Combine walking through coastal towns and up sacred routes with a cycling journey down the Shimanami Kaidō, a road that stretches between the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Seto Inland Sea: Hike and Bike
(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)
Day 1 – Hike Mount Mitaki and Explore Hiroshima
Your tour begins with an atmospheric hike up Mount Mitaki in Hiroshima. Arrive at tranquil Mitaki-dera Temple, where you will see your first glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as a cityscape view of Hiroshima.
Afterwards, explore the city of Hiroshima; visit the Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Gokoku Shrine, and other landmarks that weave together the tale of Hiroshima’s past, present, and future.
Dinner is at leisure; we recommend tasting Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, as well as its famed oysters. Overnight in the city.
Walking distance: 4.9 km / 3.1 mi
Elevation gain: 330 m of ascent and descent
Time required: 2.5 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Day 2 – Walk Through the Hilltops of Onomichi
Travel to the hilly port town of Onomichi, with its myriad slopes, narrow alleys, and charming, rustic atmosphere. Explore the town before riding a cable car up to Senkōji Temple, perched on a mountain slope and overlooking the Onomichi channel; for centuries, sailors and merchants would pray here for safety at sea.
Overnight in town, with dinner at leisure: sample Onomichi rāmen, or fresh seafood caught right from the nearby waters.
Walking distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
Elevation gain: 212 m / 695 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: 2 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Set Out on the Shimanami Kaidō
After breakfast, pick up the electric bicycle that will be your companion for the next two days. A short ferry ride will take you to the island of Mukaishima, where you will begin your journey along the Shimanami Kaidō. Reflect on the peaceful scenery as it rolls by, making stops at cafés, parks, and temples along the way. The grand Kōsan-ji Temple on Ikuchijima Island, known as the Temple of the mother, was founded by an industrialist in the early 20th century in honour of his late mother. On the grounds of the temple is the Hill of Hope, a stunning 5,000-square-metre sculpture garden whose white marble structures, both great and small, harmonise with the natural environment. You will also have a chance to learn about the fermentation process, key to Japanese cuisine, at a museum and park specialising in it.
The first leg of your Shimanami Kaidō trip ends at your ryokan accommodation on Ikuchijima Island.
Cycling distance: 32 km / 19.8 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 4 hours
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 – Complete the Shimanami Kaidō and transfer to Matsuyama
Begin the second half of the Shimanami Kaidō. Along the way, you will be able to stop at landmarks such as the Murakami Kaizoku Museum, which sheds light on the history of the clan that ruled these seas during Japan’s Warring States period.
Arrival at Imabari completes the cycling portion of your adventure and marks your entry onto the island of Shikoku; you may explore the town and its castle before transferring to the city of Matsuyama and your accommodation.
Cycling distance: 44 km / 27.3 mi
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 4.5 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Guests wishing to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Dōgo Onsen tonight may enquire with their Destination Specialist. Please be aware that this is subject to availability and requires an additional supplement.
Day 5 – Hike to Pilgrimage Temples in Ehime
The most rural and untouched of Japan’s four major islands, Shikoku is best-known for its pilgrimage, a 1200-kilometre circuit around the island that strings 88 temples together, all with a connection to the monk Kūkai. You will hike to two of these today, going from Temple 45, Iwaya-ji, a mountain temple with a distinctive stone cave, to Temple 44, Daihōji, the pilgrimage’s mid-point.
Catch a bus back to Matsuyama City, where dinner is at leisure.
Walking distance: 11.7 km / 7.3 mi
Elevation gain: 650 m / 2,130 ft of ascent and 580 m / 1,900 ft of descent
Time required: 4 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Guests wishing to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Dōgo Onsen tonight may enquire with their Destination Specialist. Please be aware that this is subject to availability and requires an additional supplement.
Day 6 – Explore Dōgo Onsen
With a history dating back 3,000 years, Dōgo Onsen is considered one of the oldest onsen in Japan. Its wooden structure evokes a sense of antiquity even in our modern era, and its thermal waters are said to have healing properties. Settle into a hot spring to experience one of Japan’s oldest traditions, before stepping out to explore the surrounding area; this includes the lively Dōgo Haikara-dōri, a nostalgic shopping arcade filled with souvenir shops, cafés, and sweets shops.
You will also have the chance to visit Ishite-ji, the 51st temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Ishite-ji is home to several key cultural assets, many of which are on display.
Later in the afternoon, return to the Dōgo Onsen area, from where you will continue onwards to Kyōto or Ōsaka.
Meals: Breakfast
