After that all day driving that Noguchi-san did, I still wanted to explore Nagasaki.
I did want to explore a bit. Again, Wandering Leopard trips are about experiencing things.
So I wanted to check out their tram system!
I took the tram down the street and walked towards the shopping are near the water.
This is the Dejimamachi area
I did some shopping and exploring.. but it was gorgeous!!!
The drive to “stage 2” was going to be 2 hours long. It was in the mountains and a nice drive.
We didn’t stop anywhere because Noguchi-san had to get some work done in the evening.
While we couldn’t stop, I did love taking pictures while he was driving, the weather and landscape was gorgeous!
In 2018, I met with Noguchi-san and he said the Red Kaido Leopard was 2 hours away. I didn’t have that much time, so we didn’t go to see it.
This time, I wanted to see it and also Nagasaki, so we planned to go this time.
I left Hakata station via Kamome Express line to Nagasaki.
Soon, Noguchi-san picked me up and he said he would take me to Secret base.
After I left Takamatsu, I headed straight to Fukuoka. I was excited as I was hoping to meet with my friends from last time.
Unfortunately, everyone was busy. Even my friends in Kumamoto were busy (one of them was in the hospital for being sick).
Even though I was crushed, I took the time to explore Fukuoka on foot. I walked to Canal City and checked out Kawabata Shopping arcade.
I walked a few blocks to JR Hakata station. In all honesty, I was blown away how huge Hakata station. I’ve only seen it from the inside mainly, but coming from the outside.. how it is huge. I was talking with Mitch (Showa Elite) and I trying to see if we can schedule something with Misaki-san and others… but it didn’t work out.
So I continued exploring.
Having missed a religious site in Kyoto, I did visit a Shinto Shrine here in Fukuoka.
Reisen Crane Shrine and Kushida Shrine Shinmon
It was night time, but it was a Friday night, people were out having a good time and the food stalls were packed!
I walked around til about 230am. I really loved exploring Fukuoka. I just love this place!
The last couple of times I came to Takamatsu, they were in the evening because I would arrive late.
This time, it was late, but I had just gotten done spending time with my brothers.
I decided to go walk around Takamatsu Sunport.
I started walking towards the Sunport area. It was a good night, not windy or cold. It was perfect. I remember one of the spots I wanted to go to was the Red lighthouse.
I cut through Takamatsu station.
I went across the street where Sunport Hall Takamatsu was located.
Cut through headed to the port.
Now at the “pier” section.
As I was walking back to my rental, I saw a couple of cars drive by. I was kinda excited as taking some car pictures is a good night cap.
Once I saw it was an older Toyota Hiace van and Toyota Crown, I had to ask if I could take pictures! I love these older cars.
I talked to the owner and showed them Vankulture. They were not on any SNS (Social network service aka social media). After showing them, he jumped on Instagram.
The older Hiace vans with that VIP style… that is the style I fell in love with in 2002.
After that small meeting, I walked to the local train station to check out the local train line.
Having a calming night walk and just enjoying it was pretty cool. I loved it.