Rising Sun Rally : The Bentley Drivers Club Journey Across Japan | April 4-28, 2024 | Boutique Travel Agency

Rising Sun Rally : The Bentley Drivers Club Journey Across Japan | April 4-28, 2024

Rising Sun Rally : The Bentley Drivers Club Journey Across Japan | April 4-28, 2024

上のリンクからラリーのハイライトYouTube動画が見れます。よろしければ是非ご覧ください。

Here are the highlights from the Rising Sun Rally. You can watch it on YouTube via the link above.

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2024年4月4日から4月28日まで、世界中から集まったベントレー・オーナーが25日間をかけて愛車とともに日本を縦断するツアー「BENTLY RISING SUN RALLY 2024」が開催されました。　本ツアーは英国に本部があるベントレー・ドライバーズ・クラブ、オーストラリアの支部が主催したもので、日本での開催にあたっては、株式会社MUSABI（代表：増田恵美）とCoppa di Tokyo等のクラシックカーイベント実行委員長の岡田邦雄が中心となって日本国内のツアーを企画し運営をサポートしました。参加した自動車はW.O.ベントレー時代の18台をはじめとして全３１台です。　ツアーは4月5日に福岡をスタートし、25日間をかけて日本を縦断する行程で、阿蘇、湯布院、広島、石見銀山、出雲、天の橋立、金沢、佐渡などを経て19日目の22日に日光に宿泊。翌23日の朝、長野の蓼科に向かう途中で日本で最大のベントレーを収蔵するワクイミュージアムを経由、蓼科を経て富士スピードウェイまで。ベントレーを愛するオーナーたちの唯一無二のツアーの様子をお楽しみください。

主催：ベントレーオーナーズクラブ（AU)

企画運営：（株）Musubi

※（株）Musubiでは引き続き、2025年度に、Destination Rally が企画するJapan Classic 2025 の運営を予定しています。ご期待ください。 https://destination-rally.com/rally/japan-classic-2025/

BENTLEY RISING SUN RALLY 2024

From April 4 to April 28, 2024, the Bentley Rising Sun Rally 2024 brought together Bentley owners from around the globe for a 25-day journey across Japan with their beloved cars. This exclusive event was organized by the Bentley Drivers Club, headquartered in the UK, and its Australian branch. The Japan segment of the rally was meticulously planned and supported by Musubi Ltd. (led by Megumi Masuda) and Kunio Okada, chairman of classic car events such as Coppa di Tokyo and Coppa di Kyoto. A total of 31 Bentleys participated, including 18 iconic models from the W.O. Bentley era. The rally began in Fukuoka on April 5 and took participants on a 25-day journey through some of Japan’s most iconic destinations, including Aso, Yufuin, Hiroshima, Iwami Ginzan, Izumo, Amanohashidate, Kanazawa, and Sado. On Day 19, the group stayed overnight in Nikko, then traveled toward Tateshina, Nagano, on April 23, stopping by the WAKUI Museum, which houses Japan’s largest Bentley collection. The rally concluded at Fuji Speedway, offering Bentley enthusiasts a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Organizers: Bentley Drivers Club (UK, AU)

Planning and Operations: Musubi Ltd.

Looking ahead, Musubi Ltd. is set to manage the Japan Classic 2025, organized by Destination Rally. Stay tuned for another exceptional journey!

https://destination-rally.com/rally/japan-classic-2025/

For overseas rally teams looking to host a classic car rally in Japan, we are delighted to offer bespoke tours tailored exclusively for your group, with heartfelt attention to detail. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

megumi@musubi-travel.jp

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Musubi Ltd. (Grand Tour Musubi Japan / GTM)

What We Value Most

Planning and Organizing Classic Car Rallies in Japan

Kunio and Megumi are the driving forces behind the success of inbound classic car rallies in Japan, delivering extraordinary experiences for enthusiasts from around the world. Kunio’s profound expertise in automotive history and culture provides a solid foundation for these events, while Megumi’s exceptional ability to transform vision into reality ensures every rally is flawlessly executed. Together, they seamlessly blend Japan’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage with the timeless allure of classic cars, creating unparalleled journeys through iconic routes and hidden gems. Their collaboration has elevated these rallies into internationally acclaimed events that bridge cultures, preserve traditions, and inspire a deep appreciation for Japan’s rich history and natural beauty. By combining Kunio’s creative insights and Megumi’s mastery, they continue to redefine the art of luxury travel and classic car rallying.

Embark on an Enchanting Journey Through Japan

Step away from Japan’s bustling cities and into the timeless charm of its untouched countryside, where natural beauty and traditional architecture intertwine. Travel through breathtaking mountain landscapes adorned with terraced rice fields, dense forests, and hidden temples and shrines that seem frozen in time.

An exhilarating adventure awaits as you take the wheel of your cherished car and navigate Japan’s scenic routes, unveiling hidden wonders along the way. From verdant countryside roads and serene lakes to majestic mountains, each turn reveals a new treasure. Discover quaint hamlets, secret viewpoints, and secluded gems that showcase the country’s lesser-known yet awe-inspiring beauty.

This extraordinary journey offers a rare glimpse into the authentic evolution of Japanese culture. Witness the transformation of architectural styles, from the intricate designs of ancient shrines to the colorful variations of rooftops. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of rural life, from farmers diligently tending their fields to artisans preserving traditions that have been passed down for generations.

More than just a driving adventure, this journey becomes a celebration of connection and camaraderie. Forge lasting friendships with fellow participants as you share exhilarating moments and mutual discoveries. Experience the heartfelt hospitality of Japan through genuine interactions with locals—whether exchanging stories at a traditional inn or participating in cultural activities. These meaningful encounters will leave an indelible mark, creating memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Team GTM

Kunio Okada

Since the early 1990s, Kunio has been deeply involved in the planning and organization of historic car rallies, including Coppa di Koumi, Coppa di Kyoto, and Coppa di Tokyo. His passion for historic automobiles has taken him to some of Europe’s most prestigious events, such as the Mille Miglia, Giro di Sicilia, Gran Premio Nuvolari, Bugatti Rally, and Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he has participated extensively while also supporting Japanese entrants.

As an advisor to Nagoya’s Auto Galleria Luce, Kunio has played a pivotal role in every aspect of its planning and operations since its establishment. Beyond this, he has curated and overseen a variety of cultural initiatives centered around the world of automobiles. Drawing from a wealth of firsthand experiences and an encyclopedic knowledge not only acquired through research but also cultivated through immersive fieldwork, he has contributed to respected publications such as CAR MAGAZINE and AUTOCAR.

His most notable work includes the book “Le Corbusier’s Beloved Cars” (published by Heibonsha).

Megumi Masuda

In 2017, Megumi successfully planned and managed The Samurai Challenge, a groundbreaking tour that traversed 33 prefectures along Japan’s iconic cherry blossom front. The event brought together 54 cars and 120 participants, including organizers, from 14 countries around the world. Her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills ensured the tour’s success, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and the regions it passed through.

For Megumi, this event represents the fulfillment of a dream that began with The Samurai Challenge in 2017, seven years in the making. In essence, it stands as the spiritual successor to The Samurai Challenge II.