CYCLING TIPS

This is a collection of information about the cycling environment and helpful services available for beginner cyclists who aim to complete the course while having fun.

13 October, 2023

The Yumeshima Kaido is garnering attention as the “little Shimanami Kaido” that even beginner cyclists can enjoy. The cycling course traverses the four islands of Ikinajima, Sashima, Yugeshima, and Iwagijima that float on the Seto Inland Sea. We traveled this compact course that can be cycled in half a day with a local guide to show us around.

24 March, 2021

The editorial staff of “Sanma,” a Taiwanese magazine that provides information on Japan, focuses on the city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. It highlights incredible coffee shops and sundries shops you can visit by bicycle. We also introduce the soothing island of Omishima floating on the Seto Inland Sea. Why not take a few moments and envision taking a leisurely cycling trip in Ehime?

10 February, 2021

Wei Hua Hsuan is a former newscaster for a Taiwanese TV station who became an avid cyclist after leaving the station. To date, she has cycled the Shimanami Kaido three times. Wei has a wealth of cycling experience in Japan, so we asked her to share how even beginner cyclists can thoroughly enjoy the beautiful island scenery.

25 January, 2021

“Shimanami Kaido isn’t the only cycling road worth biking in Ehime Prefecture!,” says Michael Rice, a professional cyclist who resides in Japan. He shared some advice with us on mountain and sea routes that are perfect for experienced cyclists and for foreign cyclists visiting Japan to take a cycling trip.

22 December, 2020

We talked to Kazunari Utsunomiya, who has worked as a Shimanami Kaido guide for over 10 years and is involved in developing the cycling trip itineraries. We asked him for tips on completing the Seto Inland Sea crossing and where we should stop off on the way.

20 October, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to change the way we cycle. What exactly do we need to do to enjoy cycling, which keeps us fit and relaxed, while still prioritizing safety?

18 September, 2020

Our guide for the article will be Arashi Murakami, head of the consolidated cyclist support facility Wakka located in Omishima, one of the top tourist destinations on the Shimanami Kaido. This article is a must read for those who wish to challenge the Shimanami Kaido or those who want to try out their first sports bicycle.

31 October, 2019

For this article, we interviewed Ehime native Sanshi Kubota, a cycling aficionado and rider who also works as a core trainer for cyclists. We asked him about the courses he recommends and his precautions for the courses of the Ishizuchi Mountains for both beginners and intermediate riders, and points to consider when training to overcome the significant ups and downs of the mountain roads.

31 October, 2019

Today we interviewed Motoshi Kadota, a professional mountain bike rider knowledgeable about Ehime Prefecture, and Yasuaki Nishiyama, a new rising athlete who races with Kadota, about their ideas on the most comfortable routes to ride, the most motivating uphill rides, and the most motivating off road routes.

31 October, 2019

Matsuyama, situated in the middle of Ehime Prefecture, is a popular destination for tourists with Matsuyama Castle, great dining, and the Dogo Onsen which is said to have a 3,000 year history. The area is also known as the location for the novel “Botchan” by Natsume Sōseki. Bus and trolley service is available within the Matsuyama city center and is used by many tourists, but adding bicycles to that mix is sure to make any trip even more enjoyable.

31 October, 2019

What sort of nutrition to cyclists need?　When we asked Suzuki-san that question, her curt reply was that “You misunderstand nutrition!”. What does she mean by that?　We asked Suzuki-san, who visits Ehime every year, which Ehime cuisine options are recommended for cyclists.

31 October, 2019