Reader’s Question: I need your help urgently. Tomorrow is the last day of summer vacation, and I’m really free, so I’m thinking of renting a car and driving from Shimonoseki to Aso. However, I don’t have an ETC card, so
I plan to take the local roads, which will take about four hours. I’m thinking of leaving at 8 AM when the rental shop opens, but I’m wondering if the Kanmon Tunnel will be crowded at that time. Also, since the rental shop is open until 8 PM, how busy is it likely to be on the way back?
The Road Trip Adventure: From Shimonoseki to Aso
Hey there, fellow travelers! So, here’s the scoop. I found myself with a free day during the last day of summer vacation and thought, “Why not embark on an adventure?” I decided to rent a car and drive from Shimonoseki to Aso. The idea of cruising through the lush landscapes of Kyushu was just too tempting. But then reality hit me – no ETC card means I’d be taking the local roads, which would definitely take longer. Hey, sometimes you have to embrace the scenic route, right?
Initially, I thought about leaving at 8 AM when the rental shop opened. Why? Well, I wanted to maximize my time in Aso, exploring the natural beauty that region is famous for. But then, the nagging thought crept in – would the Kanmon Tunnel be packed at that hour? A lot of traffic can make a journey feel like an eternity, especially when you’re doing it solo and munching on a convenience store onigiri. I needed to strategize!
Early Morning Decisions
So, let’s talk about that Kanmon Tunnel for a second. You know, the tunnel that connects Honshu and Kyushu? It’s pretty iconic and absolutely worth a visit, but if you hit it at peak rush hour, good luck! The thought of getting stuck in traffic made me a bit anxious. I imagined myself surrounded by a sea of cars, all inching their way through the tunnel. What a way to start the day, right?
That said, I did a little research (thank you, Google!). I quickly discovered that the Kanmon Tunnel typically sees a surge of traffic around the time people are heading to work. Leaving at 8 AM might mean joining the morning rush. But hey, what’s life without a little adventure and spontaneity? I decided to leave as planned and hope for the best.
The Drive Begins
The next morning, I woke up earlier than expected, excitement bubbling inside me like a freshly opened soda can. I arrived at the rental shop right at 8 AM, and let me tell you, my heart raced a little as I signed the paperwork. I was finally doing it! I grabbed the keys, hopped into my little rental car—a cute compact that felt just right for my solo journey—and off I went.
The drive through Shimonoseki was surprisingly delightful. Streets were quiet, and the early morning sun cast a warm glow over everything. The picturesque seaside views were a welcome sight as I drove toward the Kanmon Tunnel. I felt like I was on the brink of an adventure, and I loved every moment of it.
Kanmon Tunnel Conundrums
As I approached the Kanmon Tunnel, I braced myself for what I thought might be a traffic jam from hell. But guess what? It was smooth sailing! Turns out leaving just after 8 AM was indeed a sweet spot. I zipped right through without a hitch. I even rolled down the windows and let the fresh air whip through my hair—freedom never felt so good!
But here’s the thing about road trips: you never really know what surprises await you. As I drove through the tunnel, everything was going swimmingly until I spotted a scenic overlook with a stunning view of the Kanmon Strait. I couldn’t resist! I quickly parked (thankfully there was a spot available) and snapped a couple of photos. It felt like a mini detour worth taking, and I knew I’d look back on that moment with a smile.
Chasing Clouds and Scenic Views
After the impromptu stop, I got back on the road. The route to Aso was dotted with vibrant green fields and the occasional grazing cattle. I felt like I was driving through a postcard! The scenery was stunning, and I marveled at the rolling hills that surrounded me. It’s moments like these when you truly appreciate the beauty of Japan.
But, oh boy, let’s talk about the road signs. Some were in English, while others were… well, let’s just say they were a bit of a mystery. Luckily, I’d been in Japan long enough to have some basic navigation skills, but I found myself second-guessing my turns more than once. I laughed it off, thinking, “What’s a road trip without a little confusion?”
Time Management and the Return Journey
As I drove on, I kept an eye on the clock. I wanted to ensure I had enough time to explore Aso before heading back. I had read that the area is famous for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and beautiful hiking trails. I was especially eager to check out Aso’s active volcano, Mt. Aso, and perhaps indulge in some local cuisine. After all, what’s a trip without some delicious food, right?
But now, let’s think about the return trip. The rental shop was open until 8 PM, so I had a cushion. But how busy would it be on a Saturday evening? Would I encounter families heading back from weekend getaways? Would traffic be heavy? All these questions tangled in my head, but I pushed them aside. I was on vacation and wanted to focus on enjoying the moment.
Discovering Aso: Worth the Trip!
Upon arriving in Aso, my worries disappeared. The landscape was nothing short of mesmerizing! I drove through lush greenery, and the fresh air filled my lungs. I parked the car and headed out to explore. I found myself at a local eatery, where I devoured some steaming hot Aso beef—oh my goodness, it was heavenly!
After my tummy was satisfied, I took a scenic drive around the area, stopping at viewpoints to take photos. I even met a friendly local who told me about the hiking trails around Mt. Aso. Note to self: hiking in Aso should definitely be on your bucket list! The locals were so welcoming, making me feel right at home.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I made my way back to the car. With my heart full of joy from a day well spent, I mentally prepared myself for the drive back. I decided to stick to my earlier plan and leave around 6 PM, figuring that would give me enough time to drop off the rental before closing.
Driving back through the Kanmon Tunnel was a different experience altogether. It was definitely busier than earlier, but it wasn’t unbearable. I found myself stuck in traffic for a bit, but it allowed me to reflect on the day. I was happy I took this spontaneous trip; it reminded me of the beauty of exploring, even when time is short.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer your questions from earlier: yes, the Kanmon Tunnel was pretty smooth at 8 AM, but expect a bit of congestion on the way back around 6 PM. It’s all part of the adventure! If you plan to go without an ETC card, just embrace the journey through the local roads. You’ll discover hidden gems along the way that you wouldn’t find on the expressway.
And with that, I returned the rental car and felt a sense of accomplishment. I had ventured from Shimonoseki to Aso, seen the beautiful landscapes, enjoyed some amazing food, and made memories that’ll last a lifetime. If you find yourself considering a road trip in Japan, just go for it! Embrace the uncertainties, the detours, and the joy of travel. You won’t regret it!
Until next time, happy travels, everyone!
