arrived in Nagoya from Shinjuku in about five hours. Exiting the expressway to enter local roads. The touring officially begins from here. National Route 1, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Mizuho Ward, Momozono-cho. First, I head to a famous shrine in Nagoya. National Route 1, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Atsuta Ward, Tenma-cho.

The destination shrine is “Atsuta Jingu”. A famous historic shrine known as a power spot. The shrine was located just off National Route 1. Atsuta Jingu, South Gate Parking. Passing through a magnificent torii gate towards the main shrine. Even on weekdays, many people were visiting for worship.

Atsuta Jingu is a historic shrine that enshrines the “Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi”. The precincts were well-maintained, with early-blooming cherry blossoms. I decided to stroll around the precincts a bit. It’s hard to believe such a green-rich shrine exists within the city. There seems to be a camphor tree over 1000 years old.

The trees have other plants growing on them, making you feel the passage of time. There were several other attractions within the shrine. The “Nijugocho Bridge” made of 25 stones, an old bridge. The “Nobunaga Fence”, donated in celebration of victory by Nobunaga, was beautiful.

A monument resembling a clay figure?! Apparently, a monument wishing prosperity for a glasses shop. I was satisfied strolling around Atsuta Jingu leisurely. Heading to the next destination. National Route 247, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Minami Ward, Toyota. Riding the motorcycle from Nagoya towards the Chita Peninsula. National Route 247, West Chita Industrial Road.

Many factories line the coastline of the Chita Peninsula. Along the industrial zone, there is a road exclusive for vehicles, allowing for comfortable travel without the need for expressways. Comparable to the “Uchibo” area of the Boso Peninsula in the Kanto region. The industrial zone is lined with high-voltage power lines and chimneys,

Becoming gradually more tranquil as you approach the tip of the peninsula. National Route 155, Aichi Prefecture, Chita City, Asahiminami 5-chome. Passing through the industrial zone, residential areas and farmlands spread out, entering Tokoname City, famous for pottery. Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname City, Chiyogaoka, Tokoname Maneki Neko Street.

Tokoname City is a pottery town located in the central part of the Chita Peninsula. First, we visit a giant Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) in the pottery district. Tokoname has long been known for its high-quality clay production, and ceramics remain a thriving industry here to this day.

It seems many Maneki Neko are also made in Tokoname. The backside of the beckoning cat is now in view. “Tokonyan”. As I got closer, the sheer size of the beckoning cat was astonishing. It’s a surprisingly large, and somewhat intimidating, beckoning cat. Cat figurines were decorated around the area.

Facing cats, they look cute from an angle. Leaving “Tokonyan” behind, I head to the next destination. Aichi Prefectural Road 34, Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname City, Ichiba-cho. In Tokoname, a city known for its pottery, there are major ceramic manufacturers. The birthplace of INAX (now LIXIL), famous for sanitary ceramics,

And there is a museum of ceramic tiles operated by LIXIL. It was only a few minutes’ ride from “Tokonyan” to the museum. INAX Live Museum. It’s located on the site of a former kiln that manufactured pipes among other things. The old chimneys and retro buildings are quite charming.

I purchased a visitor’s wristband at the reception to take a look around. Inside the building, there is a brick kiln. You can visit places where work was done in the past. Inside the kiln, the process of baking clay pipes is displayed. There is a museum themed around tiles on the premises.

World Tile Museum. From the entrance gate, the tiles are very beautiful. Tiles from various countries and eras are displayed. Tiles used in Islamic regions, the blue color is beautiful. There were also artistically intricate tiles. You can learn about the history and culture through the evolution of tiles.

There was a considerable amount of exhibits, very impressive. Exotic tiles of unusual shapes, cute patterned tiles, and tiles made with Japanese glazes were also present. An interesting exhibit was a permanent display of “old toilets”. Very ornate patterns were impressive (yes, toilets). There were various shapes, which were quite intriguing (again, toilets).

I was surprised to see toilet-use wooden sandals resembling Oribe ware. Besides the museum, there were various other facilities. There were hands-on facilities, and active workshops which were quite impressive to see. It was a brief stay, but a very interesting place. As dusk falls, I head to the lodging.

Aichi Prefectural Road 72, Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname City, Oyamichi. Beyond Tokoname City, tranquil sceneries start to increase. On roads near the sea, factories appear occasionally, but you can enjoy riding along the open coastline. Stopped the bike in a park to take a look at the sea. It’s becoming the time of beautiful sunsets.

