This was my second visit to Akita prefecture; first one was when I was a collage student and traveled the whole of northern Japan, including Hokkaido, with my 250 cc motorbike.
The conference was for three days. We had a plan to drive using a rent-a-car in the second day. Our plans were almost cancelled at the very beginning, when I found myself not carrying my driver licence with me at the rental car shop.
My colleague had a licence to drive but he said he had not driven for more than 30 minutes since he got the licence 10 years ago. I recommended we give up the trip. He, though, insisted he could drive all the way on his own. I could not help but to follow him.
I am not sure that he did have good skills to drive a car, but we were actually satisfied with the sightseeing in October in Akita. What's more, no accident occurred - we are still alive. What a relief it was to take a bath in Namahage Onsen in Oga peninsula
I would never forget the wonderful trip as well as his maiden drive. Thanks!