This page was translated from the original by AI.
As April was drawing to a close, I finally hit the road.
This trip had been planned for a while—partly for the Nintendo Museum's 40th anniversary event, and partly because I'd been dealing with some frustrating things lately. It was the perfect chance to get away, clear my head, and empty out everything that had been piling up.
Five days, four prefectures, one car, and sleeping in it every night.
---
Day 1: From Tokyo to Kakegawa, and the Tofu Shop That Changed Everything
Heading west from Tokyo, my first stop was the Michi-no-Eki roadside station in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture.
But what really made the day memorable was a tofu shop I stopped by along the way.
I'm not someone who cares much about food, but this tofu made me stand still for a moment and really savor it. You could taste the natural sweetness of the soybeans themselves, and the texture was so delicate it barely felt like tofu. After getting home, I actually thought about it seriously: I used to eat tofu because it was cheap, but from now on, it might be because it's genuinely delicious. I'd definitely go back.
In the afternoon, I wandered around Shizuoka city and had a matcha ice cream—absolutely fantastic. Shizuoka's matcha really is something else.
In the evening, I found a hot spring facility to shower and soak, then drove to a roadside station, parked, and settled in for my first night sleeping in the car.
The parking lot was eerily quiet at night. Lying in the car, I couldn't hear a single sound from the city—just the occasional breeze outside the window. Before falling asleep, I thought back to the worries I'd had when I left, and they already felt a little more distant.
---
Day 2: Nagoya's Expectations and Letdowns, Plus a Surprise Mountain-Top Hot Spring
Arrived in Nagoya at noon, heading straight for Misen Ramen.
Honestly, I'd tried Misen's cup noodles at a convenience store before and thought they were pretty good, so I had high hopes for the real deal. And... it was just okay. Not bad, just not the "wow" I'd imagined. That experience of "the convenience store version was actually better" is just part of traveling, I guess.
Next time I'm in Nagoya, I'll go for katsu or unagi instead.
After lunch, I visited the nearby Inu Shrine. The name has "dog" in it, and it's said to protect against illness and bring peace to the household. I bought a charm for my family and myself.
In the afternoon, I drove up to a hot spring on a mountain peak. That was the real highlight of the day—the bath was right at the summit, with mountain views spreading out in every direction. Soaking in hot water while gazing at the mountains, you can't help but relax. Way more satisfying than that ramen in Nagoya.
After the soak, I reached the night's roadside station and settled in for another night in the car.
---
Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Nintendo Museum's 40th Anniversary (Finally Got That Pillow)
The main event.
In the morning, I went to Arashiyama in Kyoto. The bamboo grove path is famous, and it doesn't disappoint—light filters through the gaps between the bamboo stalks, and walking through it, you feel a deep sense of calm. It wasn't too crowded, and the whole walk doesn't take long. A perfect place to just zone out.
In the afternoon, straight to the Nintendo Museum.
This was my second visit. Last time, the Wii Remote-shaped pillow in the museum shop was so popular that it was already sold out when I got there, and I had to leave disappointed. This time, I made sure to check first thing after walking in—they had it.
No hesitation. Bought it.
The museum itself is also a great place to explore. The 40th-anniversary exhibits, books, and merchandise—the whole space traces Nintendo's history from the hanafuda card era onward, with consoles and accessories from every generation on display, each one triggering a flood of memories. I spent several hours there, picked up the 40th-anniversary commemorative book and some small souvenirs, and walked out with my head full of childhood.
---
Day 3, Continued: Prefectural Route 4, an Unexpectedly Treacherous Road
Heading from the museum to the roadside station in Nara, I decided to skip the expressway, and the navigation took me onto Prefectural Route 4.
As I drove, the road started getting narrower.
Then it got to the point where there was barely enough width for a single car. Up one mountain, down another, with cliffs and vegetation on both sides and no room to pass—I just had to creep along slowly. If another car came the other way... I didn't want to think about it.
Luckily, I didn't meet a single car the whole way and made it through safely.
My legs were still a bit shaky when I got out. Next time, I'm definitely taking the expressway.
---
Day 4: Wakayama, a Small Coffee Shop, and a Missed View of Wakayama Castle
Drove to Wakayama.
Found a small coffee shop for lunch without much expectation, and it turned out to be surprisingly good. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and the coffee was clearly made with real care. I'd go back next time I'm in Wakayama.
That night, I checked into the Daiwa Hotel, right across from Wakayama Castle.
After checking in, I realized... our room was on the back side.
Opening the curtains, I saw other buildings. Wakayama Castle was right there, just one angle away. A small disappointment, but only a small one.
---
Day 5: Changing the Plan and Driving Straight Back to Tokyo
The original plan for day five was the Kumano Kodo, and day six was Ise Grand Shrine.
But when we woke up that morning, we looked at each other and both felt it was time to head home.
Sometimes the meaning of a trip isn't about completing the itinerary—it's about knowing when "that's enough." We chose to head back early, driving all the way from Wakayama to Tokyo. It was a long drive, but the mood was light.
---
Closing Thoughts
In five days, I covered nearly 2,000 kilometers, soaked in two hot springs, ate great tofu, mediocre ramen, and excellent coffee, drove some treacherous mountain roads, rediscovered a bit of my childhood at the Nintendo Museum, and finally brought that pillow home.
The things that were bothering me before I left haven't disappeared, but they've been diluted along the way. Looking at them again now, they're the same problems, but my mindset is different.
If you've been feeling a bit weighed down lately, try just getting in the car and driving for a while. Don't overthink it—just start driving, and the road will sort things out for you as you go.
To everyone who's read this far, I hope you're in good spirits.
Loading comments…