Today is cloudy, and it seems the sunset might not be visible. From the coast of Tokoname, you can see the offshore airport. Night is approaching, I must hurry. National Route 247, Nomazaki Lighthouse, Aichi Prefecture, Mihama Town. Entering the southern part of the Chita Peninsula brings a tropical atmosphere.

Riding at dusk in unfamiliar lands, is indeed one of the pleasures of traveling. Tokoname Roadway, Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Uchiumi. Arrived at Uchiumi in Minamichita, where my lodging is located, before sunset. Today’s lodging is a place where you can stay on the second floor of a dining establishment. Uotora, a seafood restaurant.

The first floor operates as a regular dining establishment. It’s an accommodation where you can stay in a large room on the second floor of the dining place. There are no doors, and the rooms are divided by fusuma (sliding doors). The room was spacious and comfortable, with tatami mats.

You receive bathhouse tickets for a nearby hotel. After a bath, I return to the lodging for beer and seafood. Eating locally caught sashimi and shellfish, delicious. Since I will be riding for a long time tomorrow, I eat well and go to bed early. Seafood Uotora. It’s the second day of the tour.

Today is dedicated to sightseeing on the right side of the Chita Peninsula. I will return to Tokyo after sightseeing until the evening. It’s about a 400km route from the Chita Peninsula. Today involves more sightseeing and will be a long day of touring. National Route 247, Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Uchiumi.

The Chita Peninsula is warm due to its proximity to the sea. First, I visit a flower field at a tourist farm on the Chita Peninsula. Aichi Prefectural Road 470, Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Yamakai. Though the Chita Peninsula is known for its sea, the inland area is mountainous.

Moving away from the sea, the road transitions to expansive fields and farmland. With less traffic, it’s a pleasant ride. We found the tourist farm among the hillsides’ fields. Tourist Farm, Flower Plaza. I paid the entrance fee and entered the farm. A vast area is planted with numerous flowers.

From the fields, you can view Mikawa Bay. Rape blossoms, marigolds, and poppies were in bloom. You can pick up to ten flowers as part of their service. I picked about five flowers, making for a nice souvenir. Leaving the farm, I head towards the tip of the Chita Peninsula.

National Route 247, Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Toyohama. Once again, I proceed along the coastal road. The sea becomes more beautiful as you get closer to the tip of the peninsula. It was a road where I could feel the gentle sea breeze as I rode. Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Morozaki.

Leaving the national road, I head towards a shrine at the tip of the cape. The torii gate of the shrine is visible on the right side. Surrounding it is the port of Morozaki. There is a spacious parking lot, so finding a spot was not an issue.

I parked the bike by the sea and climbed the stairs from the seaside. At the top of the stairs, there is the shrine’s torii gate. Hazumisaki Shrine. Although it’s a shrine at the tip of the cape, it is beautifully maintained. The precincts were adorned with many donated banners.

It was a quiet shrine, but a pleasant place. Near the shrine, there is an observatory where you can view the sea. A place overlooking Mikawa Bay and Ise Bay. There were many islands, and numerous ships were passing by.

The observatory looked like a ruin, which made me hesitate, but it was a good spot. I ended up spending about an hour at the shrine, it was so comfortable. Setting off towards the next location. Next, I head north up the Chita Peninsula towards Handa City. National Route 247, Aichi Prefecture, Minamichita Town, Toyooka.

Riding along the right side (along Mikawa Bay) of the Chita Peninsula. The area near the tip of the peninsula offers views of the sea as you ride. National Route 247, Aichi Prefecture, Mihama Town. About 10km from Hazumisaki, it turns into a residential area. Aichi Prefectural Road 52, Aichi Prefecture, Taketoyo Town.

Continuing further, it transitions into an industrial area. The urban scenery changes, in reverse order from yesterday. Aichi Prefectural Road 52, Aichi Prefecture, Handa City, Kawasaki-cho. Entering Handa City, located in the central part of the Chita Peninsula. Handa City is a port city historically known for its brewing industry among others.

In the center of Handa City, there is a retro warehouse district. The familiar logo, the warehouse of Mitsukan, known for ponzu sauce. I decide to visit the Mitsukan Museum. Mitsukan Museum. I park the motorcycle in the parking lot and head for the tour. The location also houses Mitsukan’s head office building.

