Cycle Touring Japan: Shimanami Kaido, Shikoku in Winter

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[@rolandomichel2070]

This was just Wonderful! And your humor is Terrific! Looking forward to doing a similar trip this Fall, on the bicycle, from Kyoto down to Kagoshima.

[@waddo]

Glad you enjoyed it. As we have no TV, we usually watch our holiday vids when we want some moving picture entertainment; but this is a pre 4k video and we very rarely watch such antiquated stuff. Your comment sparked my curiosity--so we will watch it tonight! The trip you mentioned should be great in Autumn. Due to work I have never done a real tour at that time. Don't miss the Aso caldera. It's amazing.

[@robertdavey2660]

Thanks waddo, really enjoyed your vids- a good mix of music, scenery and commentary. I winter cycled shikoku in January this year- very doable! You've inspired me to give wild camping a go should I return for my third bike tour as I've allways roughed it in Japan staying in hotels and hostels :) I'll need to get out my tent and practice first in my own neck of the woods- Australia.

[@iancamarshis]

Another great video Waddo 😊

[@saltypaul11]

Another great video, enjoyed it very much, thank you again 😀😀😀😀😁

[@waddo]

And I thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@wonglipmeng3472]

Amazing video with many useful info for potential cyclists touring Japan. Thanks for those videos of your cycling in Japan. Love them. Look forward to be able to ride there in the near future.

[@waddo]

You're very welcome and glad you enjoyed it. It was a nice adventure.

[@ibcybermon]

Always great editing and wonderful music. Thanks

[@waddo]

Glad you are enjoying them. We have no TV so luckily we like them too!

[@canica99]

I have to say I normally stay away from any video in youtube longer than 13 minutes, that just happens to be my comfort point but this video was very nice, great choice of music, simple and soothing. Thank you for sharing and great job with the editing and I can appreciate you having a beer at the end of the night after a day on the saddle. I will be practicing the same ritual as I will go across from the west coast to the east coast of the us in about a month.

[@waddo]

Glad I could capture your attention for so long. It's true, most of my videos are too long for YT, but I make them for myself and Yuki and YT is just an extra thing.

[@Adrenalid]

All amazing:) You make such incredible frames and combine with amazing music, it’s incredible feeling. Thanks:)

[@waddo]

No, I say a big thanks to you for your kind words.

[@sonny8m]

Totally Agree. I watched the whole video. Thank you very much.

[@thektec9914]

Subscribed! Thank you for taking the time to make such great cinema!

[@waddo]

Welcome and happy to oblige.

[@awildcyclistappears]

I've found your videos year ago and I love them. Rewatching as I'm getting ready for my bike tour in Japan in May-June 2019.

[@waddo]

Drop in and see us if you have time in Tokyo. I suggest you micro plan your route and the places you want to visit. Riding on most normal roads is ugly, noisy and polluted.

[@awildcyclistappears]

@@waddoI'll be actually comming by the end of April and staying till end of May to hopefully avoid Tsuyu. It would benice to drink a beer together! Route for now looks like this... Tokyo > Shibukawa > Nagano > Matsumoto > Kamikochi > Takayama > Gero > maybe Nagoya > Osaka > Kyoto > Shimanami Kaido > ferry to Hiroshima > Akiyoshidai > Fukuoka > Kumamoto > Kagoshima... and that's about 23-24 days approx. First few days will be "awesome" in terms of climbs ;)

[@waddo]

Email me before you come an we can arrange to meet up.

[@davehoover8853]

Beautiful images and a trip I will make this summer. The weather gods were with you, but I know how cold the maritime air in Japan can be. It just goes through everything you have on! I saw Yuki take her coat off once. Broke to venture out for two full weeks and no staying in inns. The filming looks to be your best effort yet and I know that meant a lot of cold hands and extra time waiting for the perfect shot. Gold medal!

[@waddo]

Thanks very much. Never had gold before! Actually the cold isn't so bad except occasionally when we have to go over high elevation routes and we freeze going down. Basically the riding keeps us warm and inside the tent we are toasty warm; so it's only when we walk about or sit outside in the evening that we feel the chill. If you want to ride Shikoku I would just say don't take the main road along the north coast. It's very busy and awful. Everywhere else seems reasonable at worst. Also I should thank you for commenting because quite often we watch the same video ourselves that evening.

