Embark on a cycling adventure across the Seto Inland Sea surrounded by magnificent views of the Japanese coast and islets. Visit many unique points of interest with the guide along the Shimanami Kaido and relax in the evening over a delicious BBQ. The rest of the trip is your choice entirely, whether it's continuing more scenic cycling routes with fascinating historical spots, marveling at the beauty of Tomonoura or diving into the culture of a nearby Takehara.
Itinerary
📍 Distances and journey time: Kyoto Station to Onomichi Station: 1 h 50 min Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station: 1 h Cycling route: Approx. 40 km
Meet the assistant at Onomichi Station for bicycle fitting. 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 cycling route.
Once comfortable on the e-bikes, 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. 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.
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.
Note:
- For guests staying at Azumi Setoda, the cycing route will end at the hotel there in Setoda. Dinner will be a delicious French inspired meal served at the Azumi Setoda itself.
Time:
Start (guided tour): 10:00
Duration: 6 h
Overnight in Omishima
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Distances and journey time: Mihara Station to Kyoto Station: 1 h 45 min Mihara Station to Hiroshima Station: 30 min
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.
Begin with a stroll through the historic district, stepping back in time 350 years via perfectly preserved Edo era streets. Pass by old houses and public buildings belonging to the sake and salt merchants that brought an abundance of wealth to the area.
One of many interesting stops along the walk is a statue of the founder of the Nikka whisky distillery, Taketsuru Masataka, known as the father of Japanese whisky who was born and raised in Takehara.
Enter a historic residence to witness a performance of the traditional Yassasa dance by local women in elegant kimonos. Try on the costumes and learn a few moves via an interaction with locals eager to pass on their town’s culture.
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 this natural resource played a role in the prosperity 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 is Fujii Shuzo sake brewery, the highly-celebrated oldest sake brewery in Takehara. Meet the master brewer Mr. Fuji himself for some sake tasting and captivating conversation about the 150 year history of the handcrafted brewing process. In a traditional Japanese room with a garden view, relax and admire the delightful smells and tastes of a selection of 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:
- For guests staying at Azumi Setoda, we will arrange a private taxi for the transfer to the port in the morning.
- 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.
Time:
Start (guided tour): 8:30
Duration: 8 h
Including transfers
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch
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