Aspects of bicycle touring in Japan By Bill Macher
Bicycle Touring and Camping In Japan?
First of all, please read Roger Grigsby's introduction to bicycle touring
in Japan. Much good advice here about bicycle touring in general,
and camping in particular. Highly recommended!
The greatest thing about bicycle
touring in Japan for me personally is not having to worry about
where the day will end, while at the same time enjoying the uncertainty
of not knowing where I will end up. This uncertainty adds a bit
of adventure to the daily routine...and when experienced day after
day adds a bit of excitement to the trip. A bit of mystery perhaps.
Knowing that you will be able to find somewhere good to camp in
the evening may be second only to the anticipation of an onsen/sento
(public bath/hot spring) visit at the end of the day!
I only plan my trips in general terms and often
change my route on a daily basis at a whim, ending up where the
wind may blow me at the end of a day. It is quite reassuring knowing
that I will likely find a place with water and other facilities
wherever I may finish the day. Knowing that in the worst case
you can likely pitch you tent in the unlikeliest of places (and
not be hassled by anyone) is added insurance for us nervous types.
Be discrete, and there will be no problems, guaranteed.
As Roger explains, keep a low profile as much
as possible. What I like to do is arrive in a town, and cruise
around searching out a park that looks right. This may be a small
park with a secluded corner, or a large park with an out of the
way spot. Or it may be a medium sized park...where I pitch my
tent right in the middle under a tree. All depends on one's gut
feeling as to what is best at each location.
Keeping a low profile leads
to not pitching your tent until dusk. [The picture to the left
was taken the morning after, as I was breaking camp. I had hung
some staff in the morning sun while I was taking my tent down...]
It is OK to hang out in the park, using the facilities, but rather
than flaunt one's presence (even though as a foreigner you will
stand out like a sore thumb) wait until the kids have gone home
and then pitch your tent. Naturally, it is NOT acceptable
to build a fire, and do not make a lot of noise. There are frequently
homes close by and never forget, you are a guest. If you consider
the needs of others, they will treat you well, which means mainly
you will be ignored to enjoy the use of the park, its water and
the toilet facilities which are almost always there (in 21 nights
of camping in parks in 96, only one park had no water/toilet available).
In the morning I try to break
camp early...but occasionally do lounge around in the tent, especially
if it is raining. As I began to appreciate the beauty and convenience
of the camping in the parks experience, towards the end of the
trip I would spend some time cleaning up trash in the park as
a way of saying thanks for the use of the park. Not a lot of time,
maybe just 10 or 15 minutes picking up the big pieces. Especially
in the area where I spent the night. I certainly did not want
my local "hosts" to feel that I littered there! Unfortunately,
littering in Japan is still excessive, at least from my perspective.
The local parks are a haven for
the bicycle tourist and almost every small town will have one
or more. Having a free place to stay can help offset the rather
high cost of other things in Japan, like food and beer! I have
camped in a small park just next to the ferry terminal on Sado
island...under a bridge after riding for several days in wall-to-wall
rain (The ONLY dry spot I could find. It was wonderful!!)... So
don't be put off by a fear of an expensive visit. It may cost
more to fuel your engine, but a bicycle tour in Japan need not
be a terribly expensive proposition. No rail or bus fares, no
lodging costs...hummmm, sounds better all the time!
In addition to parks there are beaches, river
banks, road side rest stops and other reasonable opportunities
for free camping. So don't be afraid to take the plunge and enjoy
a bicycle tour in Japan if you are so inclined.
uploaded:08, 11, 2005
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