[@kil0677]

nice view to sharing..tq

[@charliesanvi8235]

Wow! Amazing! Thanks!

[@waddo]

Thanks you for watching and the kind comment.

[@letsfinding2795]

Wonderful video!

[@waddo]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nateums]

Subbed! Awesome video and narration. Thank you!

[@waddo]

Welcome to the club! Gland you enjoyed it.

[@TanukiParis]

Amazing adventure!

[@waddo]

Yes it was quite special for us, especially since it was winter.

[@noellim2062]

Beautiful video.

[@waddo]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheOldmankk]

Took me three days to walk over all Shimanami Kaido bridges. From onomichi to Imabari Love it ! Followed the Blue Lines.

[@waddo]

Very nice idea. Never heard of it before, but I imagine others have done it. Did you camp?

[@TheOldmankk]

waddo Yes, rough it out then all the way. Even confronted and fighted back a sizeable wild boar Inoshshi. haha....I am a thousand miles ohenro san. Forever love Shikoku and Shodoshima.

[@TanukiParis]

Amazing aventure!

[@waddo]

Yes it was and glad you enjoyed it.

[@StephenMoore]

Dude, great video

[@waddo]

Cheers.

[@markespley8740]

love it !!!

[@waddo]

Your happiness is my happiness :)

[@tereferekuku87]

Thanks for your video, it's a big help and inspiration! I wish to do the same trip :)

[@waddo]

You should! Also, check the summer tour of Shikoku. All the places we visited are different.

[@TheFilthdog]

Thanks man, these videos are great. Perfect balance of relaxing imagery and interesting commentary. The NHK cycling in Japan stuff is good but are too formal and scripted, these feel so organic and real. Now I can't wait to get back cycling in Japan again.

[@waddo]

Those NHK videos are good for seeing places of interest for future visits. But the guys riding look like the type that never had a girlfriend. Watching them and listening to them make me squirm in my seat, Also it is dishonest journalism, which means very amateur. "Oh, our rider has noticed an unusual shop. He's decided to stop and take a look." Of course this visit to this shop was planned months in advanced and is part of NHK advertising Japan (including private businesses!) and pretending it's a travel show. I watched a couple of episodes of a BBC show where a woman rides her motorbike here and there and camps. It underscored how amateur NHK are. Anyway, rant over! Glad you enjoyed the video. I have a feeling it will be blocked in several countries soon due to music copyright issues.

[@markespley8740]

haha. i too am a fan of nhk for their informative stuff, but yesss i have noticed that there is a definite script. but as long as its about japan i will be glued till the end !!!

[@waddo]

Do you live in Japan?

[@TheFilthdog]

waddo Yea I did for a while. Initially went doing cycling trip in 2006, went back and stayed for a few years. Am back in the UK now and missing the place a lot, hence I'm enjoying your vids so much. Nostalgia!

[@waddo]

I'm originally a Yorkshire lad myself. Though I left want I was 16 to find my fortune. Never found it.

[@greatvedas]

Really wonderful documentary of your trip. You must be with your camera at every turn and places you visited. Wonder how you managed battery power and memory cards. Such care you must have taken. Appreciate all the seen and unseen efforts mate. Hopefully i make a bike trip to Japan soon.

[@waddo]

Glad you enjoyed the vid and thanks for the kind words. In the old days, before bike touring, I was a keen photographer. When I would go somewhere, often photography was the main purpose. However, with bike touring the trip is the main purpose, so shooting video is not a priority, When I get home I usually find footage video is often pretty bad with all kinds of problems because I didn't take enough care. Also, sometimes there is no video at all because I forgot to shoot any. It means most things you might enjoy about my videos are the result of editing and tricks to make junk clips seem ok. Sorry for the long winded reply! I offer it because many people like yourself assume I am always busy with the camera. Finally, charging is a problem. I have one small power bank and usually charge stuff at every opportunity: drinking coffee in a convenience store, in an onsen, even in public toilets if there is a power outlet (they have heated toilet seats here so I unplug it t charge!) If you could get through this long video (and reply) you might enjoy the new Tohoku video. I spent more time editing that than any other and it's pretty good.

