Highlights
Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is a 70-kilometer bridge-and-island toll road that connects Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture and Imabari in Ehime prefecture. Along with an expressway runs a cycling and walking route. Shimanami Kaido is known as "cycling paradise", attracting cyclists from home and abroad who would like to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Not only cycling along the main road, it is also recommended that you make a detour to visit the islands and explore the history, culture and local lifestyle. You could complete the main 70-kilometer road in one day, but it is highly recommended that you spend 2 or 3 days at a leisurely pace to make the most of it.
Imabari
Located in the northeastern Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City is the starting point of Shimanami Kaido at the Shikoku end. At Oshima Island, the first island of Shimanami Kaido from Ehime, visit Kirosan observatory to see the breathtaking panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Especially in the evening, the view of sunset or the illuminated bridges are spectacular. Imabari City is also widely known for its high-quality towel production and accounts for more than 50% of the share of domestically produced towles in Japan. With the history of over 120 years, the towel's softness, smooth texture, and good water absorbency have gained popularity both in Japan and abroad. Get an Imabari Towel and wipe your sweat away while cycling the expressway.
Mt. Ishizuchi
Mt. Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan and one of Japan's seven sacred peaks. Its name, Ishizuchi, means "the Stone Hammer" thanks to the sharp and rocky summit. Various walking trails are available that everyone from beginners to the advanced can enjoy. There is a cable car that goes about three-quarters of the way up the mountain while there is a challenging trail where climbers ascend a series of sheer cliffs by the unique iron chains. At the summit, you will be amazed by the majestic views of the Ishizuchi mountain range and the Seto Inland Sea. The mountain itself is considered to be an important object of worship from ancient times and was a major training ground of Shugendo, an ancient form of mountain asceticism. There are various shrines dotting the mountains today.
Custom travel in Shikoku and Shikoku Private Tour
For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.
