Biking day 1

From Naoshima I traveled to Imabari city in Shikoku island. I will not stay long in Shikoku for this time. I have a long bike trip waiting for me.

This is the Shimanami Kaido. This famous bikeway route that goes from Imabari to Onimichi , crossing the Seto’s islands using scenic bridges. The route takes about 80 km but you can make it last much longer by taking some alternative options. Many people will do it In one day but this is not for me. My plan is to stop half way in a hostel to then bike the second half the next day.

Shiminami Kaido , let’s go !
Yeah ! Choose your weapon. Choose wisely because this will become your best friend for the next 80 km.
There is different bike rental options. I went for the cheapest one which is the “public rental bike”. You can choose the bike you want and some are pretty good. I paid 3000 yen total. This include two days of renting plus 1000 extra yen for the drop off in Onomichi. Yes you dont have to come back on your way to drop the bike which is very conveniant.

Just follow the blue signs. Onomichi i’m coming.
The Shimanami is well marked. You will see a blue line all the way. Just follow that line 🙂

You will go throught 6 bridges during the route. The first one was epic. Say hello to the “Kurushima Kaikyo bridges”.

Going higher with stunning views. This bridge is made out of many bridges. It’s length is 4105 meters ! How great it feels to be above the sea with thoses views. The temptation of taking pictures along the way was hard. You have to find a good balance for taht and mostly you have to enjoy the views first , then you can take the pictures.

What I love about this bikeway route is that you have your own road. Therefore you wont have to share the road with cars. This make a huge difference because you dont have to stress about the cars. The way Japanese people done it it’s smart and respectful toward nature.

Bikeway at the end of the bridge. Expect to pedal harder before reaching a bridge. But then to relax on the way down. Theses transition road are well made. It feels like floating around thoses epic sceneries.

I have reached the first island. I heard about an observatory deck on the way , let’s check that out. There is many alternative options along the way. If you plan to do this route in two days (ore more) you will have time to enjoy theses side routes.

After I few meters going up I already feel the thirst. Time to get a green tea bottle.

What came next was very challenging. What did I think of ? Of course it’s going to be a steep climb , it’s a view point greg. Oh well I pedal hard and made it after 30 min but this wasn’t the smartest move. I was drained already ^^ but the sweat was worth it.

The “Kurushima Kaikyo bridges”. This bridge(s) is very long as you can see.
The uphill was worth it at the end. I had to walk the last 500 meters because it was too steep.

The “Kirosan Panorama Park” height is 301 meters. I wasn’t expecting to bike that high.

It was time for a little treat. When you exercice and sweat you need to replenish your body with sodium. I have find exactly what I needed.

Salted ice cream at the Kirosan Panorama Park. The salt came from this island actually. It tasted very different but I loved it.

I shared this ice cream with two German peoples. They were doing a homestay for 2 weeks in a Japanese house. The more you’ll go away from the touristy sites the more you’ll meet different people. Different ways of travelling in Japan. I always find inspiration when meeting people like them. Going off the beaten track is my favorite way to explore a country. You get to share different connections and most of the time sharing unforgettable moments.

Walking up the last meters to get the best view. Yeah man !

At that point I started to be hungry. I couldn’t find anything to sastify my stomach until this.

This small food truck made my day. The owner was making homemade Sea bream burger. Sea bream is a local fish. Let’s give it a try.

Sea bream burger along the way.
This tasted great. From the bread to the veggies and the sauces. I also enjoyed the fried fish “steak”. It’s always nicer to buy fresh and local food from small places. You get to try authentic and unique cuisine. This woman was lovely and made great food too. It’s important to give your money to people that do good around them. Buying food is like voting in a way.

A few calories later it was time to continue that ride.

Epic views along the way.
Make sure to choose wisely when to do this route. I got lucky to booked at the right time. Autumn is usually a good time because there is very little rain.
Dont forget to stay hydrated.

After a good 40 km I started feeling pretty tired. But there is always a solution to your problems. It can be a nice break with some sweets !

This is the mascot of the Shimanami Kaido. Japanese always find cute mascots.

The Seto islands are full of local products such as mandarine and lemon. You will see many different uses of theses foods.

Lemon cake. The last energy boost needed to complete this first day.

Reaching the last bridge for the day.

It’s always an experience when you cross thoses bridges. You get wonderful views and the sensation of flying is great. I did’nt expected this bikeway to be that beautiful.

“Party bus” next to my hotel. Theses guys might have partied too hard.

55 km later I have made it. I have finally reached the door of the “Setoda private hostel”. To be honest I have never biked a distance like today. It was hard but so much fun. I was amazed by how beautiful is that route.

The Shimanami Kaido is so well made. You feel very close to nature all the way. Riding next to the sea and riding above the sea. This first day was epic.
Time to chill out in the Onsen (this one was fantastic by the way) and go to bed very early. The hardest is done but I still have 30 km to go tomorrow.

See you tomorrow for the day 2 on the Shimanami Kaido !