Hiroshima to Dogo Onsen (Seto Inland Sea & Shimanami Kaido) Luxury Cycling 7D6N, Fully Guided

Your journey commences in the historic heart of Hiroshima, where you will meet your fellow explorers for a briefing on the adventures that await. At 5:00 p.m., your guides will welcome you at Hiroshima Station, a modern hub that stands as a symbol of the city's remarkable recovery and revitalisation, before we proceed to our evening's destination.

By 6:30 p.m., you will be immersed in an evening of camaraderie and culinary delight as we gather for an exclusive welcome dinner, featuring an array of Hiroshima's celebrated specialties. As you savour the local flavours, you'll have the chance to connect with your travel companions and guides, sharing stories and anticipation for the journey ahead. This is a time to relax and forge the bonds that will enrich our shared experience in the days to come.

Connected directly to JR Hiroshima Station, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate offers unparalleled convenience for exploring the city. Enjoy a variety of dining options with an on-site restaurant and coffee shop and unwind with a swim in the indoor pool or a session at the fitness centre.

Morning Hiking + Approx. 15km (9.3 miles), 3 hours peace cycling, Elevation gain: +10m (33ft) + Okonomiyaki Cooking

Our day begins with a journey into Hiroshima's very origins. We ascend Futaba Mountain, the place where the city's history began, for a serene morning hike known as Asageshiki. From this magnificent vantage point, you will gaze upon the landscape of our day's route as you learn how Hiroshima was founded, flourished, and ultimately, recovered. Amidst the serene beauty, we will pause for a traditional outdoor tea ceremony, a moment of tranquillity as we overlook the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Our hike continues through the tranquil forest, leading us to the majestic Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, where you will admire elegant structures that miraculously escaped the devastation of the atomic bomb, before we trek through the vibrant tunnel of over 100 red torii gates at Kinko Inari Shrine.

Our journey then takes us to the poignant heart of the city: the Peace Memorial Museum. Here, we will bear witness to the history of the atomic bombing through thoughtfully curated exhibits and personal accounts. This solemn experience offers a profound context for understanding the city's enduring message of peace. Afterwards, we embark on an immersive cycling tour to discover the story of Hiroshima before, during, and after the war. Guided by local experts, we will pedal through the city, visiting atomic bomb ruins and hearing the moving stories of how Hiroshima was rebuilt from the ashes. This powerful experience offers an intimate connection to the city's spirit of resilience.

As evening descends, we invite you to try your hand at making one of Hiroshima's most beloved soul foods: okonomiyaki. This savoury pancake, layered with noodles, cabbage, and various fillings, played a significant role in the city's post-war revival, providing comfort and sustenance. This hands-on culinary experience offers a delicious taste of local culture and a perfect end to a day of profound discovery.

Visit Itsukushima Shrine + Approx. 25km (15.5 miles), 3.5 hours cycling, Elevation gain: +160m (525 ft)

On our third day, we journey to the revered Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that appears to float on the water at high tide. Here, we will discover its centuries-old role as a spiritual guardian of the Seto Inland Sea and offer a prayer for our own safe passage across its waters. After exploring the sacred island of Miyajima and enjoying a delightful local lunch, we will cross the sea by cruiser to begin the cycling portion of our adventure.

Our ride takes us to the island of Etajima, a place of beautiful coastal landscapes and quiet reflection. Unlike Hiroshima, Etajima was untouched by the atomic bomb, and it offers a unique perspective on the war. As we pedal along its serene shores, we will uncover the untold stories of how the conflict reshaped the inner worlds of its residents—a side of history often left unseen. This journey through tranquil scenery provides a poignant contrast to the previous day, revealing a different, more intimate facet of the region's past.

As evening approaches, we will check into our hotel before indulging in a truly special dining experience. A French dinner, designed exclusively for our tour, awaits you. Each course is crafted to express the ecological cycle of the Seto Inland Sea, allowing you to taste the profound connection between the mountains and the sea, bringing our day of discovery to an elegant close.

Located on the tranquil island of Etajima in Hiroshima, Etajima-sou is a luxury hot spring ryokan on Etajima Island, known for combining traditional Japanese hospitality with French-influenced cuisine and interior design with custom washi paper art by artisan Eriko Horiki. Every room boasts a spectacular ocean view and a private open-air bath.

Approx. 40km (25 miles), 4 hours cycling, Elevation gain: +480m (1,575 ft)

Today, we delve into the heart of everyday life in Setouchi, exploring the profound connection between the local communities and the natural world. Our journey begins at 8:30 a.m. as we glide across the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, making our way toward the Tobishima Kaido (とびしま海道) - the beautiful cycling route consists of 7 islands in Seto inland sea. Here, you will meet the artisans and residents who carry on the region's rich cultural traditions, their livelihoods intrinsically woven into the land and sea. We will also visit lesser-known shrines, sacred places that have quietly watched over and protected these waters for centuries.

By 10:00 a.m., we embark on a 30-kilometer cycling adventure across four uniquely captivating islands: Shimokamagari, Kamikamagari, Toyoshima, and Osaki-Shimojima. As we pedal, you will witness how each island fosters a distinct way of life, offering a new perspective on the subtle yet deeply rooted Japanese relationship with nature. We will pause our ride for a delightful local lunch, savouring the authentic flavours and ingredients that define island life. Afterwards, a short ride brings us to a place where time seems to stand still: the charming port town of Mitarai. Here, we will spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of its historic district, a designated Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, guided by a British resident who has made this enchanting town their home.

