In Taiwan I was lucky not to encounter landslides and earthquakes, but in Japan I was hit with the rainy season. 3 days of continuous downpour in Tokyo with Edi on his foldable bike. Leaving by train would take a longer time. As soon I could get hold of the essential maps and timetables, I would leave this expensive town. The modern youth-hostel (single-room with air-con) is nice, it even has a “sento” (common bath with hot-water-pool).

To leave this busy town, I followed a river. It was a perfect way to shun the busy traffic. Hours later, I realized that my adventure was about to begin. At twilight, I found myself standing at a junction with road-signs written only in Japanese. I wanted to end the day at an ”onsen” (hot mineral-spring), but I was already lost on the first day in the green hills of outer Tokyo-Metropolis. A nearby hotel has a nice “sento” (hot water-pool). I could enjoy dipping in its pool even I wasn't the in-house guest. After that, I disappeared behind a hedge with my sleeping bag.

On some sections of the same route, I was cycling along heavy truck traffic but I was alone on other road sections. Next evening, I met Mr.”D”, an American officer who had resided in Japan since after the Vietnam War. After a “chili con carne” and crackers, he enjoyed the gin and began to relate his stories about the changing Japan, real estate and fly-fishing.

The main-road is blocked after a landslide, the sign-posted one is much longer. Mr. “D” told me about a road in the forest which would lead up to the pass too. The last time he saw a bear blocking the way…

Not bears but tears from the clouds awaiting me. Pedaling up a pass is a matter of food, but down it is terrible cold in the wet cloths. Nice to have an invitation from Yoshie, a Japanese cyclist. He cycled through 117 countries in 6 years, there was a lot to discuss. It happened that they had a family party and I was welcome to join the buffet. Unknown food like sea-urchins, strange looking shells and all sorts of raw things were a delight after my simple bike menu-plan.

My little Friday-bike had some problems: the rear-rim has cracks. It was impossible to find a 32-hole rim in Japan. We switch the front with the back rim, that means two times of 32 spokes in and out and re-alignment.

I hope I will catch the ferry to Hokkaido (North-island) without problem…

Si ya

20.6.2000 swissedi

By the way just use the guestbook for short messages ? I will do the same…

very interesting homepage: http://homepage1.nifty.com/117/