{"id":37261,"date":"2019-01-17T06:00:59","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T21:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/?p=37261"},"modified":"2020-08-21T11:31:08","modified_gmt":"2020-08-21T02:31:08","slug":"911-touring-in-shikoku","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/911-touring-in-shikoku\/","title":{"rendered":"My Husband Took Our Air-Cooled Porsche 911 (964) on a Long Tour of Shikoku!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Porsche Office Chair<\/h3>\n

Last fall, my husband purchased a Porsche office chair<\/a>. It\u2019s quite large for home use, so at first he said he would take it to work and use it there<\/strong>. However, he quickly became hooked on the comfort and feel, as if he were sitting in a real Porsche, and soon declared, \u201cI\u2019ll keep using it in my room for a while after all.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After that, he bought a slightly larger desk from Nitori to match the Porsche office chair and set it up in his room (the desk cost about 1\/35th the price of the chair\u2014way too expensive, haha)<\/span>. He really liked the setup and since then has spent many nights holed up in his room rearranging things and working on his computer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Then recently, he sent me a report with the message, \u201cI wrote an article about my year-end air-cooled tour of Shikoku!\u201d<\/strong>. It was quite a long read. Apparently, he wrote it diligently after my kids and I had gone to bed, haha\u2026 So, I\u2019d like to share his report below.<\/p>\n

911 (964) Air-Cooled Touring<\/h3>\n

Day 1<\/h4>\n

By the time he noticed, the 964 had already covered over 2,000 km since purchase. Taking advantage of the year-end holidays, he set off on a solo tour of Shikoku.<\/p>\n

Leaving home around 8:00 AM, he headed for the first destination: the Minami Awa Sunline<\/strong>. He had been there last month on a tour with friends, but it\u2019s a road he loves no matter how many times he drives it. Along the way, he avoided the bypass called Hiwasa Road and instead took Route 55 south, which has become almost deserted thanks to the bypass. This stretch is usually all his own, offering truly exhilarating high-speed winding roads.<\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

After a brief rest at the first lookout point at the entrance to the Minami Awa Sunline, he left the short pit road and entered the winding section. It was his second time driving this road in the 964, and it felt absolutely fantastic. The course features fairly tight corners, so handling matters more than engine power here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"911<\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

He\u2019s driven this route in a Boxster too, but the 911\u2019s rear-engine layout moves completely differently. If you handle it properly, it responds exactly as expected. It\u2019s truly a \u201ccar that responds instantly to your input.\u201d<\/strong> That\u2019s what makes it so fun.<\/p>\n

He adjusted the seat to a slightly upright position to get a solid driving posture. Putting the Tiptronic in 2nd gear, he consciously loaded the front wheels while steering, and as the car changed direction, he gently opened the throttle. When done right, the 911 carves through turns with unmatched pleasure.<\/p>\n

At this point, it\u2019s basically skiing.<\/p>\n

Having been deeply into skiing during his student days, he understands well. Like skiing down a steep slope leaning forward, pointing the ski tips in the direction of travel, edging, and slightly sliding the tails to carve the perfect arc\u2014and then repeating that thrill over and over down the slopes. That sensation is very similar to what he felt driving here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For a late lunch, he stopped at the roadside station T\u014dy\u014d-ch\u014d. They apparently prepare fresh fish on the spot, but since choosing was a hassle, he ordered a shirasu (whitebait) bowl, which he had tried before and quite likes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After filling up, he pressed on.<\/p>\n

His touring style is basically about the \u201cdrive\u201d itself, so sightseeing and gourmet stops are kept to a minimum. He wants to spend as much time as possible just driving.<\/p>\n

Heading south on Route 55 toward Cape Muroto, the coastal stretch of Route 55 is always refreshing. Despite it being winter, the sky and clouds feel like summer, and if you don\u2019t open the windows, you might mistake the temperature.<\/strong> It\u2019s not quite the Pacific Coast Highway (SR1) from Santa Monica to Malibu in Los Angeles, but it has a similar vibe and average speed flow.<\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

There are many national routes, but few two-digit routes are this comfortable to drive.<\/p>\n

