Izu Skyline A ridge-top drive and a sea view from Takichiyama in spring

I headed for the Izu Skyline in my red convertible on a spring day. I kept my eyes on the road as I followed the ridge from Atami Pass. The plan was to take in the sea from up in the mountains. I’d told my friend that was what I was looking forward to, but even I was still imagining what the view might be like.

I parked in the east-side car park at Takichiyama and stepped out to find Atami spread out before me, with Sagami Bay beyond. Oh, I can see all this from here! I stopped in my tracks. A moment ago I’d been behind the wheel; now I was looking down over the city. It was only when I saw the view that I really felt how far I’d driven along the ridge.

I stretched both arms high above my head and took a deep breath. I’d come to see the sea, but I was delighted to find the town in the view as well. When I was done stretching, I still didn’t want to lower my arms, so I stretched once more. It looks like I’ll be taking a longer pause before reaching for my camera than I expected.

Once I lowered my arms, I traced the buildings in town with my eyes. A moment ago, I’d been struck by how vast the sea was; now I was curious about the town. I hadn’t moved an inch, but there was something new to enjoy just by looking in a different direction. I loved being able to park and take it all in at my own pace.

I started to pull out my phone, then gave myself a little longer to take it in with my own eyes. I wanted a photo to remember it by, but no picture could capture the feel of the breeze just then. I’ll show my friend the view and tell her how I had to stretch the second I stepped out of the car.

After the ridge drive, I was already looking forward to a sweet strawberry stop at Izu no Heso. I thought the sea was the whole reason for coming, but now I have something else to look forward to, too. If I stop at Takichiyama again, I’ll plan from the start to spend longer outside the car, just taking in the view.