| On day 6 (Thursday Nov. 13) we checked out of our hotel in Kanagawa and headed up to the mountains of Nikko. There we toured the temples and shrines and visited lake Chuzenji, Kegon Waterfalls, and drove along Irohazaka Hwy which included more than 20 hairpin turns up and down the mountain. In the evening we checked into a japanese spa and resort and enjoyed a traditional bath in the hot springs fed tub. Afterwards we enjoyed a traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner. Day 6 Day 7 (Friday Nov. 14) we checked out of the spa and headed for Tochigi. First we visited Tetsu's mother in law's shrine and home. We then went over to Tetsu's shop (Ultimate Motorsports) and toured the three floor facility. In the afternoon we went to a local shopping mall to do some shopping. Late in the afternoon we went over to the Nissan Tochigi Plant and got a tour of the production line where several model nissans including the Z are produced. We then checked into a new hotel and met with several of the Ultimate Z Car Club members for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Day 7 On Saturday Nov. 15, we went to the park where we attended the first day of Z Fiesta 2008. Z Fiesta is the equivalent of our National Z Convention here in the states. They were lots of cars to check out (over 200+) and Mr. K made it out to celebrate with us. We got the opportunity to get a few things signed by Mr. K and 'Mad' Mike as well. Everything was well organized and everyone enjoyed a great day. In the evening was the Z Fiesta banquet were we were introduced as honored guests. Day 8-1 Day 8-2 On Sunday Nov. 16, we went out to Nissan's Tochigi Proving Grounds for the track portion of Z Fiesta 2008. They set up a small auto-x course on the large skidpad and we did pace car laps around the 4+ mile oval. The people were very accomidating and allowed us to ride in their cars around the track. Nissan also provided a 350Z for us to drive which we got to take around the track as well as drive on the auto-x course. After lunch Nissan's test drivers took people out on the track for rides at speed. The ride I got we hit 140+ mph in the straights and rode the banked curves at 120+ mph. It was quite the thrill. That evening we went back to the Jpanese spa and had dinner with the Ultimate Z Car club members to celebrate a successful Z Fiesta. Gifts were exchanged and a good time was had by all. Day 9 On Monday Nov. 17, we checked out of the spa and went over to Kinugawa for some kart racing. Afterwards we said our good byes to our new Japanese friends and headed for the airport. Day 10 This trip was indeed a once in a lifetime experience and I would love to make it back over there in the future. I want to thank 'Mad' Mike for organizing the trip as well as thanks to my travel companions Aurora, Luis, Ric, Chris, and Mike for all the good times we shared. What happened in Kobuki-Cho stays there:) If you have the means, I highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Rodel
1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo - garage queen
2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe - her ride
1980 Datsun 280ZX - daily driver
2006 Nissan Titan
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