Since he\u2019s visited Cape Muroto many times, he skipped it this time and headed for a hotel in Kochi city. He generally chooses hotels with large parking lots where it\u2019s unlikely he\u2019ll be forced to park in a nearby coin-operated lot even if he arrives late (which is quite tricky)<\/span>. Of course, he parks in a less crowded area within the lot, turns off the engine, and hopes no \u201ctonar\u0101\u201d (people who park right next to you even though there\u2019s plenty of space elsewhere)<\/span> will park beside him. That ended Day 1.<\/p>\n

Day 2<\/h4>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

At 6:30 AM, he skipped the hotel breakfast to save time and set off early. After warming up the fully frozen 911 in the cold snap and melting the ice with the heater, the day\u2019s destination was Sada Misaki (Cape Sada). While the views are great there, the main goal was the R197 road leading to it.<\/p>\n

First, he stopped at Katsurahama Beach to greet Mr. Sakamoto and waited for the sunrise. The sunrise at Katsurahama is truly special. The majestic Pacific Ocean sunrise touches the heart with its beauty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After a short stroll around Katsurahama, he headed to Kaizumi Shrine (Ryuo-gu) to express his daily gratitude and report.<\/p>\n

With the still-rising sun to his side, he blasted east along the empty Kuroshio Line. Along the way, sea steam (sea fog?) rose, creating a mystical atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Once on the Yokonami Kuroshio Line, the 911 truly shines. Switching the Tiptronic to manual mode, he climbed aggressively in 2nd and 3rd gears.<\/strong> After enjoying the view at the Katabira Saki parking lot and briefly playing with the overly friendly cats, he pressed on.<\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

Heading south on Route 56, then onto Route 381, he found a scenic road running alongside the clear Shimanto River. Passing slow kei trucks and minivans, he debated stopping at a submerged bridge but soon found himself near Uwajima City. After a short break at the roadside station Morino Sankakuboushi, he headed north on the Matsuyama Expressway (free section), passed Yawatahama City, and took Route 197 toward Cape Sada.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Route 197, also called the Sada Misaki Melody Line, has moderate traffic and is a country road along the coast with many straight sections. The road is wide, with climbing lanes and passing spots here and there, making it easy to maintain your own pace. Driving the 964 mostly in 3rd gear with the Tiptronic, the throttle opening and engine response correlate beautifully.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While tight winding roads are fun, these long straight country roads feel wonderful too. Compared to modern Porsches, it\u2019s not particularly powerful, but it\u2019s a reminder that driving enjoyment isn\u2019t just about power.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Despite the cold, he drove with windows and sunroof wide open. Playing AM radio on purpose while driving the air-cooled Porsche brought on an indescribable nostalgic feeling.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, what a blissful time.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was pure bliss. Speeding or attacking corners no longer mattered. Driving slowly was just as enjoyable. Perhaps that\u2019s one of the charms of air-cooled Porsches.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As he neared Cape Sada, the road suddenly narrowed. For supercars or Panameras wider than 1900mm, passing could be tricky here, so drivers of wide cars should consider turning back around Misaki where R197 becomes Prefectural Route 256. (By the way, a Boxster can manage fine.)<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PORSCHE<\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

He drove the twisting narrow roads, stopping at photo spots with wind turbines and ocean backdrops along the way, before reaching the Sada Misaki parking lot. You can walk to the lighthouse from here, but it was too cold to bother, so he rested at the parking lot instead. From there, you can see Kyushu across the sea, making it a highly recommended scenic spot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Day 3<\/h4>\n

At 8:00 AM, after quickly eating the free breakfast (raw egg over rice) at a hotel in Ozu City, he started the Porsche. Despite having driven it extensively since delivery, he still feels thrilled and reassured the moment he starts driving, thanks to the car\u2019s solid feel and groundedness combined with the unique rumbling sound of the air-cooled engine.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cToday, I\u2019ll drive hard just as you command!\u201d<\/p>\n

He feels as if the car is saying that to him. It\u2019s truly a deep and rewarding car. The word \u201cpiloting\u201d<\/strong> fits better than \u201cdriving.\u201d The car responds to the driver\u2019s skill, running however you steer it, but mistakes show clearly. When handled well, it rewards you accordingly.<\/p>\n

