The final day of the trip. I made my way back to Akashi from Tsuyama, passing through Ako and Himeji.
Although I was feeling a bit tired, the CL500’s torque and stability made the ride smooth and effortless.
Departing Tsuyama Castle
At 7:00 AM, I left the hotel and began heading south.
Despite the chilly morning air, the CL500’s strong torque ensured a smooth start.
I had stayed at Hotel Alpha-1 Tsuyama.
Visiting Ako Castle and a Surprise Encounter
Next, I visited Ako Castle, known for its connection to the legend of the 47 Ronin.
While exploring the grounds, I came across a charming little resident.
I looked it up later and found out it’s called a nutria, a rodent-like animal.
Stopping by Oishi Shrine Adjacent to the Castle
Ako Castle is famously tied to the Ako Roshi (47 Ronin).
I also stopped by Oishi Shrine, which honors them.
Touring Himeji Castle
To cap off the journey, I visited the World Heritage site Himeji Castle.
It was extremely crowded, with many international tourists.
First, I had to park the bike.
Originally, I planned to use the Otemae Park Underground Parking Lot, but since it was during Golden Week, a temporary motorcycle parking area had been set up nearby, which I used instead.
And there it was—Himeji Castle in the distance! From there, I walked toward the castle grounds.
The castle grounds are vast.
I finally reached the entrance. The bridge leading in was very crowded.
Onward to the main keep!
There was about a two-hour wait to enter the interior of the keep.
After standing in the long queue, I made it to the top.
Here’s the view of Himeji’s cityscape from the top floor of the main keep.
One final look at the iconic structure.
Arrival in Akashi
In the evening, I returned the bike safely to Honda Dream Akashi, marking the end of my 2-night, 3-day touring trip.
The CL500 truly stood out for its stability and comfort.
Today’s Summary
- Total distance: approx. 150km
- Places visited: Ako Castle, Oishi Shrine, Himeji Castle
- Route overview
Final Thoughts: The 550km Journey on the CL500
- Total distance: approx. 550km
- Places visited:
- Castles – Takeda Castle, Tottori Castle, Tsuyama Castle, Ako Castle, Himeji Castle
- Scenic spots – Amanohashidate, Tottori Sand Dunes, Hakuto Coast, Kinosaki Onsen
- CL500 Review:
- Excellent low-end torque and overall ride stability
- Minimal fatigue over long distances
- Highly reliable as a touring motorcycle
The CL500 isn’t just about its rugged scrambler looks—it’s a bike with the versatility to handle all kinds of roads you encounter on your journey.
After 550km, I can confidently say: this is a great touring bike.
<Author Profile>
- 35 years in the corporate world as an IT engineer
- 13 years of motorcycling experience
- Ridden everything from mopeds to 1800cc tourers
- Owned 11 motorcycles in total
