A Cycling Journey Through The Seto Inland Sea

📍 Kyoto Station to Onomichi Station: 1 h 50 min Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station: 1 h Start (guided tour): 10:00 Duration: 6 h Journey: approx. 40 km

Meet the guide at Onomichi Station and walk to the adjacent park for a tour briefing and get comfortable with the E-bikes. A van will also be waiting to take any luggage and transfer it to the accommodation, and to refill any water bottles before setting off for the tour.

Begin cycling across the Shimanami Kaido, an 80-kilometre long route traversing the bridges and islands of the Seto Inland Sea. This route is the only road for cyclists and pedestrians that connects the main island Honshu to the island of Shikoku. 

The route today is a 40-kilometre course, passing through four islands and crossing three iconic bridges. With the guide, enjoy the scenic pedal along the islands passing by the beautiful coastal views and islets, and make small stops at local points of interest to admire the scenery and learn about the local, rural life.

Enjoy lunch on Innoshima Island around midday and then continue the iconic cycling adventure. After passing through the characterful town Setoda, cross the final bridge of the day where the border between Honshu and Shikoku sits in the middle, and end the tour on Omishima Island.

In the evening enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Omishima.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Imabari Station to Matsuyama Station: 40 min Imabari Station to Takamatsu Station: 1 h 50 min Start (guided tour): 8:30 Duration: 8.5 h Journey: approx. 45 km

After breakfast, meet the guide at the hotel lobby and continue the Shimanami Kaido. Today’s course will be to complete the iconic route at the finishing point of Imabari Station, but with a stop at one of Japan’s most fascinating shrines along the way.

Cycle 5km to Oyamazumi Shrine and learn of its ancient history where many samurai came to pray for victory in battle and left their armour after their success. 

The shrine now is home to an impressive collection of samurai armour and weaponry which are considered as National Treasures. One particular suit of armour belongs to Tsuruhime, a 16 year old girl from Omishima Island known now as a samurai princess, or Joan of Arc figure, and one of very few female warriors in Japanese samurai history.

After visiting the shrine and some other notable sites in the area, hop back on the bikes and cycle 18km over the next two iconic bridges stopping for lunch on Oshima Island.

For the rest of the afternoon enjoy a leisurely journey across Oshima and then cross the final and longest bridge Kurushima Kaikyo to Imabari Station.

Say goodbye to the guide and either take the train to another station in Shikoku or stay the night in Imabari.

Note:
-Luggage will be transferred to Imabari Station to pick up on arrival.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Mihara Station to Kyoto Station: 1 h 45 min Mihara Station to Hiroshima Station: 30 min Start (guided tour): 8:30 Duration: 8 h (including transfers)

This morning take the shuttle transfer from the lobby to the port and board a ferry from Omishima Island to Tadanoumi. Meet the local guide and head to the picturesque city Takehara.

Take a stroll down the historic district of Takehara, stepping back 350 years in time along the perfectly preserved Edo era streets. Pass by old houses and public buildings belonging to the leading sake and salt merchants that brought an abundance of wealth to the area.

One of many interesting stops along the district is a statue of the founder of the Nikka whisky distillery, Taketsuru Masataka, known as the father of Japanese whisky and born and raised in Takehara.

After lunch head to a traditional townhouse for a bamboo brush making and calligraphy experience. Bamboo or take in Japanese, is what makes up the name Takehara and is another important resource of the city. With the district’s bamboo themed festivals and bamboo workshops, one cannot leave Takehara without taking some back home.

The final stop of the tour will be Fujii Shuzo sake brewery, the oldest sake brewery in Takehara with many awards under its belt. Meet master brewer Mr. Fuji himself for some sake tasting and captivating conversation about their handcrafted brewing process over a 150 year history. In a traditional washitsu room with a garden view, relax and admire each delightful smell and taste of the different sake.

Visit the Fujii Shuzo sake shop and try a little more of the sake before saying goodbye to Mr. Fuji and the guide. Take a taxi to Mihara station and move on to the next destination.

Note:
-Luggage will need to be taken by hand from the accommodation to Tadanoumi Port and then will remain in the guide’s vehicle until the taxi transfer to Mihara.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Fukuyama Station to Kyoto Station: 1 h 30 min Fukuyama Station to Hiroshima Station: 25 min Start (guided tour): 9:00 Duration: 6.5 h (Including transfers)

Meet the guide after breakfast and travel by private vehicle back to the main island of Japan.

The first stop will be the impressive Shimshoji Zen Museum and Garden. A perfect introduction to Zen Buddhism incorporating the many practices and elements whilst enjoying a peaceful stroll around the gardens. For those interested in an artistic twist, the Kohtei boathouse is a must.

Continue a short drive to the charming port town, Tomonoura. This town was the inspiration behind the Studio Ghibli movie Ponyo, where director Miyazaki spent time enjoying the blend of the land and the sea. 

After a delicious lunch, take a walking tour through the picturesque streets and along the fishing townscape. The last stop and arguable highlight is Fukuzenji Temple, the perfect location to capture an incredible view of Tomonoura.

The tour will end with a drop off and wave goodbye from the guide at Fukuyama Station.

Note:
-Luggage will remain in the vehicle throughout the tour.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Fukuyama Station to Kyoto Station: 1 h 30 min Start (guided tour): 8:20 Duration: 9.5 h Journey: approx. 30 km (Including transfers)

Today is another day of cycling along the beautiful coastal routes of the Seto Inland Sea. Transfer by private vehicle to the port and take a scenic ferry ride to nearby Okamura Island and begin the Tobishima Kaido.

Although the Shimanami Kaido boasts beautiful panoramic views of the sea, islands and islets across its impressive bridges, this cycling route of the Tobishima Kaido has crystal clear blue waters right next to riders around the whole island.

After lunch make a stop at Mitarai and meet local guide Tom for a fascinating walking tour of this small harbour village. As a village that was once the largest brothel in the Inland Sea, there are many stories to unravel along the picturesque streets and inside its preserved Edo era architecture buildings. 

Not forgetting the stories of the village today of course. Like in many rural areas of Japan, many people have left the area to move into the cities, but the local people of Mitarai continue to place beautiful arranged flowers outside any empty houses, and preserve its beauty.

Continue the cycling journey around Osaki-Shimozima Island taking in more wonderful island scenery, and return to the ferry port. 

Return the bikes and hop on the ferry back to Omishima. Transfer to Tatara road station where the guide will assist with boarding the bus to Fukuyama Station.

Note:
-Luggage will remain in the vehicle throughout the tour.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch