Project 47: Episode 11 — Ehime Prefecture
The storm broke my momentum, but a a unexpected turn in rural Japan brought it back.
In Episode 11 of Project 47, I cross into Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, expecting a simple coastal ride. Instead, I am immediately pinned down by a severe weather front. Trapped in a tent for 24 hours with gale-force winds battering the coast, the reality of solo motorcycle travel sets in: sometimes, you are at the mercy of the elements.
But the beauty of overland travel is how quickly the script flips.
Just as the trip feels like it's stalling, a chance encounter leads me to a hidden "Garage Junk Yard"—a surreal discovery in the Japanese countryside housing pristine vintage American muscle cars and a thriving Rockabilly subculture. From the isolation of a typhoon to the passenger seat of a Shelby Cobra, this episode explores how easily direction is lost, and how unexpectedly it can be found again.
This is a cinematic documentary about the Japan you won't find in guidebooks. It is a study of place, patience, and the kindness of strangers.
⏱️ Timestamps – Project 47: Ehime
00:40 – Ferry to Matsuyama (Entering Ehime)
01:40 – Setting Camp Before the Storm
01:58 – Overnight Winds & Tent Struggle
03:23 – Breaking Camp & Riding Out
05:41 – Matsuyama Castle
08:16 – Coastal Riding & Campsite Search
12:23 – UFO Line Closed (Change of Plan)
14:00 – Inoue-san’s Garage (Classic Cars & Motorcycles)
20:56 – Ozu Festival
26:30 – Shiden-Kai Museum (Ainan)
27:22 – Riding Toward Kōchi Prefecture
🇯🇵 About Project 47
Project 47 is a solo motorcycle documentary series covering all 47 prefectures of Japan. This Japan road trip explores the real country beyond the tourist trail. From motocamping spots to hidden rural shrines, this series captures the essence of solo travel in Japan. If you enjoy cinematic motovlogs, Japan travel guides, or long-format motorcycle road trips (like Long Way Round or Itchy Boots), welcome to the journey.
Watch the full Project 47 playlist — my ride through all 47 prefectures of Japan:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecyj7cmIPW3d5RVHgljlKch4H
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RideThruJapan/
SUPPORT THE RIDE
Join Team Riders (¥140 / $1 per month):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7QUavyzNZwmN69oLfZxsUQ/join
Fundraiser: https://ridethrujapan.com/support-the-ride/
