Japan: Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike Tour

DAY 1:

Introductions and ~2.5km walk.

Start with an early afternoon pick up At Hiroshima Airport or Shin Onomichi Station. Onomichi is famous for being the start of Shimanami Kaido - a bikeway linking Honshu with Shikoku. Stretch your legs on the Temple walk, a beautiful 2.5 kilometer walk along the historic slopes of Onomichi.

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

DAY 2:

Onomichi to Omishima, ~60km.

Short ferry to start Shimanami Kaido cycling route, crossing bridges between islands of the Seto Inland Sea. On the Island of Omishima, visit Oyamazumi Shrine. There is one of Japan's best collections of Samurai Swords and other military equipment. The shrine’s Treasure House is reputed to hold 80% of Japan's cultural and national treasures.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3:

Omishima to Matsuyama, ~60km.

From the end of the bike path in Imabari city, transfer 25km to Matsuyama City and Dogo Onsen, or cycle the extra distance into Matsuyama. In the evening you can take a hot spring bath at the oldest bath house in Japan.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4:

Matsuyama to Yanai, ~60km.

09:40 ferry from Matsuyama to Yashiro Island. Ride 40km along the coast, then cross another bridge onto the main island of Japan, and another 10km to Yanai City, known for its Shirakabe no Machi - an area of beautiful white-walled buildings, and the site of the Well of the Willow Tree.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5:

Yanai to Yamaguchi, ~80km.

Ride into Yamaguchi Prefecture, and to Yamaguchi City - a city whose wealth originated from trade with China's Ming Dynasty. Fascinating glimpses of its past can be seen at Kozan Park, where a highlight is the five-storey pagoda at Rurikoji Temple - a world heritage site.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6:

Yamaguchi to Tsunoshima Island, ~90km.

Follow quiet valleys and head inland towards Akiyoshidai, a beautiful area of limestone landscapes. Explore limestone caves, where an elevator can transport you to the plateau, where your bikes will be waiting. Descend through farmlands, back to the Japan Sea and, and if time allows, cross to the tiny island of Tsunoshima. Explore the island's pretty lanes before returning to your lodging on the mainland.

DAY 7:

Tsunoshima to Hagi, ~90km.

First stop today is the famous Motonosumi Inakari Shrine. Stroll through the sacred red Tori gates to the Shrine. Then follow the coast towards our destination, the Town of Hagi - a classic old castle town, fantastic for walking through old feudal Japan.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8:

Hagi to Yoshika, ~80km.

It is 50 kilometers through rural Japan to the town of Tsuwano, remotely hidden in a valley, and known for its picturesque main street, lined with Edo-era buildings and koi ponds. Continue to Yoshika, a quiet village with rice paddies, nestled in the mountains of Shimane Prefecture.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 9:

Yoshika to Hiroshima (Miyajima), ~60km.

An early start to cross over the mountains and ride back towards the Inland sea. The route ends at Iwakuni City`s Kintaikyo Bridge. Ferry to Miyajima Island and the Itsukushima Shrine for a few hours of exploration on the island before transferring into Hiroshima. A final dinner at the famous Hiroshima Okonomiyaki provides a fitting conclusion to a wonderful week of immersion in rural and urban Japan. Your guide will say goodbye following dinner.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 10:

Farewells.

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Transfers to Hiroshima airport can be arranged on your behalf.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.