[@greatvedas]

@@waddo Definitely i sense your efforts in either ways in form of editing. Edit is huge task. Well I wish to see more of your videos & good luck. And if you ever visit to Melbourne, Aus, feel free to reach out.

[@waddo]

And if you ever come to Japan, likewise.

[@camperstar6stringer]

marshmellows go good with a real campfire

[@waddo]

Did we make a camp fire on this trip? I don't remember and usually we don't as we practice leave no trace camping.

[@davelangton5097]

.like so much.!! I do m'y bike training dreaming ....and taking notes ..wait for doctor..say yes...😉 thank you so much..

[@waddo]

You're very welcome.

[@audrey3319]

Beautiful, curious do you have a map, itinerary to share of what you did as when I look up the Kaido trail appears just 70 km long, clearly you made a beautiful tour of the islands,

[@waddo]

No there I have nothing to show the details, but the main places we visited have the real names on the animated maps and can be found using google maps. The route from place to place is generally not the shortest but the one with least traffic or nice scenery. So I think it's possible to plot the daily routes in Google Maps just by referring to the animated maps in the video. If you want more information about touring in Japan and see actually google maps links to the routes we used, check some of the most recent videos and there are download links to the guide books. Sorry I can't help you more than that. Japan is a great country for touring but the reality is it is often very ugly with nightmare main roads and traffic, so route planning is very important.

[@audrey3319]

@@waddo thank you, yes as I continued to watch your other videos too for it figured out. I spent age 3 to 9 in Tokyo,,late 60s early 70s. Visited last in 84'. All your videos bringing back familiarity and nostalgia. Thank you

[@paulevans5455]

Once again you and Yuki have kicked a goal with this video. I started going to Japan in 2007 mostly over Christmas and New Year periods as that was the time I had no work. But since retiring I can pick and choose when I go. Currently planning trip number 12 and would like to know what camera you use on the bike and how it is attached. My video clips of past trips are hit or miss as battery life on my Garmin camera isn't crash hot. Now have to learn how to join clips and add still shots between clips and make half decent videos.

[@waddo]

Glad you liked the video. And also it is the final video made with my old Canon Video camera (replaced with a Panasonic). In this video I am using the SONY AS200VR for the action sequences. It is HD with very good image stabilisation. Older videos with GoPro are very shaky. Changing to the Panasonic as my main camera was to get 4K video. I replaced the Sony with basically the 4k version of the same camera. I would highly recommend the AS200. I already had GoPRo helmet and handlebar attachments so I just bought a cheap converter thing to use them with the Sony. Sony attachments are expensive so third party or second hand is the best choice. For your editing I would recommend starting with iMove on a computer rather than a tablet or phone. It is very easy to use with excellent results. If you are a Windows user I have no idea what you can use. If you are looking for a second hand camera to save money my Sony is actually on Yahoo Auctions now for 17,000 yen. auctions.yahoo.co.jp/search/search?p=SONY+AS200VR&va=SONY+AS200VR&exflg=1&b=1&n=20&s1=cbids&o1=a&slider=undefined

[@tdfrie]

@12:16 why ride on the road when there’s a paved path beside it? I live in Shizuoka and always use these paths where available. That being said, I’ve found motorists in Japan to be quite considerate of cyclists, and so I generally feel very safe while riding my bike. Thanks for posting your videos!

[@waddo]

The paths are too bumpy so riding at 20km/h is unpleasant and risky. When the road is awful we can ride faster and escape it sooner. Also it is illegal to ride on the paths since two years ago, believe it or not!

[@theaudiochameleon]

hello - thanks so much for these videos - you have really given me the template - thanks brother. The sleeping mat sit up - where did you buy those?

[@waddo]

It's called Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit and you can buy it at any outdoor shop or online. They are the only non-essential things we take and are really great.

[@theaudiochameleon]

@@waddo item.rakuten.co.jp/canpanera/t04047/ - cheers mate - legend!!!

[@afranioleitequente]

Hey, great videos and a fantastic trip; how safe were the places you visited? Could you leave your things in the tent for going for a walk, sightseeing? or when going to shopping malls?

