Why Japan? 

Not too far from South Korea. It would be another incredible cultural experience and Charlie's daydreaming had always included watching the national sport of countries around the globe. 

So Japan home of Sumo - well we'd never get a better chance than now. And there's no where else on earth to experience this very original sport. 

Oh and Charlie's mates son Greg Butler was swimming in the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in FUKUOKA and we sort of hoped we could maybe reach that area too! 

Below - Sumo tournament - Osaka 

So we booked a flight from Jeju Island to OSAKA - overnight stop then flight to SAPPORO capital of HOKKAIDO.

Below - Charlie managed to take this pic of the incredibly helpful staff loading our bikes at Jeju airport after a long discussion about how they'd never experienced loading bikes wrapped in cardboard boxes before! 

Charlie had briefly read that Hokkaido was a interesting island to cycle due to it's rural landscape, national parks and even black bears! 

Our Journey 

Below - black bear waring signs on our first cycling day on Hokkaido Island. 

Below - arriving at Niigata (HONSHU ISLAND) after a 16 hour overnight ferry trip from Otaru (HOKKAIDO ISLAND) 

Below - Looking like something out of 'STRINGRAY' (You have to be a certain age!!) our JET FERRY awaits to take us the short journey along the coast to Oshima.

We just love a ferry! 🚴🚴

Below - ferry to Shikoku Island and a automatic BEER DISPENSER! Who needs a Bar-man/Bar-maid - pours the beer just perfect!! 

Below - after a 2.5 hour ferry trip to Usuki (Kyushu Island) a stop off at a run down Shinto Temple en route to Nakatsu and some beautiful old paintings.