Hiroshima & Shimanami Kaido self-guided 6 Days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 – Arrive in Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train to Central Hiroshima. This well-known city was the first in history to bear the impact of the use of atomic weapons. The city never forgets its past, and there are memorials to the bombing of August 6th, 1945, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and accompanying museum.

You stay overnight in Hiroshima at a Western-style hotel or travel by ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Miyajima and stay at a traditional Japanese inn.

Accommodation: Western-style Hotel or Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2 – Travel to Miyajima Island

Explore Miyajima Island, where wild deer roam free. Experience the amazing close-up view of the iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float in the water at high tide. You might want to try the Miyajima oysters or the local dish of anago meshi grilled eel.

During the afternoon, you have time to climb Mount Misen, the highest peak of the island, offering spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea via the returning cable car.

Walking distance: 4.7km / 3 mi of optional hiking
Elevation gain: 810m / 2,660 feet of ascent, negligible descent
Time required: About 2-3 hours

A longer 12.1 km / 7.5 mi hiking option, with an ascent of 1,030 m / 3,380 ft and descent of 1,015 m / 3,330 ft, foregoing the descending cable car ride, is available. A gentler, flat 2.4 km / 1.5 mi sightseeing route covering the island’s main attractions is also possible for a more leisurely day.

Accommodation: Western-style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Sea Kayak around Tomonoura Bay and Explore Tomonoura

Travel to Tomonoura Bay, the lovely thousand-year-old port town which inspired Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki when he created the animated film Ponyo. Tomonoura is recognized as Shiomachi-no-minato (潮待ちの港 / port awaiting a favourable tide), and this town preserves its old-fashioned fishing townscape. Enjoy a morning sea kayak tour around Sensuijima Island. Later in the afternoon, head to the traditional Japanese inn in Tomonoura where you will stay this evening.

Kayaking time: About 2-3 hours

Please note that if kayaking is not possible due to poor weather, further exploration time on Sensuijima Island and in the quiet and relaxed village of Tomonoura with our two optional sightseeing walks are possible.

Walking distance: 2km / 1.2 mi of optional sightseeing
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 1-2 hours

Accommodation: Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 – Walk in the Hilltops of Onomichi

Depart this morning for the romantic seaside town of Onomichi, the entry point on the mainland side of the Shimanami Kaidō cycling course. Spend the day exploring Onomichi’s wonderfully old-fashioned shopping arcades and quiet hilltop back streets with our gentle sightseeing course before spending a night at a modern, stylish cycling-themed hotel.

Walking distance: 4km / 2 mi
Elevation gain: 260m / 850 feet of both ascent and descent
Time required: about 3-4 hours

Accommodation: Western-style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido

After selecting your bike, depart for the first day of cycling from Onomichi. Explore the wonderful nature and relaxing cafe culture of the inland sea, before spending the night on a remote island part-way along the cycling route.

Cycling distance: 35-65km / 20-40 mi (up to 80km / 50 miles)
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent (with some very brief ups and downs to reach each bridge)
Time required: 3-6 hours (up to 8 hours)

Cycling distances vary based on the inn you stay at and how many of our optional side-trips along the islands you wish to undertake. For less confident cyclists, don’t hesitate to enquire with us about alternative arrangements.

Accommodation: Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Complete the Shimanami Kaido and head onwards

Continue along the Shimanami Kaidō cycling route, passing through small island settlements with some of the most scenic sections of the route before arriving into Imabari on the island of Shikoku. Drop off your bikes at Imabari Station and head onwards by train.

Cycling distance: 20-45km / 13-28 mi
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent (with some very brief ups and downs to reach each bridge)
Time required: 2-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Cycling distances vary based on the inn you have stayed at and how many of our optional side-trips along the islands you wish to undertake. Most guests will undertake the 45 km, 4-hour cycle today.