Kanagawa, on the Sagami Bay coast
Seisho Bypass A winter dawn drive along the coast
As the sky over the coast began to brighten, I headed onto the Seisho Bypass in my red convertible. The cold breeze and early light had me wide awake, and suddenly I couldn’t wait to see what the day would bring.
My story of a winter dawn drive along the coast in January.
WinterJanuary dawn
Heading for the coast on a winter morning
At dawn in January, I set out on the Seisho Bypass in my red convertible. The sky over the coast was just beginning to brighten. The wind was cold, but it was refreshing, and it woke me right up. I wished I could show this view to my earlier self—the one who'd wanted to stay in bed. Almost as soon as I set off, I was glad I'd got up early.
The road ran on beside the sea. I kept my eyes ahead and tightened my grip on the wheel with both hands. Morning light streamed in from the side, gradually brightening the car's interior. It felt as though my mood was waking up with the sun, and I found myself smiling.
With the top down, the wind slipped into the car and chilled the back of my neck. I'd planned to enjoy the morning air, but it felt a lot more like winter than I'd expected. I noticed my shoulders had tensed, so I exhaled and settled back in my seat. Even a drink somewhere warm was going to taste better than usual today.
I kept pace with the traffic, watching the elevated road stretch ahead. As I listened to the car and the wind, the thoughts I'd had before I left home gradually faded away. Before making any big plans for the day, I wanted to stay on this drive a little longer. Just feeling that way made the early start worthwhile.
When I stopped for a break, I chose a drink that would warm my hands. I wrapped both hands around the cup, and warmth spread through my fingertips. Only then did I realize I was hungry, too. I'd been so wrapped up in the view that I'd forgotten breakfast mattered, too. After a drive by the sea, I found myself looking forward to a meal even more than usual.
Back in the car, I took the wheel, and my body and mind both felt lighter than before. I'd been sleepy when I left home, but now I was looking forward to the day. That made me so happy. The morning was only just beginning, and I wanted to make it last a little longer. So I kept driving along the coast.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
What to eat nearby
Odawara-don
If you're looking for a meal in Odawara, try Odawara-don. It's a local rice bowl made with ingredients from Odawara's sea and land, served in Odawara lacquerware bowls. Just thinking about trying the local flavors after a coastal drive is making me hungry already.
What to see when you stop by
The elevated road runs right along the coast
The Seisho Bypass has an elevated stretch that runs right alongside the coast. Even with my eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel, I could feel morning arriving as light streamed in from the side. I knew almost as soon as I set off that getting up early had been worth it.
A break at Seisho Expressway Rest Area (downbound)
The Seisho Expressway Rest Area is on the downbound side toward Odawara and Hakone. A stop lets you enjoy the cool morning air and clear your head before setting off again.
Getting there and enjoying the drive
A drive along Sagami Bay
- Route
- E84 Seisho Bypass
- Rest stop
- Seisho Expressway Rest Area (downbound)
The Seisho Expressway Rest Area is on the downbound side toward Odawara and Hakone. Combining a coastal drive with a rest stop makes for a leisurely morning on the road.
I drove along the coast in the morning light, stopped for a break, and then set off again. It's the kind of route that makes me want to plan a meal in Odawara, too.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
