I went on a touring tour using YSP Hamamatsu’s rental bike in the summer and it was so much fun and unforgettable that I thought I’d go touring somewhere nearby again! That’s what we talked about.

I decided to go on a touring trip with a theme, so I decided to go on a motorcycle trip with the title “Touring around the dragons of Lake Okuhamana.” I would like to introduce that situation.

“Touring around the dragons of Lake Okuhamana.''

 

About an hour after leaving YSP Hamamatsu, the first stop is Ryotanji Temple in Inasa-cho.

The character “tan” means the deep bank of a river, and it also has the meaning of a deep river bank where dragons live. The greenery along the approach to the shrine will delight you with autumn leaves in the fall and fresh greenery in the spring.

It is a temple with many cultural assets, such as a large Buddha statue that escaped the Haibutsu Kishaku and a garden that has been designated as a nationally designated scenic spot, but it is also a temple of flowers, colored by seasonal flowers, so if you visit the temple each season, you can see plums, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn leaves. It has its own flavor at that time.

Ryugashido Cave is about a 5 minute bike ride from Ryotanji Temple. As one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region, many tourists visit to cool off.

The limestone cave in Mt. Ryugashi, where the claws of dragons are said to be left in the rock, is a place where the rain that falls on the mountain flows in the form of waterfalls, and the stalactites formed by melting limestone rocks are a symbol of the mysteries of the earth and the romance of ancient times. It will make you feel.

When you go to Ryugashi Cave, you can’t miss the gelato from the Materia shop. Enjoy seasonal menus using Inasa milk and local ingredients.

After leaving Ryugashi Cave and driving along a winding mountain road for about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the rice terraces of Kurumegi. There is a legend related to a “dragon” in the mountain rice terraces, which have been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 rice terraces. When farm work is delayed or there is a shortage of manpower, it is said that a boy called Ryugu Boy will come out and help with the work.

During the rice planting season, the sky is reflected on the water surface of the rice fields, creating a magical scenery at dusk. As harvest approaches, cluster amaryllis bloom in full bloom, adding color to the golden scenery of the rice terraces.

The rice terraces, which are difficult to maintain and manage without the use of large machinery, have been preserved by local people for generations. This is not a tourist spot, but a place where farmers live. Please park your motorcycle or car at the nearby former Kurumegi Elementary School and observe good manners when visiting.

And when you’re touring the dragons at Lake Hamana, you shouldn’t forget the Tenryu Hamanako Railway, a local line that Enshu and Hamamatsu are proud of. There is no shortage of topics about railways, such as station buildings designated as cultural assets and gourmet food inside the station, but personally, I feel a sense of travel when I see “empty, unmanned stations.”

Who will use it?

What kind of thoughts did it have in making it?

It’s fun to imagine the thoughts that were put into the small platform, station building, and benches.

Anyway, Lake Okuhamana is a great place for riding a bike. Roads and guideposts are well maintained, but there are not many traffic lights. You don’t get irritated by continuous traffic lights or have to worry about traffic jams. It also has a good compatibility with the bike.

The road that overlooks the shores of Lake Hamana, the Satoyama road introduced this time, and the old highway. You can experience not only “nature” but also the people’s lives and culture. Even more so if you ride a bike.

What do you think?

I introduced the area called Lake Okuhamana with the theme of “dragons”. There may be times when you just want to go for a bike ride, but it’s not a bad idea to decide on a theme for yourself and go for a ride. You should be able to experience a different sense of accomplishment than just running.

Want to go for a ride for the first time in a while but don’t have a bike?

no worries,

Nowadays, bikes can be rented.

 

[This shooting course]

YSP Hamamatsu (bike rental) → Ryutanji Temple → Ryugaiwa Cave → Kurumegi Rice Terraces → Tenryu Hamanako Railway “Tokoha Daigaku-mae Station” → YSP Hamamatsu (bike return)

Cooperation: YSP Hamamatsu (「https://www.ysp-hamamatsu.co.jp」)