Kanagawa pref. Miura Peninsula. Tomiura to Arasaki Park. Jan. 2023
Wandering steps are similar to masseur strokes - on your soul. This feeling creates wanderlust. And we wander.
Wanderlust. The older I am, the more I enjoy every moment of wandering. May be this is because body finally realizes that at 65 those walks are no longer infinite in time, maybe it wants to absorb more impressions before it can’t do it any longer.
I often use words “hiking” or “walking” when writing my travel diaries. But recently I feel that I am rather wandering than hiking. It can be anywhere: Tokyo high riser boroughs or small seaside towns, whatever. As long as it is new place or I feel that I can find something new in the old place, I am all in. Some funny house decorations, quirky food outlets, unusual bird sounds, - I am all in. Each step feels like a gentle massage stroke, - on your soul.
I continue to explore Misaki Peninsula in Kanagawa prefecture of Japan. During the last two weekends I revisited some routes I walked two years ago when I moved here, and I tried some new ones.
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Crispy winter morning, sunny, cold, January 28, 2023. I like late breakfasts, turning them into lunches. Started my walk late, around 10 am. Having crossed through Isshiki beach, then Ohama beach, I climbed to the main road and continued towards Yokosuka. The plan is actually to take a bus towards seaside Tomiura Park and then walk towards Arasaki Park along the coast. But I am curious… Few times before, on the bus or foot, I have passed a little eatery called Nanyotei known for its curry soups, and always wanted to taste the place. Today is the day.
They open at 11 am. Exactly the time I walk in.
“Can I seat outside?” - “Sure, are not you cold?” - “It is sunny”.
I chose soup with vegetables and brown rice on side. With garlic. Nice view.
Studied menu (there is also English version): many choices.
Not sure if the nice view enhanced the taste of the soup, but I have never tried better one. Well, good choice - smile inside.
I board bus#6 to Nagai and alight at the Technical Colledge. From here there is only a short walk to Tomiura Park: you need to turn right near Terabun pharmacy, On the corner I see a newcomer: a pop-up cafe selling hot dogs.
Curiosity is one hunger’s cousin. I am not really hungry, but I am curious…
Tastes good actually. Now to the park.
A few dog walkers and Sagami Bay. I continue along the water and enter residential area of Nagai town (part of Yokosuka City). I like it when the buildings are not high.
From the 2021 walk I remember that I could reach nice promenade along the water and proceed towards to sea.
Nagai town fishing cooperative pier is still a mess (: But the organized one,
Hmmm. I did not expect that metal fence ahead.
Can go back to the main road and circumvent it, but no, I like my shortcuts.
And only one witness, so no problem.
This is a black kite called “tombi” here. They are considered to be scavengers, but I like to wake up to their morning roll calls and also admire the speed with which they snatch snacks from the hands of unsuspicious Tokyoites.
Finally, this is the promenade I like.
Sajima Marina area and Enoshima Island ahead. No Fuji view today: getting cloudy and cold. That is why probably I don’t see many people. Not a tourist spot here anyway.
I continue along the coast and after passing government housing at Nagai Heights approach Yakata Bay with a nearby Nagai Fishing Market.
Love those small markets.
Not only fish here, but there is also a small food outlet serving soba, fried calamari, and kanijiru (crab soup).
I am curious, plus a little bit hungry, add the cold. Small hot crab soup (only 300 yen) is what I order.
Improvised small tables outdoor, locals slurping their soba noodles, kites in the sky - I am getting a feel of a small homey fishing village here.
“Hi there”, - a Westerner looking guy greeting me. We chat.
Edward Philipps hails from Detroit, but has been living in Japan for 40 years, happily married and raising kids. At Nagai he has, what he calls, his “weekend house”. He and a few other expats are running SPC (Sajima Paddling Connection) club engaging in different watersports, among them outrigger canoe, the activity which I have been eyeing for a while.
“Come around April”, - says Edward. I nod enthusiastically and continue towards Shinjuku Bay which is followed by Urushiyama Bay. Few nice-looking eating spots on the way: next time…
Many boats for hire near Urushiyama Bay - for fishing.
I am at peace and smiling. Enjoying this wandering. Opposite Urushiyama I find a small shotengai (shopping and eating area). I liked those posters and signs, not something you normally see around Japanese housing.
More steps along the water towards Arasaki Marina and I reach the bus stop near Arasaki Park. I will explore the park next time. Sat here and felt strangely and largely relaxed. I have this theory: some places just fit you 100%, somehow, even there is nothing special there. This place is one of them. For me. I will stay here for a while waiting for the bus back home. If I miss one or two - it is OK.
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