Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

We set out full of excitement—Hiromi, her colleague, and I—geared up for our long-awaited return to Itoshiro. Our rods were packed, the Fish Pass app was ready, and visions of catching amago trout in the cool mountain streams danced in our minds. After all, we had been preparing for this trip since our very first river fishing experience last May. Everything was in place.

Until it wasn’t.

🚗 Trouble on the Way to the River

As we drove up the rocky path toward our planned fishing spot in the mountains of Itoshiro, something went terribly wrong. A sharp stone, jutting out from the uneven track, scraped and pierced the underside of our car. We didn’t realize the full extent of the damage until we parked and saw a trail of fresh engine oil leaking behind us.

Within minutes, the engine oil was pouring out like a waterfall. And not long after that, the car refused to move at all.

Suddenly, our peaceful fishing plan turned into a roadside emergency.

📵 Limited Signal, Roadside Waiting, and a Tow Truck

We had very limited cell phone service, but thankfully just enough to call the emergency roadside assistance that comes with our car lease. The car was stranded in a remote area, so we stuck to the main road and waited—hoping a tow truck could make its way up the mountain.

Eventually, after what felt like ages, help arrived. The tow truck took the car to the nearest service area, where we managed to arrange a taxi to Seki. From there, we picked up a rental car from Toyota Rental Service and drove home.

No fishing. No mountain river. Just a full day of sitting, calling, waiting, and driving.

🙏 Grateful for Good Coverage

It could have been much worse. Thankfully, we have a comprehensive lease agreement that includes full insurance and emergency services. The damage repair, towing, rental car, and even our return trip costs are all covered. Without that support, this story would have been a far more stressful one.

🍗 A Happy Ending at Golden Chicken

By the time we made it back to Gifu City, we were tired, a little dazed, but strangely upbeat. The three of us wrapped up our bizarre day with a fantastic dinner at Golden Chicken. Over crispy bites and cold drinks, we laughed about the absurdity of it all—the fishing trip that became a roadside saga.

Sometimes, plans fail in spectacular fashion. But with good company, solid coverage, and the ability to laugh at life’s curveballs, even a failed fishing trip can turn into a memorable adventure.

What a day.

— Karl