And seeing the child skipping underneath it is, indeed happy!

Looks like you are riding underneath the monorail in Disneyland!

I would like that.

These covered areas are gems with lots of interesting small shops.

Good eye Karen! We see that often and it is so practical.

There is a woman in Bruges, Belgium who makes heated muffs to on the handlebars of your bicycle.

How interesting! There is an umbrella tucked into the right side of the rear tire on the woman’s bicycle! Surprised they don’t have this in the Netherlands..

“Slip sliding away”..😬

I was born in Japan and travelled there extensively but not by bicycle. Your blog has really encouraged me to try cycling Japan. My husband and I rode around Hokkaido 2 years ago and now I will try the southern islands thanks to you.

What a small world. We really enjoyed meeting them and chatting with them.
We would be happy to talk with you about Japan…our 2 trips have taught us a lot. We hope to return to Japan this fall. We enjoy cycle touring most anywhere, but Japan has something special.

Hey, we know them! I play hockey with Paul and Kirsten runs with Kylie (running group based out of her running and xc ski store - Strides). Small world.

We’re considering Japan for our next big tour (spring 2025) and may want to pick your brain. We’ve skied there several times (Hakuba and Rishiri Island) but have never travelled there outside of winter.

Mary Ellen and Barry thanks you for your nice stories and photo's. It gave me the feeling if I made a biketrip in Japan.
Gert

Thanks Peter. We will definitely check that out.

That's a Totoro from the movie "My Neighbour Totoro," one of the most popular Japanese movies in Japan and abroad. It's well-worth watching and pretty easy to find.

Wow, really appreciate your interest and comments. It is our pleasure to share such wonderful experiences and our impressions of a place we love. We plan to return in the fall.