[@waddo]

Yes it's very safe. For sightseeing and shopping we just leave the bikes and panniers without worry. As for camping, because we are wild camping in places I guess we shouldn't, we judge place by place as to whether we can leave the tent and for how long. This is more for politeness than thinking something would be stolen. Basically I never worry about anything being stolen here.

[@waddo]

If you find value in this and my other videos, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month helps with future projects. www.patreon.com/waddo

[@brokenchopstickz]

I'm subbed. I love bikes and touring. What kind of bikes you riding?

[@waddo]

Welcome! And we both ride LHTs.

[@oschibaby3471]

Hi Waddo, Hi Yuki, I really enjoyed your video, thank you. You mentioned the sleeping-mat-to-chair conversion sleeves or suchlike, which was the first time I'd seen something like that. Would you recommend that particular product? Would you mind telling me the brand and model? All the best from Germany

[@waddo]

I would recommend it 100%. You cannot use it for a lunch break because you would have to take out the mats too and partially inflate them; so it would be too much trouble. But the evening and morning in camp it's great. The brand is Thermarest. You should also be using Thermarest pads so they fit the seat sleeve but my guess is most mats would fit.

[@visionartstudio5330]

10mins into the video, barely seen another soul on the tracks... 😂 I'm afraid if I go with my son for a tour, there'll be no one around.. Haha

[@waddo]

That's only because it's winter. Go in summer and you won't feel lonely!

[@dingbat99]

Beautiful music, can you share the traditional japanese sounding songs if possible please? Love your stuff.

[@waddo]

I do not know the names of most of them. If you use Shazam on your phone it will probably be able to name all of them. That's what I use myself sometimes as it's quicker than going through my video music collection. Also, the more recent uploads seem to have a track list created by KZbin if you click "Show More."

[@RealSpaceHobo]

Awesome stuff - was wondering, what is the 88 temple course?- sounds like fun....:-)

[@waddo]

It's a pilgrimage, usually done on foot. Some people do it by tour bus! I image a few cyclists have done it. Most of the temples must be worth visiting. But the walking route often is beside busy roads and even through long tunnels, so I think in practice it's not a nice as it may seem.

[@RealSpaceHobo]

@@waddo Good to know, Chr.... I mean Kieth.... Sounds like fun, but I hate cars, so...... 😎😎😀

[@Simon-dm8zv]

Damn that is some solid drumming on the first song. Sounds like Simon Phillips :o

[@waddo]

The track is by the Yoshida Brothers, perhaps the most famous traditional instrument musicians in Japan, so they can get the best of the best to go into the studio with them. I agree the drum track is nice and lively and the unexpected fills are, to me, reminiscent of Simon Phillips.

[@Simon-dm8zv]

waddo Thanks for your reply. It turns out that the drummer on this track is indeed mr. Phillips.

[@waddo]

@@Simon-dm8zv Wow that's a surprise I thought they only worked with Japanese musicians!

[@edvhollywood4544]

This is a treat. Nature and Shikoku , my 2 favorite things. About 25 miles a day? What map did you use? I can do1/2of that . Please name the onsets if you can. Thank you so much.

[@waddo]

I make my own routes and plan my own sightseeing. I use google map links that I create for the the day to day riding. Sorry I do not understand "onsets." If you send me you email address I will send you an export of the entire trip with google map links. Actually this is an old video. You may see better places on my newer videos of Seto Inland Sea as well as Shikoku.

[@edvhollywood4544]

Kuma Kogen a bunch of cabins in Shikoku, beautiful.

[@waddo]

@@edvhollywood4544 Thanks for the info about Kuma Kogen. It looks like a very nice area. We will go there next time we visit Shikoku.

[@edvhollywood4544]

@@waddo onsen name it was a typo.

[@waddo]

@@edvhollywood4544 Which do you mean? Tell me the time in the video when it appears.

[@nisarazk_]

Amazing video 😃 do you mind sharing your itinerary ? I am a bit confuse on how to get to Shikoku 😅 thank you in advance

[@waddo]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I have no itinerary but the animated maps show the names of all the places we visited so you can easily find them with google maps or internet search. Also, I cannot tell you how to get to Shikoku because I do not know where you are, but as you see in the video we take a bullet train from Tokyo then start riding.

