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  Aquatopia

  Saijyo City was named by the government of Japan as an aquatopia, and has come to be know as the "City of Water". Spread accross the city are around 3,000 spots called "uchinuki" where underground rivers gush up from the ground. There are walking paths that follow these underground rivers, and places where you can drink the water, creating an overall refreshing atmosphere throughout the city.

  Address：Saijo City, Kanbaiko, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  0.5km

  Toraya Confectionary's Toraya Cookie

  Founded in 1945 in Saijo, Toraya is a popular sweets shop. The original founder's oldest began making original variations of European sweets, resulting in the now famed Toraya Cookie. These delicous cookies are a much loved local souvenir.

  Address：856-13 Omachi, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  7.7km

  Malbun Komatsu Store's Hot Plate Napolitan

  Once a busy Japanese style eatery, Malbun is now a western food restraunt dearly loved by locals. Napolitan, a Japanese style sphagetti dish with ketchup sauce served on an iron plate is this establishment's signiture dish, said by many to be a must-eat delicacy of Saijyo City. The rich flavor of ketchup mixed well with the thick sphagetti noodles, the big sausage and the soft-boiled egg topping all make for an unforgettable meal.

  Address：407-Shinyashiki, Komatsu-cho, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  9.9km

  Roadside Station Komatsu Oasis

  This is the closest road station to Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. Here you can find local produce and delicacies from the region as well as an outdoor shop run by Montbell. For cyclists and travellers who like to stay active, there is a rock climbing wall inside the Mntbell shop, and a campground next door. Be sure to have a refreshing bath at Tsubaki Hot Spring Komatsu, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view.

  Address：22-29 Shinyashiki Otsu, Komatsu-cho, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  15.9km

  Shikokuya Hot Spring

  In Shikoku there is a famous pilgrimage that traverses 88 temples found accross the island. Hot Spring Shikokuya is a well konwn resting point for the pilgrims that make this journey. Since one of the 88 temples is just nearby, it's a cenvenient place to take a break. The hot springs are also said to have beautifying qualities given by subtly slimy spring water.

  Address：47 Akiho, Komatsucho, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  16.1km

  Ishizuchi Mountain

  Mount Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan, at an altitude of 1,982 meters. Historically the mountain itself was once worshipped as a god. Traces of this tradition can still be found, as this mountain is now one of the seven sacred mountains of Japan. Mount Ishizuchi is also popular among tourists as a place with great spiritual power. This route passes near the ridge of the mountain, providing a mystical and stimulating experience surrounded by nature.

  Address：Wakayama, Kumakogen Town, Kamiukena District, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  20.7km

  Yuyaguchi Fault Line

  In Nakayamagawa Canyon several fault lines which have become exposed due to crustal deformation can be seen. Here you can clearly see the Japan Median Tectonic Line, Japan's longest fault line which runs through almost half of the entire country. The rare sight of red sandstone pushed upward by layers of black mica schist has been deemed a natural monument by the prefectural government for its geological value.

  Address：Kurumi, Tanbara-cho, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  36.2km

  Namekawa Canyon

  One notable site in the secluded Namerikawa Canyon, a popular destination in Ehime, is this river bed formed within a single rock. Known as the Namera, this river bed was created by the flow of water over thousands of years. The rock, which is over one kilometer in length, has an unusual shine and texture, and the clear water flowing over it produces a magical sight. If you walk along the stream for about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Oku-no-Taki (Taki-no-hara) waterfall. When the waterfall appears before your eyes, surrounded in massive, gently rounded stones, the feeling is a though you have descovered a hidden world.

  Address：Tōon, Namerikawa, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  50.8km

  Shirai Falls

  The Shirai Fall has long since been known as a scenic spot due to its crushing 96 meter waterfall as well as the beautiful surrounding nature. Famous Japanese writers such as Shiki Masaoka and Soseki Natsume have written Haiku and Tanka (poems) about this waterfall. In winter, the falls freeze and become one big piece of ice, creating a quiet, mysterious scene.

  Address：Kawanouchi, Tōon, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  62.8km

  Kuromori Pass

  Kuromori Toge is the first peak in this cycling route, reaching an elevation of 985 meters. It is also marks the boundry between Touon City and Kumakogen City.

  Address：Sugou, Kumakogen, Kamiukena District, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  85.2km

  Omogo Furusato Market's Grilled Sweetfish

  Omoga Furusato Market is located at the bottom of a roughly 22 kilometer uphill incline called Mount Ishizuchi Hillclimb. Here you can enjoy local speciality foods such as konnyaku, broiled corn, and salted grilled sweetfish. Be sure to rest up before going on uphill ride through the wilderness of Mount Ishizuchi.

  Address：26 Ainoki, Kumakogen, Kamiukena District, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  85.2km

  Omogo Gorge (Omogokei)

  This canyon is eight kilometers in length, and is located on the southern side of Mount Ishizuchi. Many scenic spots recognized by the government can be found spread throughout this area; even if you spend a whole day here you might not see them all. Many who come here are surprised by how clear the water is. If you look you can see the riverbed even from a distance through the deep blue river water. The multicolored leaves of autumn are also a beautiful sight; fall is a great season to visit.

  Address：In Wakayama Ishizuchi Quasi-National Park, Kumakogen, Kamiukena District, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  103km

  Kamegamori (UFO Line)

  This 27 kilometer route follows the ridgeline of the Shikoku mountains, including the highest peak in western Japan at 1,982 meters, Mount Ishizuchi. The route reaches a maximum elevation of 1,690 meters. The view from here reaches to the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea unobstructed. Following the ridgeline of the mountains between an elevation of 1,300 and 1,700 meters, this route has been used as a location for many TV commercials because of its beautiful views. In spring you can see the Akebono azaleas and the autumn leaves in the fall, but be aware that the route closes in winter from the end of November through early April.

  Address：Kamegamori, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  130km

  Kaza-ana

  Kaza-ana means "hole of the wind". As the name suggests, this is a spot where wind blows continuously from the depths of a cave. This phenomenon is created by underground, and in summer the difference in air temprature inside and outside the cave produces fog. A rare spcies of blue poppy that typically only blooms in the Himalayas can be seen here. Using the peculiar climate conditions present here, voulenteers have been able to cultivate this flower. The caves, the mystical flowers, the fog, and deep forest create an unusual, dramatic scene.

  Address：Fujinoishi, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  145km

  Bujo Hot Spring

  This bath house uses water from the Nibukawa Hot Spring, famous for its supposed beautifying effects. The smooth texture of the water is characteristic of this spring, giving it the ability to improve skin health and neuralgia conditions. Various types of baths, such as a stone bath, an esthetic bath, and a micro bubble bath can be enjoyed here. The outdoor bath, with its views of nature is especially popular among visitors.

  Address：209 Omachi, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps

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  Goal

  Aquatopia

  After enjoying the bountiful nature of Mount Ishizuchi, return to the center of town in Saijo. Now that you have completed this course, it's time to reward yourself with a delicious meal and a drink or two. From here there are several options to choose from. Stick around and see the museums, temples, and shrines, head to Imabari, or hop on the Shimanami Kaido and enjoy a few more days of cycling around the area.