Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 1 (Day 1-1)

Lamborghini Esperienza GIRO Japan 2024 in Okinawa

Due to various circumstances, it is difficult for my family to casually go on day trips, let alone overnight trips (I am very sorry that I am often unable to join the tours that we are always invited to...).

I can't easily plan my trip, so IPorsche events in the USAI try to focus only on things like these that I think I will regret for the rest of my life if I don't go, and somehow make sure I can go.

Such an event that made me think "if I don't go, I'll regret it for the rest of my life" has appeared in my life again, so I decided to participate this time.

Our children were left at home in someone else's care, so it was just my husband and I attending.

Boarding the plane in the morning...

We arrived on the main island of Okinawa.

When we arrived at Naha Airport, our sales representative from Cornes Lamborghini Shiba was waiting for us at the arrival gate.

We were then guided to the shuttle bus, where an Audi was waiting.

Behind it is an Urus, also used as a shuttle vehicle.

No, this is Okinawa Prefecture, right?

Do you have an Urus? As a shuttle vehicle?

I can't hide my excitement from the very start of the trip.

At this point, I met and said hello to one of the people who was also going on the trip, and since I ended up staying with this person until the very end of the trip (as I will explain later), I feel like it was fate that we first met at that time.

First night at Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Meijo Beach

After being picked up and dropped off, we arrived at the Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Meijo Beach, where we would be staying on the first day of our 3-day, 2-night trip.

When I headed to the check-in counter, there was a Lamborghini cow there.

Yes, this trip is part of "Esperienza GIRO Japan 2024," an event organized by Lamborghini Japan, where we go on a tour in a Lamborghini within a designated area each time.

In the past, GIRO Japan has been held in the Nagano area and the Nara/Kyoto area, but the seventh GIRO will be held in 2024 in Okinawa Prefecture.

Transporting his Lamborghini to Okinawa

This time, participants from all over the country transported their beloved Lamborghinis to Okinawa Prefecture in advance from their respective locations.

Transportation will be by land and ferry.

Of course, all arrangements are made by the Lamborghini dealer that each of us uses, and in our case, Cornes Shiba arranged all the arrangements.

The main reason why I felt that I "absolutely had to go" to this GIRO was because it was held in Okinawa Prefecture.

Because, if I didn't have this opportunity, I would never take my Lamborghini on a ferry and drive around Okinawa. At least, I personally would never do it.

That's why, when there is an opportunity to drive your own Lamborghini in Okinawa Prefecture at an event like this, it's an event that you definitely have to go to.

I think it's a once in a lifetime experience.

GIRO is like a mystery tour

This was our first time participating in GIRO Japan, so we had no idea what to do.

The amazing thing about GIRO Japan is that there is almost no prior explanation (laughs).

Normally, when you sign up for an event like this, you'd think that you'd receive a schedule and, since it's a three-day, two-night trip, something like a travel guide in advance, right?

No, no, no, well, with GIRO, there is no "schedule" or "bookmark" from the time you apply until you arrive in Okinawa.

That's a clean cut, Lamborghini (lol).

After we applied to GIRO, the only advance communication we received up until the day of the trip was "We will come to pick up the car (from your home in Tokyo) on xx day" and "Please come to Naha Airport by xx time on xx day."

Is this a kind of "mystery tour" in a way (lol)?

I arrived at Naha Airport, but I was worried about what I would do if the sales person wasn't there, but he was there and took me to the hotel, so I was relieved.

GIRO, I think it's interesting that "we don't know anything in advance."

Since Lamborghini has prepared it, even if I don't know what it's going to entail, I get excited with the expectation that it's going to be something fun and amazing.

On the first day, the room prepared for us at Ryukyu Hotel was the Royal Suite.

It was a slightly cloudy day, but the white sand and ocean that spread out before us were very beautiful.

On the table in the living room inside, there was a schedule for the trip, name tags (with names on metal plates) to attach to our luggage, and gifts from Tod's.

This is where you can first learn about the touring route and details of this trip.

