FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE FRI 2 MAY | WELCOME
Arrival and welcome to Onomichi. It is easy to reach Onomichi by train from Osaka or Kyoto using the famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train), an experience not to be missed. Settle into your hotel and join us for a Welcome Dinner and Tour Briefing.
DAY TWO SAT 3 MAY | ONOMICHI TO OSHIMA
An exciting day as we get our first taste of cycling in this enthralling country. We begin with a ferry to our start point on the iconic Shimanami Kaido route, a series of bridges linking the beautiful islands on the way to Shikoku. Panoramic ocean views to our desination, a small town founded on salt production, and our first night in a cosy Ryokan.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 47MI
ELEVATION | 1050M | 3450FT
DAY THREE SUN 4 MAY | OSHIMA TO MATSUYAMA
Treats in store today! We pedal across the last bridge of the Shimanami Kaido, and head deep into the valleys and forested hills of Ehime prefecture. Quiet roads lead to a final descent through plum orchards into Matsuyama. Tonight you will have time to enjoy the famous Dogo Onsen, an historic bath house dating back centuries.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 47MI
ELEVATION | 1250M | 4100FT
DAY FOUR MON 5 MAY | MATSUYAMA LOOP
Quiet roads through leafy stretches of forest with three small climbs that reward with wide open views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. We'll have the opportunity to see the Matsuyama Castle and visit the renowned Ishiteji Temple, the 51st temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgramage route.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 1250M | 4100FT
DAY FIVE TUE 6 MAY | MATSUYAMA TO OZU
Today's route follows winding roads, along quiet riversides through the peaceful countryside. Emerald green hills and rice paddies create beautiful patterns across the landscape adding to the calm atmosphere of rural Japanese life. We spend the night in Ozu, a charming town of narrow streets, traditional houses and cosy cafes.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 1000M | 3300FT
DAY SIX WED 7 MAY | OZU TO SHIKOKU KARST
Our route today takes us to the heartland of this beautiful island. Following the Hijikawa River we trace the contours of the valley until we climb to the delightful village of Yusuhara. From here the ascent is more serious all the way to the Shikoku Karst, a stunning landscape that entrances everyone who come this way.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 2750M | 9000FT
DAY SEVEN THU 8 MAY | HOSHIFUKU TO KURE BAY
We leave our highland retreat, and with the route having a pleasantly downward trend, we ride to the clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Nearly deserted roads beside bubbling creeks and lunch beside a raging river, and a natural onsen to soak in a days' end. Perfect!
DISTANCE | 90KM | 56MI
ELEVATION | 1300M | 4250FT
DAY EIGHT FRI 9 MAY | LOOP RIDE TO IWAMOTO TEMPLE
A great loop ride to the Iwamoto Temple on the wooded hillside beside the town of Kubokawa. The temple features ornate paintings on the ceiling of its main prayer hall. From Kubokawa we continue on to the picturesque Shimanto River. Well-stocked with fish in the crystal clear waters, the people here live in harmony with the natural environment. An example are the 'chinkabashi' bridges which have no balustrades. When the river floods, these stocky, submersible bridges simply allow fallen trees to simply flow over them.
DISTANCE | 55KM | 34MI
ELEVATION | 1100M | 3600FT
DAY NINE SAT 10 MAY | KURE BAY TO KOCHI
Our final ride is fantastic! We begin on a quiet road that hugs the cliffs, with the ocean crashing on the black rocks below. The route climbs to the nature reserve, still with ocean glimpses and meanders along a ridge filled with birdlife. The ride cruises along by the river before turning into Kochi where we finish in the heart of the food and dining district. Our celebration dinner will be one to remember!
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 700M | 2300FT
DAY TEN SUN 11 MAY | GOODBYE
Depending on your onward journey there may be time for a walk to explore the old town. We'll assist with arranging airport taxis or train tickets on the day if need be.
Then it is time to say farewell, until next time.
Ride safe Puntos!