This is true unity between man and machine, driver and car moving as one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"911\uff08964\uff09Carrera2\"<\/p>\n

Checking the route on the touring map, he headed north on Prefectural Route 24. This road felt great too, with light traffic as he made good time toward the Seto Inland Sea. Along the coast, he took Route 378 northeast, following the Yosan Line railway, enjoying another scenic road with the sea on his left. He\u2019d like to come back when it\u2019s a bit warmer.<\/p>\n

To warp, he got on the Matsuyama Expressway at Iyo IC, then exited at Iyo-Komatsu IC to drive Route 194. While highways rarely offer interesting roads, he personally likes this stretch of the Matsuyama Expressway. It has long straights, elevation changes, and high-speed corners.<\/p>\n

On a long uphill, he revved the engine, moved into the passing lane, and raced up the high-speed corners past slower cars. A Panamera Turbo would breeze through humming happily, but the air-cooled Porsche is a different story.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s what makes it fun.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gripping the wheel firmly, he felt like he was crawling up the road, cornering with precision. The car\u2019s behavior changes with every throttle input, making the \u201cpiloting\u201d sensation irresistible.<\/p>\n

Route 194 was new to him. Despite many visits to Shikoku, he\u2019d never driven it before. Concerned about road conditions near the pass due to the cold snap, he checked his phone beforehand and found no restrictions or closures, so he decided to attack the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Because it was year-end and a cold snap was ongoing, traffic was very light. The only car ahead was a Suzuki Cappuccino, probably on a tour as well. Keeping a safe margin, he enjoyed a decent pace climbing the hill alongside it.<\/p>\n

What a spectacular mountain road.<\/strong> Wide lanes, gentle curves, long straights, and continuous ups and downs. If he returns to Shikoku, he\u2019d want to drive this road again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Near the pass, the road was patchily covered with slush, but it was manageable at slow speeds. After carefully crossing the pass, the downhill to Kochi began. The RR layout makes descending very easy. He restrained the urge to speed up and savored each corner safely while heading south.<\/p>\n

He arrived in Kochi city just after noon. Arriving earlier than expected, he considered his touring map\u2019s suggested routes but couldn\u2019t resist driving the Yokonami Kuroshio Line once more. Remembering he hadn\u2019t eaten lunch, he stopped at a food stall for yakisoba and grilled squid.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He continued west along the Yokonami Kuroshio Line, stopped at the fishing port in Nosaki, Susaki City, and then took some random roads. Trying to cross a mountain pass on Prefectural Route 314, he gave up due to the extreme narrowness and \u201cnarrow, hard-to-drive road\u201d (\u9177\u9053) conditions. Trying to back out was even harder in the 964, which has poor turning radius in reverse.<\/p>\n

Driving a winding road backward is tough in any car, but it\u2019s next-level difficult in the 964 (sweat).<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rear just wouldn\u2019t turn. At one point, while reversing, he heard a loud \u201ccrack!\u201d<\/strong> Panicking, he moved forward and felt the left rear tire slip. Opening the throttle more, he managed to get out. Checking outside, the car was completely unscathed.<\/p>\n

What was that noise? Looking closely, he saw the left rear wheel had partially slipped into a ditch. The bumper\u2019s underside had scraped something like a curb. The bumper was slightly scratched and cracked, but miraculously, the exterior looked untouched. It\u2019s unfortunate to have minor damage underneath, but it can be fixed later, and thankfully, no injuries or major trouble occurred.<\/p>\n

He realized it\u2019s best not to pick random roads too freely.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Regrouping, he headed back toward Kochi city. Driving again past Katsurahama and the Kuroshio Line, he arrived at the hotel early. With the return trip planned for the next day, he rested early, concluding the 3-night, 4-day year-end Shikoku tour.<\/p>\n

Total distance was 1,278 km. Fuel consumption according to the onboard computer was 11.4 L\/100 km (8.77 km\/L). Actual consumption is about 10% worse, so roughly 8 km\/L. By the way, here is the route of this tour, with comments at each point.<\/span><\/p>\n