Personally, if I were to go to Okinawa's main island, I wanted to see the whale sharks at the Churaumi Aquarium, so I was hoping they would stop by even for a moment, but unfortunately the Churaumi Aquarium was not included in the touring route.

Well, it can't be helped.

Day 1 Lunch

Upon arrival at the hotel, we start with lunch.

The first day's lunch was a buffet at the hotel.

The appetizers start with lobster, crab, and Okinawa's signature sea grapes, while the main courses range from the usual fish and meat sushi to Okinawa soki soba.

I end up eating too much right from the start.

However, there's no point in worrying about my weight while traveling, so I'll just eat as much as I can!

Seating for this lunch buffet was free, so we sat with another couple and enjoyed our lunch.

The couple who were with me at that time ended up staying with me until the very end of the trip, so looking back, I realize that many different connections were made from the very beginning.

The drivers' meeting began as everyone had finished their meal.

The event began with a greeting from Davide Sfrecola, President of Lamborghini Japan, who said, "Maybe it's best to say welcome back," and that it is no exaggeration to say that this GIRO is already a family gathering.

That's right, a large number of people are repeat participants of this event called GIRO Japan.

Looking around at lunch that day, most people were enjoying the reunion, saying things like, "Oh, it's been a long time!"

In fact, when I talked to people later, many of them said that this was their third or fifth time, and I could tell even before it started that this was an event that was so fascinating that people would want to come again and again.

The location of this year's event, Okinawa, was chosen due to the wish of past participants, and this wish has been made a reality.

Going on a Lamborghini tour in Okinawa Prefecture seems like a big challenge, but it's amazing that it actually happened.

Next, the navigator for this tour, Inano Kazumi, who also works as a motor announcer and provides live race commentary, gave an explanation about the tour.

She also shared various little anecdotes with us like on the radio during our upcoming touring trips, which gave us a lot of fun while riding.

Touring route maps will also be distributed at this event.

GIRO creates loop maps, and the touring format involves riding along routes that follow those maps.

We used toI had the opportunity to drive this car at a Porsche rally event.So it feels kind of nostalgic.

The professional drivers who led the way gave explanations about things to watch out for when actually driving and how to read the link diagrams.

The professional drivers who led the way this time were:

• Wasaburo Baba
• Tetsujiro Azuma
• Yoshio Ikemachi
• Kazuhiro Hayashi

There are four of them:

After receiving a thorough explanation, we split into four groups and moved around.

There were about 25 vehicles participating in this GIRO, including media vehicles. They were divided into four groups, A to D.

Modified vehicles are not allowed to participate in GIRO Japan

First of all, I would like to make it clear that the GIRO Japan event is a manufacturer event and "participation of any modified vehicles is not permitted."

Both participants' cars were sold through authorized dealers, had no modifications, and had passed proper vehicle inspections.

Some people may have a negative image of a group of Lamborghinis racing, but at GIRO Japan, the race is led by a professional driver who acts as a pacemaker, and participants are of course warned not to cause any trouble, so no one behaves in such a way.

Before departure, for example, we did make the engine noise only at designated times in the hotel parking lot, and we had received proper instructions to do so, but these were only brief occurrences at the departure of the event, and were understood by both the hotel and the manufacturer.

They probably wouldn't have caused any trouble by revving up unnecessarily in the city, so I hope that no one will have a bad impression seeing two Lamborghinis driving around Okinawa in a line.

Well then, we were able to be reunited with our Huracan EVO in the parking lot of the Ryukyu Hotel.

It was a truly strange feeling.

The last time I saw a Huracan, it was in a parking lot in Tokyo. Why are you in Okinawa?

But there's nothing more exciting than being able to drive our own Lamborghini in Okinawa.

I'm really excited now.

Before leaving, we all took a commemorative photo in front of the car.

While I still can't fully comprehend why my Lambo is in Okinawa, the 2024 GIRO Japan race is finally about to begin.

This was the first time I got to see the cars of the other participants, ranging from the Aventador SVJ to the Stellato, STO, Tecnica, Ursper Formante, and even the Countach.

