Japan-Undiscovered

HIROSHIMA TO ONOMICHI

20.1 mi / 709 Ft
32.3 km / 216m

Upon your arrival into Hiroshima International Airport we will provide 1- scheduled transfer from HIroshima to our arrival city, Onomichi. It is an easy 40 -min journey. Depending on your arrival time, we will either go for a short-guided ride to loosen up the legs or we can take the famous Onomichi Temple Walk, up and down the many stairs behind the town, visiting 25 temples along the way. *You can also arriving directly into Osaka (KIX) airport and transfer to Onomichi by train – please inquire.

Only in Japan could you find themed hotel complex where you can ride right into the cavernous space, which includes not just the hotel but a restaurant, a bar, a café, and a bakery, as well as a Giant bike shop and a retail space dedicated to local food, clothing and housewares. The building’s interior still retains some warehouse atmosphere, with its double-height ceiling and its elevated walkways. But the rooms temper their industrial origins with organic warmth, and they’re efficient, as you’d expect, complete with hooks for hanging your bike up out of the way.

ONOMICHI & THE BRIDGES
OF SHIMANAMI KAIDO – IMABARI

86.2 mi / 6,400 Ft
138.8 km / 1,974 m

Behold, the Shimanami Kaido. Known as the most scenic route in Japan, the 76km route between Onomichi and Imabari is dotted with orange orchards, traditional ryokans, and stunning views of the Seto Sea. There’s no better way to absorb the quaint, small-town Japan that tourists tend to ignore.

Our ocean front ryokan tonight is, Daichoso, located near Itozaki Park/Kurushima Observatory in the Seto Inland Sea National Park where we have stunning views of the Kurushima Strait. We not only come for the view, but the remarkable seafood served here. Since 1963 the in-house restaurant has served lavish seafood meals.

IMABARI TO HIROSHIMA

38.2 mi / 4,022 Ft
61.5 km / 1,281 m

We will take a mountainous route through a corner of Shikoku Island early this morning, winding our way through tiny paths towards the seaside city of Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture. From here we board the super fast ferry across the sea and arrive into Hiroshima.

We’ll wind down our day at the site of the first use of nuclear weapons in wartime: at Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome. It proffers a deeper understanding of the suffering caused by violence, nuclear weapon proliferation, and the real value of peace. Balancing the striking significance of the day, we will soak up the harmonious atmosphere in Hiroshima’s spectacular woodland temple, Mitaki. It is a beautiful and atmospheric temple complex tucked away in a forest on the slopes of Mount Mitaki, just north of the city.

Tonight we venture into the humming center of Hiroshima where we get to sample the local dish from the WW II era known as okonomiyaki, (“Western food for a penny”) made up of battered cabbage and noodles cooked on a hotplate with oysters and squid.

 TAKAYAMA TO SHIRAKAWA – Aug 28

80 Mi / 8,600 Ft

Breaking in the RAID tradition, today we climb aboard Japan’s famous railway transit: The Shinkasen Bullet Train. We’ll be whisked to Kurume, a principal city of the island of Kyushu, only 1.5 hours away. A quick transfer brings us deep into the mountains outside Kurume. Today’s route begins with a stunning pedal through lush green tea fields, with rolling hills covered in trees to the horizon, replete with tea sampling along the way.

We enjoy a leisurely lunch of homemade buckwheat soba noodles from a hidden cafe that we have been visiting for years. The patriarch of the family has been crafting noodles for nearly 40 years. His wife and three daughters will be our friendly servers, it’s a special afternoon. From here we continue up the Hoshino River before we head up a stunning European alpine climb.

After absorbing the wonders of today’s ride, we disappear into a Japanese Ryokan for the night, and relax in the many hot springs that await our stay as you are enveloped in a sense of the local culture, untouched by time.

MT ASO TO YUFUIN (OITA)

47 mi / 4,242 Ft
75 km / 1,292 m

Our last day’s journey traverses the scenic Yamanami Highway, considered one of the most scenic byways in Japan, crossing the Kuju mountain range before finishing in Oita. The amazing route takes us from the Tadewara Marshlands through the Chojabaru and Kuju Mountain Ranges with stunning views of sprawling grasslands and steaming, looming volcanoes the entire way.

A wonderful finish to our adventure, we’ll end our ride in the tiny resort village of Yufuin, located on a flat river basin surrounded by mountains. The most prominent feature of Yufuin’s skyline? The twin-peaked Mount Yufu, hovering over the town, serving as the backdrop for scenic views. Another natural landmark is Lake Kinrinko, a small lake located at the end of the town’s main walking route.The small lake is located at the end of the town’s main walking route. Finally, we’ll finish our stay at a small Ryokan, the Oyado Kaikatei Ryokan – In a leafy area, this warm, relaxed hot spring inn is 12 minutes’ walk from Kinrin Lake, a 14-minute walk from Yufuin Floral Village, a country village in the style of England’s Cotswold’s. Featuring indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, the understated cottages feature en-suite bathrooms and sitting areas, plus tatami floors and futons.

For those interested in visiting the Comico Art Museum this afternoon, we will make arrangements for you to visit during a private tour. View the works of acclaimed Japanese contemporary artists Yayoi Kusama, Tatsuo Miyajima and Kohei Nawa.