Yes, we're good to go. This will be the start of a documentary series about Japan, conducted while gliding through that country on a solid piece of wood.
Downhills, hot spring baths, skating around mountain lakes with beautiful autumn foliage to feast your eyes on.. this Chapter features long distance skateboarding at its very best.
From Japan's North East to the Western Coast, this Chapter 4 will detail the Tsunami Region, an ancient Temple Town, Halloween in Sendai, a Mountain Hike... and one particular personal insight.
Longboard aside, this Chapter 5 of Pushing Japan focuses on the history and culture of the great city Kanazawa, plus some interesting facts about Japan and its past.
We're gonna skate along the coast, through the heartlands, and alongside Japan's biggest lake, "Biwa-ko". The route is roughly 260 kilometer, done in 4 days on my little Arbor Longboard. Enjoy!
Kyoto.. the city of peace. Well, not really. It's been a rough 1400 years, actually. Too much to tell in a short while.. so for the moment, let's get a rough and gritty glimpse on what's to be expected when travelling there.
Some impressions from Miyashima - a small island next to Hiroshima, and Hiroshima itself. One late evening in Hiroshima, I came across some dudes holding a skate session which I was happy to join and put on tape.
We have arrived on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's main islands. In the mountainous heartland lies the remote "Iya Valley", which is the perfect location for a cruise with spectacular views.
It was supposed to be a beautiful day skating along the coast of Shikoku... but that didn't happen (thanks, cops!). Instead I get lost on a detour which turned out a lot more satisfying. See for yourself!
This two week skate adventure brought me down Ireland's west coast, starting in Sligo and going all the way down to Dingle Peninsual. It was an excrutiating challenge, but the stories were worth it!​
Time to leave Westport! We're heading deeeep into the wild here, skating nasty roads over hills 'n stuff. There's also beautiful lakes to cherish. No time to chill though, we gotta beat the clock - as friggin' always...
This day is wrecking! Brutal sun, uphill hikes, flaming feet. Don't have much time to reach Listowel before the reception of the hostel closes. It's all in or time out. So let's go go go go go!
Yes yes yes, finally! Dingle Peninsula is just within reach. Let's hope the feet play along, and we might just end up there. Spoiler alert: we do. And then we skate some more.
Cruising around the historic quarters "El Born" and "Barri Gòtic" in Barcelona at night. Practically an hour-long RAW run. Put your favorite chill music under and enjoy!
Cruising around "Oboke", a small stretch of houses and villages in the midst of the mostly inaccessible "Iya Valley", right in the center of the mountainous island of "Shikoku".