Tokyo to Oyama

Back on the Road

We started from a small business hotel on the edge of Tokyo, packs strapped down and scooters ready. It was early, the streets still quiet, though the sun was already sharp against the buildings.

We dragged ourselves out of bed, excited and ready for the day ahead. It felt good to be back on the scooters again. Just free, moving across the countryside one kick at a time.

It was nice starting the day with Alex. His passion and excitement carried through everything. The way he spoke about the road ahead, the places we might pass, even the small details lifted the mood straight away.

The air was cooler than the day before, and the first kilometres slipped by easily. Suburban streets soon turned into open stretches of farmland. Back in rhythm, steady kicks, quiet roads, short pauses to drink or just look around.

Later we joined Route 4. Something very familiar for me. I had spent time in 2017 kicking along this road, and coming back felt like meeting an old friend I had not seen for years. The trucks roared past and the blue signs pointed towards Utsunomiya, but I felt strangely at home on that stretch.

By the time we reached Oyama the kilometres had added up. Fifty-seven in total, six and a half hours moving, 2,349 calories burnt according to the watch.

Dinner was at Orion Gyoza near Oyama Station. A lively, bright spot, gyoza and beer filling the gap the numbers had left.

It felt good to complete the first day. A part of me felt relief that my body and soul had not forgotten the scooter, the feel of the road, and Japan itself. I have spent so much time here over the years, and finishing the day reminded me why. Japan is a place I truly love and miss.