As the afternoon light softens, we will take a ferry from Ocho Port, enjoying another opportunity to soak in the stunning maritime scenery. A final, brief ride brings us to our accommodation for the evening, the Kinoe Onsen Hotel Seifukan, nestled on Osaki Kamijima, the largest of Hiroshima Prefecture's remote islands. From this tranquil haven, allow your gaze to wander across the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea. Recently crowned Japan’s premier scenic onsen in the 2024 National Onsen Awards, it offers an unparalleled sanctuary for serene repose. Surrender to the sublime beauty of the island-dotted seascape from the luxurious comfort of your room.

After checking in, you are invited to unwind in the seaside onsen - Kinoe Onsen Hotel Seifukan located on Osakikamijima Island, famous for its award-winning, panoramic open-air baths, spectacular Seto Inland Sea views, and highly acclaimed regional seafood cuisine.

Approx. 30km (18.6 miles), 3 hours cycling, Elevation gain: +320m (1050 ft) + Soy Sauce Brewery Visit & Oyster Farm Tour

Our fifth day is dedicated to discovering how the livelihoods of the Seto Inland Sea's residents are deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. We will journey through landscapes where nature-based industries flourish, from traditional soy sauce breweries and innovative oyster farms to contemporary wineries. Throughout our travels, you will have the chance to meet the inspiring individuals who are shaping their communities, learning firsthand how industry and conservation can gracefully coexist within the protected realm of a national park.

The morning begins with a gentle cycle, carrying us to the esteemed Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery. Here, you will witness the art of traditional soy sauce making, a craft that has been passed down through generations and remains beautifully unchanged. This intimate, local brewery operates in perfect harmony with the region's natural climate and character, allowing for a truly authentic production process. Our journey then continues to Farm Suzuki, an innovative oyster farm ingeniously located on the historic site of a former salt field. You are invited to learn directly from the producer about the principles of sustainable aquaculture before indulging in the exquisite taste of freshly harvested oysters, a true delicacy of the sea.

After a final, scenic cycle, we will board a local fishing boat for a charming ride to the sacred island of Ōmishima. Upon arriving at its historic port, we will hike the traditional path to the revered Ōyamazumi Shrine, a sanctuary long known as the “Protector of Japan.” Our pilgrimage along this sacred route will be delightfully punctuated by stops at a local craft brewery and winery. Here, you will discover how modern islanders are forging a new culture, transforming local ingredients through the meticulous arts of fermentation and craftsmanship.

After a day’s cycling along the famed Shimanami Kaido, we will check into our seaside sanctuary, WAKKA on Omishima Island, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries. As evening falls, indulge in an exquisite BBQ dinner beneath a canopy of stars, breathing in the crisp sea air.

Approx. 38km (23.6 miles), 3 hours biking, Elevation gain: +380m (1,247 ft)

Our journey culminates on this final day with a ride along one of the world’s most scenic cycling routes, a dream destination for cyclists from around the globe. We begin our last ride of the tour, a 25-kilometre stretch that carries us toward the symbolic end of our journey. As we pedal, we'll reflect on the profound experiences shared and the landscapes that have unfolded before us.

At midday, we will pause for a relaxing lunch at a seaside station, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal while gazing out over the tranquil expanse of the Seto Inland Sea. Following our meal, a private transfer will escort us to the Kirosan Observatory Park. From this exceptional vantage point, ranked among the best in Japan, you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Seto Inland Sea and its archipelago of islands. Here, surrounded by such vast beauty, we invite you to pause and reflect on the journey we have undertaken—the landscapes we’ve crossed, the stories we’ve heard, and the connections we’ve made along the way.

From the observatory, we embark on our final 13-kilometre ride, a memorable crossing of the magnificent Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge. This series of suspension bridges is the most iconic span of the Shimanami Kaido, offering unparalleled views as we pedal towards our destination, the Imabari City Office, where we will celebrate the successful completion of our tour. A private transfer will then convey us to the historic Dogo Onsen area. The day, and our adventure, concludes with a farewell dinner. We gather one last time to celebrate not just the miles travelled, but the friendships forged and the inspiration gained, toasting to the memories we've created and the journeys that still lie ahead.

Nestled in the heart of Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's most ancient and revered hot springs, you will find your sanctuary for the night: Hotel Kowakuen Haruka. Here, in a place famed for its iconic wooden bathhouse—the very inspiration for the fantastical bathhouse in the animated masterpiece Spirited Away—you are invited to immerse yourself in tranquillity. The hotel features sweeping rooftop public baths (onsen) and open-air baths that offer a bird’s-eye view of Matsuyama City.

As our journey together comes to a close, we bid you a fond farewell. On the day of your departure, check-out is at 11:00 am. At a time of your choosing, your guide will arrange a private transfer to your onward destination, whether it be JR Matsuyama Station, Matsuyama Airport for your flight to Tokyo, or Matsuyama Kanko Port for the Super Jet ferry to Hiroshima, leaving you with cherished memories of our time together.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.