Advanced - Challenging -
A Ride to Experience Spiritual Sites and Local Gourmet
Don't miss Saijo's specialty, "Teppan Napolitan"
A Ride to Experience Spiritual Sites and Local Gourmet
Don't miss Saijo's specialty, "Teppan Napolitan"
Ride an E-bike to the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, overlooking Saijo City, and visit the famous Ishizuchi Shrine—a renowned spiritual site for wish fulfillment. As you pedal along paths that intersect with the historic Ohenro pilgrimage routes, take a moment to reflect on the spiritual journey of the pilgrims. Your next stop is "Marubun," a well-known local Western-style restaurant, where you can savor the local specialty "Teppan Napolitan" (sizzling iron plate pasta). This dish is said to reflect the unique personality of Saijo’s residents. Even if you're full, there’s always room for dessert! Enjoy some cycling to work off your meal, then finish your journey with sweets that showcase Saijo’s rich agricultural bounty. This 40km+ cycling trip is sure to satisfy both your appetite and your soul.
The information provided here is current as of December 2025.
- distance41.2km
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level
#Beginners
Unique local foods featured on this course
Spots
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Start Point
B-Shop OCHI
Your cycling journey begins with a rental bike from B-Shop OCHI, a specialist sports bike shop. They offer various sizes of Giant E-bikes (Escape R E+). “We support everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists. We’d love for people to use our shop as a cycling hub to explore this nature-rich area from the sea to the mountains,” says representative Kenji Ochi. This leading bike shop in Saijo City has been in business for over 30 years, including 15 years at its current location.
[Hours] 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Until 6:30 PM on Sundays and holidays)
Service Desk: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Until 6:00 PM on Sundays and holidays)
Closed: Thursdays, 2nd and 4th WednesdaysAddress: 316-1 Kitagawa, Saijo, EhimeView on Google Maps
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10.9 km point
Kurose Dam
For a while after starting, you will encounter a gentle hill climb along the river toward Mt. Ishizuchi, but your rental E-bike will make the ride comfortable. The banks of the Kamo River are also the site for “Imotaki” (taro potato stew), an autumn tradition for Saijo residents. The road leading to Kurose Dam has little traffic and is a popular route for local cyclists. The dam is the largest in Ehime Prefecture, and its rich natural environment makes it one of the top landing spots in the prefecture for the Baikal Teal, an endangered species of bird.
Address: 158-6 Kurose Otsu, Saijo, EhimeView on Google Maps
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18.1 km point
Ishizuchi-jinja Shrine Kuchinomiya Honsha (Main Shrine)
Ishizuchi-jinja Shrine enshrines Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan and one of Japan’s seven sacred mountains. Among the four shrines located from the summit to the foothills, the Kuchinomiya Honsha (Main Shrine) is situated at the base of the mountain and welcomes many visitors to its vast grounds. Since ancient times, it has flourished as a sacred mountain of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, where religious figures such as Kobo Daishi are said to have undertaken ascetic practices. The shrine’s atmosphere preserves the tradition of syncretic prayer. With Tengu statues standing at the Shinmon gate and a majestic vermilion main hall, it is also a popular spiritual site for the fulfillment of wishes.
Address: 797 Nishida Ko, Saijo, EhimeView on Google Maps
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22.4 km point
fork_spoon Marubun Komatsu Main Store
Founded in 1923, Marubun is an Italian restaurant that has been loved by locals for over 100 years. Currently operating six locations including affiliated shops in the prefecture, this store in front of Iyo-Komatsu Station is the main branch. While every menu item is a masterpiece made with heart and quality ingredients, the must-try dish here is “Ehime Saijo Teppan Napolitan,” a local gourmet specialty. This dish is served on a hot iron plate to keep it warm, reflecting the gentle pace of Saijo residents who enjoy their meals slowly. Marubun’s version uses original frankfurters and Ehime orange juice to add depth to the flavor. One hot bite will surely bring a smile to your face.
[Hours] Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last order: 2:30 PM)
Dinner: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM)Address: 407-1 Shin-yashiki Ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo, EhimeView on Google Maps
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29.0 km point
Shu-chan Hiroba
After satisfying your hunger, continue heading west! Shu-chan Hiroba, Shikoku’s largest direct-sales market, offers an extensive selection of not only agricultural products but also seafood. Just choosing souvenirs is fun. A visit here isn’t complete without sweets from the attached “Shu-chan Marugoto Cafe.” While you might be tempted by many desserts featuring seasonal fruits, the Fig Parfait is a top pick for autumn. The texture and sweetness of the large fruit pieces, combined with a touch of acidity, are irresistible. There’s always room for dessert! This will provide the perfect energy boost for the remaining 12 km ride back to B-Shop OCHI.
[Hours] 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed: Jan 1st–4th)Address: 290 Ikeda, Tanbara-cho, Saijo, EhimeView on Google Maps
Access
start
B-Shop OCHI
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By Public Transport
・A 20-minute walk (1.4 km) from Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line.
By Car
・From Matsuyama:
Approximately 15 minutes from Iyo-Komatsu IC on the Matsuyama Expressway via National Route 11.・From Takamatsu:
Approximately 7 minutes from Iyo-Saijo IC on the Matsuyama Expressway via National Route 11.
Goal
B-Shop OCHI
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