[Rainy Day Itoshima Tour] A Different Kind of Scenery for Self-Driving on a Cloudy Day

During the trip to Itoshima in early March, I originally wanted to embrace the sunny beaches and shining white torii gates, but I unexpectedly gained the tranquility in the rain. Driving is indeed a wise choice - the bus service here is sparse, and you can adjust your itinerary more flexibly in case of rainy days.

**Futami-gaura-mushiwa**
The pure white Torii gate in the storm lacks the transparency shown on the postcard, and the waves wrapped in raindrops hit your face. Just when I was feeling regretful, I saw an old couple patting each other's backs in the rain. The wet vermilion ropes swayed in the wind, adding a bit of human warmth than on a sunny day.

**Totoro Forest**
The trail was muddy after the rain, and tourists at the entrance were busy scraping the yellow mud off the soles of their shoes. My white shoes were not spared either, but stepped on the natural floor made of fallen leaves. Deep in the woods, the rustling sound of raindrops hitting the leaves really gives you a sense of the fantasy of Hayao Miyazaki's world.

**Sakurai Shrine**
Walking through the dripping century-old cedar approach, the shrine in the rain seems to be muted. The rainwater accumulated in the temizuya reflected the gray sky, and the tranquility of the shrine instantly healed all regrets.

**Compensation on the tip of the tongue**
We went to the "Itoshima Teahouse" recommended by the locals, and the freshly made senbei were absolutely delicious. Looking at the ticking sound outside the window, I suddenly felt that the imperfections in travel may be the reason for me to visit again next time.

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**Rainy Day Self-Driving Tips**
✓ Most parking lots at scenic spots are gravel, so it is recommended to prepare car mats
✓ There is a simple shoe washing area at the entrance of Totoro Forest
✓ On cloudy days at the beach, the wind is strong, so a windproof jacket is more practical than an umbrella
√ For self-driving, it is recommended to choose ETC models, as farm roads have many narrow sections.

The rain gradually subsided on the way back, and the coastline of Itoshima in the rearview mirror looked hazy like an ink painting.