Japan Adventure

We're riding on Rt 2 now, but it's always easy here, because we're on the sidewalks, separated from the car traffic.


Pedaling down the street with the "Dr Seuss" trees. We're almost there!


Stone foo dog and torii gate guarding the entrance to another hilltop shrine.


At the bus station we get our first view of the bridge behind a bright-colored tour bus. There will be LOTS of tourists here today, but then there always are here at Iwakuni's famous Kintai Bridge.


An American man was trying to explain to the bus agent that he'd left something on a bus & this couple was trying to help him. Don't know what the older man on the right was doing, but he was quite cheerful & friendly - and at least 90 years old - maybe older! When we found out the American had left a thermos, we suggested he just forget it, continue on with his visit & just buy a new one. Or he could always wait for the bus to come back around & it would still be where he left it . . .


So with everything under control, we continued toward the car bridge so we could get to the other side. I never get tired of this beautiful view with the mountains behind. We know the fireworks will be set off near the bridge, but we don't know for sure which side, since this is our first time to get to see this event.


And now, we're riding across the car bridge facing the Kintai. Looks like all the food & shopping booths are set up on the bus station side (oops), but we're going to the cherry tree side, where there's shade . . . it's a hot early August day & we're ready to cool off & get out of the sun.


Wow - look at all the tripods set up on the wide sidewalks - ready for the fireworks tonight!


These photographers told Stan they had been here since 3 AM to get a good spot! Everyone wants "the" perfect shot of fireworks over the famous Kintai Bridge . . .


An area in the center was marked "reserved" (in English only!) - wonder who for? It WOULD be the perfect viewing spot, I guess.


And more cameras & tripods line the entire bridge! Amazing. Most were unattended, but no one will bother them.

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