RtG Japan Daily Dispatch - day00 - Flipbook - Page 46
Day 23: Kurashiki to Kochi, 11 October 2025
Photos: gerardbrown.co.uk
Richard Clark and Jonathan Round, 1940 Ford V8
Stephen and Collette Owens, 1965 Porsche 911 SWB
In years gone by vine suspension bridges (kazurabashi)
were the main way across the river of the Iya Valley.
Thirteen of them once spanned the gorge, but only three
survive. Iya Kazurabashi, the largest and most popular,
stretches 45 meters across the Iya River, and here some
adventure was scheduled for the crews.
At our Time Control downstream of the bridge, there was
an option to cross this ancient plant-based thoroughfare,
before Sarah Ormerod - safely on the ground - stamped
their timecards. Then the crews were on their way to the
Regularity, up and over the 1123m, Kyobashira Pass. This
narrow and remote section demanded precision from the
driver and navigator. Thankfully, as there was a lack of
passing places, there was also a lack of local traffic.
It really was all downhill from here as we struck out towards
the night halt at the Mercure Hotel in Kochi, a town famous
for its Sanuki udon noodles and other culinary delights, all of
which were on offer on the evening’s buffet table.
Jorge and Ezequiel Perez Companc, 1939 Chevrolet Fangio Coupe
Nigel and Sally Woof, 1971 Datsun 240Z
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