Day 7 - Kurino to Ichihino

I was unable to find a way South out of Hitoyoshi that was safe for cycling.  Route 267 has a 4.5km long tunnel section that is very narrow with no pedestrian or bicycle access.  Route 221 was too far out of our way and also has a long tunnel section albeit with a very narrow footpath.  Every smaller road I traced ended at the top of the valley.  In the end I concluded we would need to catch a train to Kurino and cycle from there.

The train between Hitoyoshi and Kurino is a sightseeing day tripper service rather than a standard local train.  It features in JR's list of scenic rail journeys.  The steepness of the route forces the inclusion of not only a loop section but a couple of switchbacks.  The scenery is such that the journey includes a number of lengthy stops to allow passengers to disembark and take photos.  It's all very lovely, but not at all conducive to needing to cover a full days cycling in addition to the train journey.

In the end we did not cycle away from Kurino station until after 1pm.  The original plan to have lunch in the Sogi falls area and check out the remains of the power station went out the window and the remainder of the day became a bit of a race against the clock.   We rolled into the ryokan around 6pm in the last of the day's light.  

Without the time pressure, this would have been a lovely day's cycling.  The early part of the ride along the Sendai River is picturesque and easy cycling.  Leaving the river the road up through the pass is gentle, climbing along mostly quiet roads.  After the descent into Satsuma, you pick up the Sendai River again cycling alternately through fields and suburban streets.

Route

Stay and Eat

Satsuma no Sato Ryokan is a little out of the way but perfectly suited our needs for a place to rest and refuel before heading on our way.  It's a larger ryokan so the welcome was more professional than warm.  A soak in the onsen was certainly a boon after a long day.

See and Do

The Sogi Falls and the nearby remains if the hydroelectric plant certainly look worth exploring if you can spare the time.