[2019-10-08]
Just before leaving Tokyo, I visited the Shinagawa Shrine. I loved that you can find peaceful and quiet places around noisy avenues. As soon as you enter the shrine, you can feel the calm. I couldn’t understand how it was so noiseless there, in the middle of the city life.
It was around 10am and the shrine was empty. I explored the place and took some pictures. But I felt self-conscious about being there just doing that, without a religious reason. So, when some people started to arrive, I decided it was time for me to leave.
I took a major road to the southwest. I was happy and encouraged; I rode full-throttled in that flat route. When I met the Tama River again (where I rode the day before), I knew I was leaving Tokyo.
I made a stop at the other side of the river, where I found a small space to rest. It was midday and almost midway from my destination. I called my mother and sent her a picture. I was still scared but happy: I was finally starting my adventure.
(If you’re wondering, I had a data SIM card that I bought online, so I was able to search for anything and make calls. You can find more info here)
I continued, now on a short pass over Kawasaki City, no hills in sight, all the road flat and almost straight. Suddenly, a heavy wind against me, and each moment, stronger than before. I was riding in the exact opposite direction to the Tokyo Bay wind. I was zero aerodynamic with all my load; it felt like a steep road. And, trying to be careful with my knee, which still hurt a bit, I had to ride slower.
Moments later, tall buildings and big stores started to appear all around. I realized I was already at my destination. It took me around two hours and a half after I left the Shrine.
First stop of my journey: Yokohama
The second most populous city in Japan. Yokohama has one of the most important ports for international trade.
Before anything else, I wanted to be sure about the place for setting my tent that night. Kamon-Yama Park: a small hilly park I had found on the map close enough to the main attractions. And it seemed to have everything I needed: restrooms, calm neighborhood, nearby konbini.
I had planned some activities in the area. With the sleeping place verified, I went exploring Minato Mirai, the central business district of Yokohama. Shopping, tourism, and many attractions make this the most famous area of the city.
First, I wanted to take a picture of something that I had read: Some months before, started the installation of the PokeLids, a campaign to attract tourism to lesser-known places in the country. Some manhole covers, were being replaced with Pokémon designs.
One of the five PokeLids in Yokohama was located in the area where I was at that moment. But when I got to the spot, I couldn’t find it; I searched it on Google, and sadly found that they had been removed a month before. Currently, some places still have them; it can be checked on the website.
I rode around the tall buildings of the area, and everywhere was full of people. It felt a bit awkward, walking among the crowds with my cyclist outfit, and loaded with camping equipment; everyone else so elegant, everyone else was working; I felt a bit self-conscious again.
I had a list of some fascinating museums to visit, all of them included in the Grutto Pass I had bought three days before:
So I searched for bike parking, but every indoor one was full. There were empty lots on the sidewalks only. I knew that Japan was incredibly safe, and the truth is that I hadn’t felt that safe in my life. But it worried me to leave everything that exposed while I was visiting museums. Finally, I decided to not visit some places if I wasn’t able to find indoor bike parking, but I missed so many experiences because of that decision; and now, I entirely regret it.
But I also understand myself at that moment. I wasn’t confident enough yet; it was tough, arriving from a completely different culture (in terms of safety). A good friend also told me that it was natural to be worried; I was carrying my house for those months; I couldn’t afford to lose my safe place.
I enjoyed the afternoon anyway, exploring the harbor and riding in the vicinity. I visited other fascinating spots that didn’t imply leaving the bike. Like The Red Brick Warehouse, a renovated historical building.
And I was also captivated by the mix of old and modern architecture in the area.
It was getting dark, so I returned to the park (where I intended to sleep), but I noticed that it was still too early. I realized something I missed in the planning of the trip: I had never experienced autumn or winter before; it looked like 8 pm, but it wasn’t even 6 pm. In big cities, it’s great because you can experience all the nightlife and all the lights; but I got a bit concerned about my riding in the rural areas.
I didn’t have anything to do; it was yet so early, so I returned to the harbor. This area at night was peaceful and stunning. Some people were fishing, and others were enjoying the night illuminations.
Also, there was a theme park with an enormous Ferris wheel; but like the situation with the museums, I didn’t know where to leave the bike safely. It was my first day of the trip, but I still regret missing so much there.
I rode around a couple of hours before I got back to buy something for dinner at a konbini; then, back to the park.
I thought that sleeping beside a small pond would be a good idea; also, there was a small hut; it felt more private. But, while I was setting up the tent, it was a nightmare full of mosquitoes and I ended up being bitten everywhere. So, I quickly entered the tent and didn’t go out for some hours. I heard some people jogging nearby, and someone was surprised to see a tent there.
Don‘t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below.
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