This article highlights a journey starting from Tokyo that takes about four hours north on the Tohoku Expressway to Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. This area is situated at the foot of Mount Bandai, in a lakeside town at an elevation of about 500 meters. For this weekend journey, we packed our bicycles and camping gear into a lightweight van.
The companion for this trip was the Nissan "Clipper Van Multi-Rack", a lightweight van released this year that can be converted into a sleeping area. We set off early in the morning to tackle the cycling route around Lake Inawashiro, known as "Inaiichi", which spans approximately 60 kilometers.
While the route looks flat at first glance, it actually presents a series of moderate ups and downs, making it an engaging experience. There’s also a rental bike service available that allows visitors to enjoy cycling without needing to bring their own bikes.
After cycling, we relaxed in the hot springs of Inawashiro and savored delicious local cuisine. Our accommodation was the RV park attached to the "Hotel Listel Inawashiro Wing Tower", allowing us to enjoy both asphalt and natural areas. The facility is equipped with power sources and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
At the RV park, check-in is at 1 PM and check-out is possible until 11 AM the following morning, allowing for a maximum utilization period of up to 22 hours. After checking in, you can enjoy hot springs and restaurants on-site, which is also appealing.
The Clipper Van Multi-Rack serves not only as a vehicle but also as a cozy sleeping space. We were able to enjoy our time freely inside the van, relishing a relaxing atmosphere.
We spent a pleasant weekend surrounded by the beauty of nature and equipped with essential facilities. This experience has opened up new possibilities for future cycling trips.
Source: autocamper.jp