Yesterday’s ride would take us north from our homebase in Minobu to the village of Narada located in the mountainous region east of the Minami Alps. Considered a hidden gem, it’s relatively still undiscovered by many tourists. A distinct landmark is the Nishiyama dam constructed back in 1960s along with a suspension bridge that spans a small lake.
Heading out, we thought we would encounter a few more cyclists taking advantage of the superb weather conditions but only came across two including this roadie.
We started later in the morning so frequent stops along the way were limited and brief as we wanted to return home before it became too dark. Darkness comes early and the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains here.
The view overlooking the Haya River from the Minami Alps Highway.
This area is known throughout Japan for the type of rock employed in the making of inkstones or ‘Suzuri’ used for traditional Japanese calligraphy.
We dropped by a roadside tourism midway in Hayakawa and asked about places to eat in Narada. There would be few places to seek nourishment between here and our final destination.
More views of the Haya River from this bridge above. We were intrigued by a man below who looked like he was panning for gold.
It never dawned on me that we would encounter so many tunnels along the highway and so naturally I neglected to attach a light to my bike. Most were short and well lit but, on several occasions, I needed to follow closely behind Sai wishing I had her integrated light system. The situation was made worse whenever cars passed us by in the dark.
Construction seemed to take place on various sections of the Minami Hwy but never disrupted the flow of traffic.
The monument to the right apparently was dedicated to a couple who plunged to their deaths from a nearby waterfall. A tragic Romeo and Juliet love story.
Another view of the Haya tributary after exiting a short tunnel.
This lush gorge seen from atop a bridge caught my attention on our approach to Narada.
We passed a trio of riders who likely had spent time in Narada before heading back south.
Our arrival in Narada - Nishiyama Dam and Narada Lake offer splendid views including a suspension bridge that spans across the water.
We decided to ride rather than take the time to walk our bikes up this steep 14% grade to the restaurant and barely managed to squeeze our way past this car on the way up.
A meal deserving of our arrival at the destination. Soba noodles and dipping sauce, rice, onion tempura, and pickles. One simply selects a choice from a display menu, then inserts currency in the slot of a vending machine and presses the button designating the item selected. The machine spits out a ticket and you hand it to the staff and patiently wait until your number is called then pick up your order. Your food is diligently prepared fresh while you take in the view from your tableside window. The quaint restaurant is located adjacent to the building where one can rest aching muscles in the soothing mineral waters of the Naradanosato Hot springs.
No time to relax as we pushed off for the return leg home. Good to know that most of the trip back would be along long winding descents. Nothing left to do but to set the bikes on cruise control and enjoy the ride.
With the sun setting behind our backs, it was good to be riding on familiar roads closer to home.