Kyushu Touring Day2

Unfortunately, it was raining when I woke up that morning.
We met Mr. TAKURO at the lobby of a hotel in Yanagawa City at 8:00 a.m. and discussed today's route. First, we departed for Unzen.

Taradake Orange Road in heavy rain

Although it was raining in earnest,Both Boxsters are wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.And the grooves are ample. Even in a fairly heavy downpour, the Boxster felt safe and secure in its handling.

Once on the Taradake Orange Sea Route, the straight, pleasant road continues on and on.Speeding up, we headed south toward Unzen. On a clear day, we should be able to enjoy the view of the sea, but this time we could not fully enjoy the scenery due to the rain, but still, this road is great to drive on the Boxster.

Next, the Taradake Rainbow Road becomes a winding section with moderate curves. On the way, we wanted to take a restroom break, but there were no rest areas anywhere. We had no choice but to deviate from the route a little and run into a convenience store for a restroom break. After returning to the original route, we drove the Boxster to Unzen Green Road.

Unzen Green Road, Shimabara Mayuyama Road, and Unzen Nitatoge Ring Road

Unzen Green Road surrounds Mt. In the previous 992, we drove along the Unzen Green Road on the west side and were astonished at how pleasant the road was, but this time we drove clockwise from the north.

However, the Unzen Green Road to the north is not a very enjoyable road due to heavy traffic.

On the way.Turn south on R389 to K58 (Prefectural Road 58).We then drove the Boxster to Shimabara Mayuyama Road in K207. The roads around here are very enjoyable winding.

Unfortunately, the thick fog made driving a bit difficult, but the Boxster was still able to enjoy the winding roads like a fish out of water in Sport Plus mode.

Continue,Gaining elevation, the road enters the Unzen-Nitatoge Ring Road.Here, we paid 100 yen for the nature conservation cooperation fee and drove along the one-way winding road. I remember that in the past, it was difficult to drive through the road because of the many tourist cars, but this time, because it was raining, we were able to drive in a reserved state. Since it was a one-way street, we did not have to worry about oncoming cars and enjoyed the curves by taking a course that made lavish use of the width of the road.

The car arrived at the observatory with a pleasant sound, moving back and forth between third and second gear more than necessary.

Strangely enough, the rain stopped as soon as we got out of the car. At this lookout point, the rain that had been falling earlier had stopped and the sky was clear enough to see the ocean.

After a short break, R389 is one of the best roads to Kuchinotsu Port for Amakusa. Enjoying a moderate downhill, we arrived at Kuchinotsu Port in no time.

Take two ferry connections to the Kagoshima area.

Boarding procedures at Kuchinotsu Port and loading the Boxster onto the ferry.

The ferry ride was comfortable, and although it took about 30 minutes, we were very thankful to be able to take a break while traveling. By the time we arrived at the port of Onike, it was already around noon, so we went to a nearby restaurant and enjoyed a bowl of kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl).

After that, we drove south on R266 at a brisk pace and took another ferry from Ushibuka Port. This ferry ride also took about 30 minutes, but we were too busy talking with Mr. Takuro on the boat to notice the disembarkation announcement. So we hurried back to the car and disembarked.

Then we drove fast on K46 and headed toward Satsumasendai. After checking into the hotel, we went to a famous ramen restaurant nearby, but unfortunately it was temporarily closed. We had no choice but to eat ramen at the nearby "Kodawari Ramen Juhachiban Satsumasendai," and returned to the hotel.

Although we were touring in the rain that day, we were able to enjoy different scenery and atmosphere than usual, and thanks to the rain, the area around Unzen, which usually has heavy traffic, was empty, so we were able to drive at our own pace, which is one of the advantages of touring in the rain.

Tomorrow we will be heading for the Ibusuki Skyline, which is also our main destination this time.

Route map for this time