As we departed, we were sent off by the Okinawan Eisa dancers.

On the first day of GIRO Okinawa, the touring route was supposed to start with the Ayahashi Sea Station, but unfortunately rain was forecast, so the route was changed on the day and we did not stop at the sea station.

It is true that heavy rain could be dangerous, so there is no choice but to change the route at the last minute.

safety first.

The bus stop I saw on the way was very Okinawan and had a very cute and charming feel.

So, first we arrived at one of the destinations that was changed at the last minute: the construction site of Costco, which is opening in Okinawa for the first time!

...Just kidding (lol).

Sorry, I can't help but react whenever there's a Costco story. The first Costco in Okinawa Prefecture is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024.

On the way, I was able to pass by where the Costco was being built, and I was super excited.

I was probably the only one among the GIRO participants who was happy to see the Costco site (laughs).

Related article:Costco Makuhari store parking lot inclination measurement ... Can you go with Porsche 911 GT3?

Yes, the actual route was to Nirai Kanai Bridge.

In front of us were a line of Lamborghinis following the lead car.

The scene is of Okinawa despite the line of Lamborghinis, and it's a happy incongruity that really makes your brain go haywire.

Valley of Gangara

ArrivedValley of Gangara..

The Valley of Gangara is an ancient valley formed by the collapse of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Rain had been forecast for this day from the morning, and although it rained a little while we were riding, the rain had lightened considerably by the time we reached Gangara Valley.

However, the staff had prepared umbrellas for us and brought them to our car if it was raining even a little.

Great hospitality.

Still, by the time all the Lamborghinis arrived, we hardly needed umbrellas at all, so that was a relief.

Although rain was forecast this time, it hardly rained when we were taking commemorative photos upon departure, and when we got out of the car and walked outside, and we were blessed with clear skies.

I may be a little bold, but I consider myself to be quite the sunny girl, but even more than that, the participants all seemed to have it in spades.

Gambara Valley Cave Cafe

We head to the cafe in Gangara Valley.

The stalactite cave comes into view.

great!

The site is still under excavation and investigation is ongoing.

This is also the place where the world's oldest fishing hook, dating back about 23,000 years, was discovered. I wonder what it was like to be a fisherman 23,000 years ago...

Drinks were served by GIRO Japan, and they also served 35 Coffee, which is roasted using weathered coral.

I love guava juice, so if I come to Okinawa and there is guava juice available, I will definitely have it.

I thought this cafe space would normally have seating like this so that people could have tea.

If you look closely, you will see that the umbrellas set up here are from GIRO Japan.

What an attention to detail. Amazing.

After enjoying a leisurely tea and listening to an explanation about the Gangara Valley, we return to the car.

I'm happy to be able to line up with cool cars ^^

Oh yes, when I was leaving the place I noticed a sticker on the rental car in front of me that said "Driven by a foreigner."

I wondered what the message was, until I heard a story from the GIRO navigator: "Many foreign visitors to Okinawa drive rental cars, and sometimes they get lost in their lanes, so by putting up these stickers they are telling people to be more careful around them," and then it all made sense.

At GIRO, each car is given a walkie-talkie, and while driving the navigator will make small talk like on a radio, and the lead driver will also provide various information such as "Be careful, there may be falling debris up ahead."

The attention was helpful, and the content of the short stories was often interesting, so I enjoyed it.

The first day ended with a quick drive and then we returned to Ryukyu Hotel.

After this it's dinner time.

There will be food made with Okinawan ingredients prepared specially for GIRO, as well as entertainment titled "Ryukyu Ranman Emaki."

Apparently in past GIROs, the dinner had to be black tie, but this time smart casual was fine, so I didn't have to make many additional preparations, which was a relief.

This is getting long, so I'll continue next time.

Continued→ Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 2 (Day 1-2)

Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record
①Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 1 (Day 1-1)
②Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 2 (Day 1-2)
③Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 3 (Day 2-1)
④Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 4 (Day 2-2)
⑤Lamborghini GIRO Japan 2024 Record 5 (Day 3)