Courses by area

This is an area where you can enjoy cycling along the world-famous “Shimanami Kaido” and the beauty of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The islands of the Seto Inland Sea are full of attractions, including Oshima Island, the site of the headquarters of Japan's largest pirate force, the Murakami Suigun, Hakata Island, known since long ago as a salt production and shipping center, and Omishima Island, where a vast number of national treasures and important cultural assets lie. In addition to JR Imabari Station, where the limited express train stops, Imabari City is also well equipped with cycling facilities and is recommended as a base for your trip. Imabari City is also a good base for travelers, as it is located close to the sea, making it an area where you can enjoy gourmet seafood.

The Toyo area is located between the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku Mountains. Saijo City is known as the “City of Water” with the most delicious water in Japan, and the mountains around Mt. Ishizuchi, which produce the water, are over 1,500 meters high and offer one of the most spectacular views of nature in Shikoku. Niihama City has long been famous as an industrial city, and the ruins of the Besshi Copper Mine, which reached its heyday between the 17th and 20th centuries, offer a spectacular view known as the “Machu Picchu of the Orient. The Suiba Plateau, which is covered with rape blossoms in spring and early cosmos blossoms from summer to early autumn, and Shikokuchuo City, where many temples and shrines remain, are also areas that require attention.

The Chuyo area almost overlaps with Matsuyama City, the capital of Ehime Prefecture. There are so many things to see and do in the central Matsuyama area that a trip to the area alone is complete, including Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen Honkan, Saka no Ue no Ue no Kumo Museum, and the gourmet restaurants of the Omachi-michi shopping district. From Matsuyama Airport to JR Matsuyama Station is a 15-minute bus ride. With a history of approximately 400 years as a castle town, the sophisticated cityscape and many flat roads make it a perfect place for a cycling trip debut.

The Nanyo area, which stretches along the western edge of Shikoku, is the area with the deepest charm of all of Ehime Prefecture. Uchiko Town, with its beautiful streets of traditional white-walled architecture dating back about 250 years, and Ozu City, a former castle town with many historical buildings. Ikata Town, located on Japan's longest and slenderest peninsula, Cape Sada, jutting out from the western tip of Shikoku, and Yawatahama City, famous as a “fish town” with a thriving fishing industry. Further south is Uwajima City, the largest castle town in the Nanyo area, where bullfights can be seen, a rarity in Japan. The great view of the Shikoku Karst, which stretches across the mountainous inland area, is also not to be missed.