Driving the Naruto Skyline A spring afternoon by the sea at Yomomi Lookout

As I followed the bends of the Naruto Skyline, afternoon light found its way into the car, with the roof up. Today, I wanted more than just the drive; I wanted to stop and take my time along the way. Eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, I headed for the car park at Yomomi Lookout.

I got out and walked toward the water, and Uchi-no-umi spread out just below the trees. Tiny rafts were scattered around a small island. The view, with mountain ridges layered in the distance, was far wider than I'd imagined. I stopped mid-step and stared, still holding my bag.

After catching my breath, I pulled out the Naruto Kintoki I'd brought: half a baked sweet potato wrapped in paper. I brought it close and caught its sweet smell. It was still warm, so first I blew on it to cool it down. But I kept getting distracted by the sea, looking up, then back at the potato. It took me ages to get to that first bite.

At last, I took a bite. The sweet potato was soft and fluffy, almost melting in my mouth. The spring breeze played with my cardigan sleeves as I savored its sweetness. I almost wanted to thank myself for bringing a snack. Somehow, eating it by the sea left me far more content than an ordinary break.

A row of benches stood beneath a wooden structure; when I turned around, I could see my red car parked farther back. Knowing I could get back out on the road afterward made even the time spent resting feel like part of the fun. I finished the last bite, but didn't head back right away; I stayed to watch the sea. What I want to remember from this trip to Naruto is this unhurried afternoon.