[@nisarazk_]

waddo that's what i did 🤣 thank you again for your video

[@blumontegosbrain]

What a great journey. It is my dream to do bicycle touring in japan but Im still completing my gears piece by piece and waiting for good timing. actually, i have some questions in mind, and i hope you can share your advices based on your experience. is that ok to camp not in official camp ground? Because the more i search the more i found it illegal. Secondly is that feasible to do it in December or January? Because i need to pre order some of gears. And last one, how did you charge your smart phone and camera? Because i definitely need my smartphone as navigator. Thanks.

[@waddo]

HI. I am not sure if it is illegal or not to wild camp. Probably it depends on the place. I don't really care about legality. If there is a chance people will see you, wait until it is almost dark. Use a dark green or brown tent. Practice leave no trace camping. If there is any litter around your camp from other people, pick it up so you leave the place cleaner than you found it. Put your bike in a visible place with the helmet on the bike. Anyone coming along will see the bike, the tent, and understand exactly what's going on and probably envy your freedom. We have never had any problems following these principles. This video is December and Jan. You need to stay away from snowy regions in winter. Japan is VERY mountainous, so plan carefully. Also you need a 4 season tent and a below freezing sleeping bag. Then it is not only doable but, if you are half crazy, very enjoyable. For the gadgets, we have a power pack that can charge a phone etc about 8 times. Apart from that you can charge in almost all convenience stores in rural places. Or just keep you eye open for power outlets. If you camp in a park, the public toilet may have an outlet. If you check the link to my web site you can find my email address. If you need and help, feel free to email me.

[@blumontegosbrain]

Wow thanks wado, a very comprehensive reply. But well yeah maybe i need to adjust some equipments such as sleeping bag, because i only have 0-10°c sleeping bag. Thanks for your sharing

[@shinjisuzuki]

@@waddo Thanks for the nice video. Sorry to be picky but drawing power from random outlet is electricity theft. Getting consent from person in charge is essential.

[@thegoldenland]

Where do you use restroom during camp out?

[@waddo]

Sorry I don't understand your question.

[@visionartstudio5330]

Sleeping Questions. 😴 1. What kind of lightweight mat did you use for sleeping on? 2. Along this route, were there many options to go to a hotel or something similar? Thanks :)

[@waddo]

We just use regular Thermarest Backpacking self inflating pads, which we use all year round. As it's winter we have two rectangular closed cell sleeping pads that we put underneath. They completely cover the bottom of the tent. Closed cell pads are cheap and the brand doesn't really matter. The only thing is they roll up and are still bulky, which is what you can see on the top of our racks. Most people would just buy expensive self inflating pads that are rated for below zero temperatures. We are not rich and we also like how the closed cell pads create a carpet so its very cosy inside the tent. I plan all the routes before we go using Google Earth and Maps. At the same time I search for places to camp. Everything is planned before, which is why we camp at some amazing places. We only stayed in a cheap hotel once and that was because of heavy rain all day and night. Camping for us is at least 50% of the fun on these tours.

[@visionartstudio5330]

@@waddo Thanks for the detailed reply!! 😁

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Hi does it always rain 🌧 so much.

[@waddo]

Well it only rained three times during the trip. Coming from England I would say that's not much.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

@@waddo my country Scotland is the same i don't do uk, but totally agree thats not much just when I see people cycling there it often seems to be raining so just wondering if it was a seasonal thing thanks .

[@waddo]

@@mysurlytrucker7510 Generally here winter is very dry and summer can be very wet with tropical storms and typhoons. Landslides and river flooding are common. There is actually a summer typhoon season and going bike touring at that time would be a bad idea. Spring and autumn is a mixed bag just like UK.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

@@waddo cool thanks dude.

[@rtaskyy]

Cool trip! How many Ks was it?

[@waddo]

Glad you enjoyed it. Actually I have no idea. I would say our general range is 30-120km per day, usually somewhere in the middle. This trip was not so hard but if you check the Zen Kyushu in Winter video you will see typical Japan: mountains and mountains and mountains. So usually the distance is less important than the elevation. And as time passes I try to make each day less riding and more fun which hopefully means more interesting trips and videos.

