A Drive to Mount Oboshi An Afternoon Looking Out over the Islands with My Map Open

I parked the red convertible and stepped out. Beyond the trees, island after island came into view. I caught my breath at how much farther the view stretched than I’d realised on the drive up.

While my friend took in the view, I unfolded the map. I wanted to decide soon where we’d stop next. I traced the shape of the Murotsu Peninsula with my finger. When I looked up, the mountain was on a completely different scale from the tiny islands on the map.

I leaned closer over the map. “Could this be the island I’m looking at?” I wondered. My friend laughed and said, “Let’s look at the view first.” Right, of course. I’d been so caught up checking names that I hadn’t looked at the view I’d come all this way for. I lowered the map to chest height and slowly let my eyes travel from one island to the next, all the way into the distance.

Whenever I see a strip of sea between two islands, I want to go and see what’s beyond it. Today I’m looking down from the mountain, but next time I want to drive along the coast. Talking with my friend as we took in the view made me want to add a detour to the route we’d already planned for the way back.

One of Hirao’s local specialties has caught my eye: Setouchi Colatura. I heard it’s a fish sauce made from Japanese anchovies landed at Saga Fishing Port, and I’ve been wanting to try it in pasta at home. Maybe we should stop by the Hirao Specialty Products Center, too. I looked back toward the town on the map.

Before folding the map, I looked up one more time. I could take in the sea from the mountain, choose a souvenir in town, and keep enjoying the day even after I got home. Just thinking about it made my heart leap and my steps feel lighter as I headed back to the car.