Mountain Temples

After snacking on the city’s famous grilled octopus dumplings, the riders will be transferred to the island of Shikoku to begin their adventure. A couple day’s ride brings them to the scenic Iya Valley where the can enjoy the views of Mt. Tsurugi and experience the area’s traditional vine bridges. The route continues west through the mountains and past hilltop shrines and small villages before stopping for a rest day in Uwajima, home to the Taga Shrine and its collection of fertility symbols and erotica.

The road now heads north to Matsuyama where the riders can explore its hilltop castle and relax in the famous Dōgo Onsen Honkan bathhouse. The route continues across the spectacular Shimanami Kaido, a 70 km bike path passing over 6 small islands in the Seto Sea, to the island of Honshu. After a rest day in the port city of Onomichi where they can wander through the town on a temple walk, taking them to 25 different locations, a final 3 day stretch leads the riders into Hiroshima and the end of this magnificent section.

Highlights

• Osaka
• Mountain Shrines
• Shimanami Kaido Bike Path
• Hiroshima