Shikoku's Historic Towns

Nine days of cycling link Onomichi to Takamatsu across the island bridges of the Shimanami Kaido, threading the Seto Inland Sea's castle towns, hot springs, sacred mountains and pilgrimage culture along the way. After a first day exploring Onomichi's temple path and harbour, riders cross the Shimanami Kaido's elegant suspension bridges to Omishima and Setoda, visiting Kosanji Temple and a seasonal farm before overnighting in an island ryokan known for its Setouchi seafood.

The route continues over the Kurushima Kaikyo bridges to the Murakami Kaizoku Museum and Oyama Shrine's samurai armour collection, then on to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castle towns, and the historic bathing lanes of Dogo Onsen, one of the country's oldest hot springs. A ride into the mountains brings riders to Ishizuchi Shrine and its pilgrimage traditions, followed by a short sightseeing spin to Kanonji Temple, Takaya Shrine and a sunset walk at Chichibugahama Beach.

The final days visit Kotohira Shrine (Konpira-san) for a hands-on Sanuki udon-making class and the historic Kanamaruza Kabuki theatre, before a morning temple ritual at Zentsuji and a stroll through the celebrated Ritsurin Garden en route to Takamatsu. Overnights range from a zero-energy Kengo Kuma-designed hotel to a restored village house and simple temple lodging within Zentsuji's grounds, with bilingual guides and a support van throughout.

Highlights:

• Shimanami Kaido island bridges from Onomichi to Omishima and Setoda
• Matsuyama Castle and the historic bathing lanes of Dogo Onsen
• Ishizuchi Shrine's mountain pilgrimage traditions
• Kotohira Shrine (Konpira-san), a hands-on Sanuki udon-making class and the Kanamaruza Kabuki theatre
• Zentsuji temple ritual and the celebrated Ritsurin Garden
• Overnights in a Kengo Kuma-designed hotel, a restored village house and temple lodging

Surface and terrain:
Paved throughout, though some rural lanes are older and patched in places. Roads are largely bypassed by modern highways, so traffic is generally light. Route includes island suspension bridges, coastal roads and inland climbs at moderate 4-7% grades. Daily distances 15-60 km across 7 riding days.

Weather:
Scheduled in spring and fall for warm days, cool nights and less rain; fall departures start after typhoon season eases. Season runs March to November.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a culturally immersive "moderate" tour mixing island bridges, hot springs and pilgrimage sites, comfortable with occasional climbs, rather than a high-mileage challenge.