[@TouchTheUniverseProductions]

Sounds like you are using a sidechain compressor to duck the music from your voice, good idea, but I'd extend the release by about 500ms! if I were you to smoothen out the transition, for future videos.

[@waddo]

Actually I don't use a compressor for that. I edit with Final Cut Pro and manually duck each one. I fine tune the start and end points as well as the volume curves of each one so they are all actually different. Depending on the music, ambient sound from the camera and the words I am saying, sometimes it is impossible to get it seamless; and making these videos takes longer than you can imagine. The voiceover is the final thing, so I am on the homestretch and eager to get it completed so sometimes I just have to say, "good enough." But you are right, some are not that good.

[@TheOneGoodRoad]

What month was this?

[@waddo]

It's over the Christmas and New Year period.

[@stephentutton3298]

Inspiration man. How does it compare to cycling in S Korea. New Zealand. Do you deal with crazy motorcycle delivery's in Korea Korea is organised chaos. I love it And rude Kiwis in NZ. . My country is beautiful some of the people arent. Looking at easy cycles. Is it better to purchase a bike 2nd hand or hire. I want to go solo. Im 62 so looking at the easy stuff. What province is this. Still learning. Is there cheap accomadation in Japan. I heard of the abandoned houses. So looking for a Non Non Byori Experience (anime). or Barakamon. (Anime). Country vs City. Tokyo is flat as. Looks great for cycling.. Korea has cycle paths beside water ways. So accesible 90% of the time except Typhoon season Ima na anime fan. Looking for a laid back camp experience or solo . I want to be alone but near enough for help if I get out of my depth. Im a Japan newbie.. Good luck with what ever youre doing now. Hope you have sucess. , With cycling in the rain does your stuff get water damaged, Books maps cameras electronic toys. ( lap tops phone tablets etc...)

[@waddo]

Hi Stephen. I'd be happy to answer your questions; but the stream of consciousness style of your text made me dizzy! I would say a few things: Japan has lots of ugliness and very busy roads with bad drivers.I plan the routes carefully and we go thorough and over mountains for this very reason. You are 62 and I am not far off but if you tae the easy roads here you will be miserable. If you want to ride around Tokyo there are various river bike paths, nothing like Korea, but not to bad and quite easy. Finally, rain is no problem for stuff because the panniers are waterproof; the old ones were not but we put stuff in plastic bags. Hope this helps somewhat.

[@Its_just_me_again]

...that time u realize, umm maybe i shouldnt be filming in an onsen :P nice vid thx for sharing

[@waddo]

Ha ha, don't even remember the onsen part. Hope no naughty bits were exposed. And thanks for peeping, er watching!

[@Its_just_me_again]

@@waddo haha yeah the guy who you were filming turned to see you filming just as you edited away. i wouldve liked to have seen his reaction. im sure he would not have been impressed.

[@waddo]

@@Its_just_me_again One great benefit of living in Japan is that most Japanese never met a foreigner and think we are all weird and cannot be understood according to the normal paradigm of human (Japanese) life. We are free therefore free to do almost anything we want, including spy cams in onsen, because they will just tut and say to themselves, "Look at that, they (we) don't understand anything." Au contraire, we understand EVERYTHING. Check mate to us!

[@Its_just_me_again]

@@waddo haha ok. not sure if you went into the dogo onsen? it is definitely an experience. it's one thing do in rome as romans...not the best analogy, but i felt like i was in a live where's wally game. myself as the only foreigner in an onsen of about 45 japanese men - standing room only. i also circumnavigated shikoku by bike in winter, def a great experience.

[@waddo]

@@Its_just_me_again Well done on the winter tour! No video? Not many people doing it. It has the benefit of few people around. For that reason, we looked at the giant queue outside dogo onsen and said never mind. It was winter and we sat for a couple of hours until bed time with our feet in a nearby free foot-bath and drank beer!

[@camperstar6stringer]

sad that the deers are filled with plastic these days on the island

[@waddo]

I'm not sure they are: compared to Nara where they are fed by tourists and will chew on anything they find, here we didnt see anyone feeding them and the vast majority are living away from the tourist shrine area.