The warehouses and canal were very picturesque. Part of the canal’s buildings has been turned into a museum. The museum requires prior reservation but is accessible if there’s availability. At the reception, I received a map, entrance badge, and vinegar tasting coin. Inside, the traditional methods of making vinegar were displayed.

A corner where you can experience the smell of various vinegars, interesting. Today, due to time constraints, I took a short course. Even the short course was enjoyable. What’s interesting about this museum is the ponzu sauce vending machine. You can create your own label for the ponzu sauce you buy.

It’s a corner where you can create your own original label. Here too, I managed to make a nice souvenir. Leaving the museum, I move on to the next destination. National Route 247, Kinuura Bridge, Aichi Prefecture, Takahama City, Aomi-cho. Crossing the bridge, I leave the Chita Peninsula behind.

Moving from Handa City to Nishio City. Aichi Prefectural Road 301, Aichi Prefecture, Hekinan City, Sasayama-cho. Nishio City is known for its matcha (green tea) production, and there are many factories manufacturing matcha. Some factories offer experiential tours on matcha production. Seijoen Aiya Matcha Museum.

I participated in a 75-minute tour course that required advance booking. There’s a viewing area in the building where the factory is located. You can observe the process of grinding matcha. I was amazed to see numerous stone mills lined up for grinding. The stone mills are adjusted with micrometer precision.

After the factory tour, it’s a hands-on experience. Experiencing the difference in tea leaves, the tastes were distinctly interesting! Mixing my favorite tea leaves, I grind matcha using a stone mill. I prepared matcha with the powder I ground myself, it was soothing. Having visited all tourist spots, I begin my journey home.

Tomorrow is unscheduled, so I will leisurely take the general roads home. National Route 23, Aichi Prefecture, Nishio City, Ebaracho, remaining 325km. National Route 23, Aichi Prefecture, Gamagori City, Otsuka-cho, remaining 307km. National Route 23, Aichi Prefecture, Toyohashi City, Maeshibacho, remaining 297km. Sunset in Toyohashi, I take a detour to watch the sunset.

Finding a sunset spot in Toyohashi is challenging as it’s inside the bay, but I got directions from a nearby convenience store. Local people know the best, it was a beautiful location. Near Aquarina Toyohashi. I spend time looking towards the Chita Peninsula. The sun sets behind the cape in front.

The boundary between day and night, a long night begins. National Route 23, Aichi Prefecture, Toyohashi City, remaining 294km. Now leisurely heading back to Tokyo via general roads. Taking National Route 23 and National Route 1 towards Kanagawa. National Route 23, Aichi Prefecture, Toyohashi City, Noyoricho, remaining 284km.

National Route 23, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kosai City, Shiomi-zaka, remaining 273km. National Route 1, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu City, Central District, remaining 242km. National Route 1, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada City, Hatajirushi, remaining 200km. National Route 1, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ward, remaining 161km. National Route 1, Shizuoka Prefecture, Numazu City, remaining 126km.

National Route 1, Hakone Pass, remaining 97km. Finally, Hakone, feeling like I’m back in Kanto. National Route 1, Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara City, remaining 80km. National Route 129, Kanagawa Prefecture, Atsugi City, remaining 45km. National Route 246, Tokyo Metropolitan, Setagaya Ward, remaining 12km. After midnight, I entered Tokyo. National Route 246, near Sangenjaya, remaining 6km.

Yamate Street, near Hatsudai Minami. I have returned from the Chita Peninsula to Shinjuku, exhausted. Finally, I refuel before heading home. Yamate Street, Nishi-Shinjuku Gas Station. I enjoyed the spring long tour. I hope the sights visited will be helpful for your travels. Thank you for watching until the end.

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3月下旬に、知多半島へツーリングへでかけました。「知多半島ってどこ？」という人に見て頂ければ嬉しいです。

タイムチャート
00:00 1日目のコース紹介
00:34 高速道路での移動
02:23 熱田神宮
04:09 常滑市へ、とこにゃん
06:17 INAXライブミュージアム。
08:57 知多半島の先端、内海へ
11:11 2日目のコース紹介
11:42 観光農園 花ひろば
13:07 羽豆神社へ
15:07 半田市へ
16:21 ミツカンミュージアム。
17:45 西条園あいや 抹茶ミュージアムへ
19:23 一般道で300km
22:13 燃費や費用の紹介