Vehicle collection in Kobe
Friday, 21 April 2023 6:56 am
“Of the gladdest moments in human life, methinks is the departure upon distance journey to unknown lands” Sir Richard Burton - 19th Century Explorer.
Japan for us is unknown, with much to learn and explore. Culture, Language, History and Landscape.
Yesterday ex Brisbane at midnight was a flurry of transport methods to Kobe Japan. Air via Hong Kong /Bus to the port / Ferry from one side of the Osaka bay to the other at Kobe Airport / Walk 15 min / Train / Train / walk 30 min - collapsed at 7.30pm at the hotel in Kobe.
Today was not much different in putting all together the pieces for the vehicle collection.
The Third party Insurance was pre-arranged and the original copy collected from the Hotel foyer.
The vehicle Carnet needed to be Authenticated by JAF. That was a near 2 hour train and walk for the final signature was on the document. And the good news they called it a CAR on the legal document = good news when we have to pay for tolls or ferry crossings.
Eventually we found Apex international Ltd on the 6th floor but it was NOT the import agent ! Just another company with exactly the same name. That is what happens when on Google search I did not put “Inc” after the name and I found a Apex International “LTD” -1km away that was also by chance on a 6th floor !
Just point the Google translate at the Japanese words at instant translation. Great for menus !
Now at the correct Apex, we met the team and handed over all the required documents. The great news is that we will collect our vehicle at 1PM Tomorrow ... not in 4 days time
Those 13,000+ steps & 6 train changes was all worth it !
Friday 21st April 2023
From the hotel we walked past the Kobe 1995 disastrous earthquake. Surprising just how strong the quake was - tearing 50mm high tensile metal apart.
With port map in hand we headed off to the port. Well we went by train to the wrong port didn't we, so with a quick taxi fare that was solved. Finally meeting up with the Customs Agent. Then in his car to Japan Customs, a ‘Car’ stamp in the passport and the carnet stamped it was back to the port and the GX.
It was then I noticed the security door between the module and the truck cabin was ajar. Checking further the door lock had also been forced but not opened. They had been inside the module and taken a few items - Lyn’s reading glasses the most unfortunate.
I had pre-downloaded the route on PocketEarth from the port to Cosco for food & beverage supply hence navigating was somewhat easy. The non-toll roads our choice have a max sped of 50KPH and that was just fine by me.
Parked up at Cosco as we walked back to the vehicle I noticed both roof vents were open. The strong wind must have flicked them.
Up on the roof the ‘bastards’ on the ship must have tried to get inside via the roof hatches - both of them - were ripped open.
Totally destroyed - But wirh few self tappers and the hatched are now sealed and permanently closed.
A quiet night at Cosco camp !
Fortunately Cosco here sells wine and spirits, I needed a couple of strong shots !
Saturday 22nd April 2023
Spent a few hours sorting the vehicle out, putting things back in place etc.
Cosco was OK for some food items but apart from volume items we needed some smaller quantities were needed - Aeon was a supermarket that was ideal.
It was a challenge, again google translate came into play.
Many rows of dried ???? in plastic packets.
Another note most servings a small, not that we drink Coke but the largest on can get are small cans
Koko-en gardens.
Our first taste of Japanese Serenity
Himeji or White Heron Castle.
Built in 1601 is one of the oldest in Japan.
It was never besieged, boomed or burnt, and thus one of the most preserved.
Still remain are the weapon storage racks and the stone and hot oil dropping holes to ward of invaders.
The internal timbers are massive. The main central timber beam was from a tree felled back in the 1600’s and that tree is estimated to be over 650 years old .
Camp is in the car park adjacent to the camping grounds, that is bared from vehicular access.
We have everything we need right here.
Camp 2 - Stoney Beach Car Park Camp
Today : 75Kms
Total : 113Kms
Cost Y500 = A$6.00
Sunday 23rd April 2023
A couple of hours drive and we are in Okayama and walking around one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Construction of the Garden of Korskuen
and completed in 1700 by the Lord of Okayama.
At the parking lot we received privileged treatment and parked up with the tour busses. The attendant speaking Japanese at 1000words/ minute, of which I have no idea of the conversation.
The gardens were severely damaged in the floods of 1934 and by bombing in 1945 but has been completely restored adhering to the ancient Edo system
In the background the Okayama Castle
SERENITY in the heart of a busy city
Sunday is a family day and feeding the Koi (carp) is all part of the enjoyment
Lyn is a bit of a coffee buff, today it had to be green tea, with some jelly snacks, and ice cream.
Japanese Maple Trees
Throughout the gardens are these formal Tea Ceremonies.
We watched and every movement orchestrated with precise movements.
Many of the elder gentry were dressed in traditional Kimono and looked elegant.
Camp 3 - Shell Mountain Lookout Car Park Camp
Today : 78 Kms
Total : 190 Kms
Cost Nil
Monday 24th April 2023
Today was a day of everything travel - Expressways, to minor suburban roads to narrow and twisting mountain roads + lots of walking & steps.
We change islands and onto the Island of Shikoko
As a test, we entered into the Japanese Expressway system. Our first entry the ‘machine’ designated us as a truck and the fee for some 20kms was Y3600 ( A$40 ) . We paid at the end manually and showed the guy we were a ‘camping car’ the next 10kms was only Y800 ( A$ 9.60)
Min speed is 50KPH, we are happy to sit on 70kph as to date travelling the lesser roads we average 40-50 kph - the legal limit - Its a great way to see around us.
Kotohira-gu is a Shinto Shrine in the town of Kotohira.
The Shrine stands at the end of a long path with around 800 steps to the main shrine.
Founded during the 1st century, its associated with the seafaring deity Konpira.
As such, the stair ways are lined with memorials of
those lost at sea
Good leg exercise today with those 800 steps.
Small suburban streets, yes this is two way traffic.
Some of the houses have their own rice fields right next door.
Now heading into the central mountains for tonights camp site.
As we approach the camp ground the road is even narrower.
Watch left, right, and roof clearance
Secret : Know your vehicle intimately.
The camp ground has a number of huts, obviously well used, but not a person in sight.
This looks like a good place - very quiet.
This is our track up road No 4 to the camp
Camp 4 - Deserted Camp Grounds Camp
Today : 105 Kms
Total : 296 Kms
Cost Nil