It's surprising, isn't it, Japan's America?
Western Village is a legend in the United States, where the park has been closed for more than a decade now. The inside seems to be in a state of disrepair, and there are articles on the Internet about the fierce visitors who have broken in. The presidents of Mt. Rushmore are also seen in a very small size. Below is Nikko Highway, which happened to be a crazy Redwood National Park when I passed by. Redwood National Park is a forest of giant trees in northern California, famous for having the tallest trees in the world. This one is a cedar. ......
In Utsunomiya, I stopped by a diner and cafe called "Mother Road" (aka Route 66). I walked in without any prior knowledge of what to expect, but I hit the jackpot. The quality of the food here is far superior to what I've experienced in other diners in Japan (which are usually not very good).
The second day was also a brilliant American combo: Mount Rushmore (Western Village), Redwood National Park (giant cedar trees on Nikko Highway), and a perfect giant hamburger at a diner. By this time, the "Honda e" was no longer just a means of transportation, but a partner with whom I shared the hardships and joys of the trip.
After searching for charging stations in Utsunomiya City, I headed to a cab company that had installed one for EV cabs and is now opening it to the public. The fee is 500 yen for 30 minutes. Payment is by cash only, which is unusual.
The design is also full of Honda's playful spirit, which makes me want to anthropomorphize it. It is round but not streamlined. The interior is chic but not plain. It's high-tech, but there's also a nostalgic feel to it, like a video game console. The total package has a wonderful sense of balance.
What was refreshing was that the area where the side mirrors would normally be located was used as a camera, and the side rear view was projected on the in-vehicle monitor. This minimizes eye movement, and since it is clearly visible from the passenger's side, it is possible to double-check the view. All in all, this is a car that puts a tremendous amount of effort into safety.
When I was wiping the car down in the morning, I could feel the love beginning to grow."
Kimura also blurted out.
The journey ends at Yokota Air Base, the real America in Japan.
The end of a trip is always sad, but this time it was also very sad to say goodbye to the "Honda e".
I love engines, and I thought getting an electric car was a long way off, but thanks to this trip, that future is a lot closer.
You might think that EVs would be a tasteless vehicle, but no, they are not. The "Honda e" had nothing but flavor.
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