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A Cycling Tour of Yawatahama's Famous Champon Restaurants
[40 km] Savor and Compare the Exquisite Golden Broth
A Cycling Tour of Yawatahama's Famous Champon Restaurants
[40 km] Savor and Compare the Exquisite Golden Broth
Yawatahama, a city that prospered as a gateway to Kyushu, boasts a proud local delicacy: "Yawatahama Champon." This noodle dish traveled across the sea from Nagasaki in Kyushu to Yawatahama in Shikoku, undergoing a unique evolution that sets it apart from the classic pork-bone broth of Nagasaki Champon. In the seaside fishing town of Yawatahama, dining out on meals made with chicken and pork was considered more of a treat than the seafood eaten daily. This led to the creation of a gentle, golden broth with a chicken-bone and soy-sauce base—a comforting flavor one could enjoy every day without tiring of it. This is a culinary pilgrimage that takes you to famous restaurants beloved by locals to taste the charm of this uniquely evolved golden broth while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Nanyo region.
The information provided here is current as of December 2025.
- distance40km
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level
#Intermediate
Reports by a member of Cycle SportsA cyclist who runs a vintage clothing store in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. Captivated by the nature and food culture of the Nanyo region, he moved from Tokyo to Seiyo City several years ago. Currently, alongside the apparel business, he also works as a guide for inbound cycle tourism.
Unique local foods featured on this course
Spots
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Start Point
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
Yawatahama Port is beloved as the maritime gateway to western Shikoku. Located right next to the port, Roadside Station “Minatto” serves as the starting point for this cycling journey.
Rental fees are very reasonable: E-BIKEs are available from 1,000 yen per day, while electric-assist bicycles and tandem bicycles start from 500 yen. You can easily rent them during the business hours of 10:00 to 17:00.
The specialty corner inside the facility features a variety of local gems, including Yawatahama Chanpon cup noodles. Prepare for your ride in this stunning location overlooking the Uwa Sea, and set off to explore the world of Yawatahama Chanpon, with over 29 shops to discover throughout the city.Address: 1581-23 Okinitta, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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0.2km Point
fork_spoon Sanwa Shokudo
A famous Yawatahama Champon restaurant located on the first floor of the Sanwa Business Hotel. It is beloved by a wide range of people, from local workers to tourists. The signature Yawatahama Champon (630 yen) boasts a golden broth created from a trinity of chicken stock, bonito, and kelp. The elegant and rich soup, which clings to the thick Chinese-style noodles, will impress you with how well balanced and satisfying it is from the very first bite. Fresh vegetables, pork, and Yawatahama’s specialty, jakoten (fried fish cake), are added as toppings, expressing the unique character of this fishing town. For a heartier meal, the Champon Set (1,050 yen) comes with rice and a small side dish.
【Hours】11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00
【Phone】0894-24-3838Address: Sanwa Business Hotel 1F, 1583-14 Okinitta, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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4.6km Point
fork_spoon Ichio Shoten
A long-established candy shop with a strong Showa-era atmosphere, perfect for a short break during your ride. The nostalgic sweets and toys lining the storefront bring a sense of nostalgia to adults and fresh wonder to children. As a store deeply rooted in the community, it has been cherished for many years, and the warm conversations with the owner are part of its charm. It’s a great place to rehydrate during your cycle, or take a break with old-fashioned Ramune soda, Calpis, or seasonal cold drinks. The retro storefront is also a popular photo spot and a valuable place to get a glimpse into the local culture of Yawatahama. It’s a heartwarming stop to recharge before heading to your next destination.
【Hours】8:30～18:00Address: 2-106-1 Kigi, Honai-cho, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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20km Point
Shusseki-ji Temple
As the 7th temple of Shikoku’s 20 special pilgrimage sites, this mountain temple has a history of 1,200 years. Perched atop a mountain at an elevation of about 800 meters, the temple grounds are enveloped in a sacred silence that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the secular world. To soothe a body tired from cycling, the temple’s specialty, “Shussekiji Udon,” served at the on-site dining hall, is an exceptional treat. A simple bowl enjoyed in the clear mountain air brings deep tranquility to both mind and body. The temple lodging, which can accommodate about 300 people, also offers authentic vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (*shojin ryori), allowing for a special experience you can’t get in downtown Yawatahama. The exhilarating downhill ride after your visit is the perfect approach to build anticipation for your final destination.
Address: Otsu-1 Toyoshige, Ozu City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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38.8km Point
fork_spoon Champon Tei Eagle
A renowned restaurant with over 60 years of history, considered one of the “big three” of Yawatahama Champon. As a long-standing establishment loved for three generations, it continues to evolve with the times while carefully preserving its traditional flavor. The golden broth, made by slowly simmering chicken stock with vegetables and pork from Shikoku, has a gentle taste that you can enjoy every day without ever getting tired of it. In the clean and welcoming interior, attentive service is provided, warmly greeting both first-time visitors and regular customers alike. It’s the ultimate bowl of noodles to savor with the sense of accomplishment after completing a 40km ride.
【Hours】Dine-in 11:00–15:00 / Takeout 11:00–18:00 (Last order for takeout: 16:00)
[Closed] WednesdaysAddress: 358-2 Nakano-machi, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
Access
start
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
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By Public Transportation
The nearest station is JR Yawatahama Station on the Yosan Line. A local bus (Uwajima Jidosha) runs between Yawatahama Port and JR Yawatahama Station. Please take the bus bound for Yawatahama Port from the bus stop in front of Yawatahama Station. However, please note that some services may not run on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, or substitute holidays, so be sure to check the timetable in advance. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by limited express from Matsuyama Station to JR Yawatahama Station, and about 30 minutes from Uwajima Station. From Yawatahama Station, it is about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to Minatto.
By Car
It is about 25 minutes from the Ozu IC on the Matsuyama Expressway via National Route 197. The facility is adjacent to Yawatahama Port and has 197 parking spaces (3 for large vehicles and 194 for regular cars, including 5 spaces for people with disabilities).
By Ferry
The facility is directly connected to Yawatahama Port, which operates 20 ferry services a day between Shikoku and Kyushu. The Uwajima Unyu Ferry from Usuki Port in Oita Prefecture and the Orange Ferry from Beppu Port are in service, providing good access from the Kyushu area.
Goal
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
See other courses by area
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A Cycling Tour of Yawatahama's Famous Champon Restaurants[40 km] Savor and Compare the Exquisite Golden Broth40km -
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Uwajima Jakoten Taste-Comparison Cycling[32km] Savoring Authentic, Top-Quality Jakoten at Two Long-Established Shops32km
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