Hiroshima, Shimanami and Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage

Your Japan adventure starts with traveling by bullet train to central Hiroshima. This well-known city was the first in history to bear the impact of the use of atomic weapons. The city never forgets its past, and there are memorials to the bombing of 6 August 1945 including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial and Museum. You stay overnight in Hiroshima in a western-style hotel or travel by ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage island of Miyajima and stay at a traditional Japanese Inn here.

Check-in at the Hiroshima hotel or on Miyajima Island.

Explore and travel to Tomonoura Bay, the lovely thousand-year-old port town which inspired Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki when he created the animated film ”Ponyo”. Tomonoura is recognized as Shiomachi-no-Minato ”port awaiting a favorable tide” and this town preserves its old-fashioned fishing town cape. Enjoy a morning sea kayak tour around Sensui-Jima Island. Later in the afternoon, continue to Sensui-Jima island by ferry for your overnight stay at a traditional Japanese inn.

Check-in at Ryokan inn.

Kayaking time: About 2-3 hours.
Walking distance: 2km (1.2 miles) of optional sightseeing.
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent.
The time required: About 1-2 hours.
Please note that if kayaking is not possible due to poor weather, further exploration time on Sensuijima Island and in the quiet and relaxed village of Tomonoura with our two optional sightseeing walks are possible.

Today, depart for the romantic seaside town of Onomichi – the entry point on the mainland side of the Shimanami Kaido cycling course. Spend the day exploring Onomichi’s wonderfully old-fashioned shopping arcades and quiet hilltop back streets with our gentle sightseeing course.

Check-in at Ryokan inn or modern, stylish cycling-themed hotel.

Walking distance: 4km (2 miles).
Elevation gain: 260m (850 feet) of both ascent and descent.
The time required: about 3-4 hours.

Selecting your bikes, depart for the first day of cycling from Onomichi. Explore the wonderful nature and relaxing cafe culture of the inland sea, before spending the night on a remote island part-way along the cycling route.

Check-in at Ryokan Inn.

Cycling distance: 35-65km (20-40 miles) up to 80km (50 miles).
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent (with some very brief ups and downs to reach each bridge).
The time required: 3-6 hours (up to 8 hours).
Cycling distances vary based on the inn you stay at and how many of our optional side-trips along the islands you wish to undertake. For less confident cyclists, don’t hesitate to inquire with us about alternative arrangements.

Continue cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, passing through small island settlements with some of the most scenic sections of the route before arriving into Imabari town on Shikoku Island. Drop off your bikes at the Imabari Station head inland by bus to reach the trailhead of our 4-day Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Self-guided walking tour, to begin your hike to Temple 57 Eifuku-Ji. The walk gradually passes from urban town cape to rural farming communities, before entering a forest with a steady climb to Temple 58 Senyū-Ji. Visit Eifuku-Ji and Senyū-Ji and there is also an optional detour to Temple 56 Taisan-Ji. Overnight at Senyū-Ji, which offers pilgrim lodgings, or alternatively stay in a western-style hotel in Imabari City.

Check-in at  Shukubo (Pilgrims Lodging) or Hotel.

Cycling distance: 20-45km (13-28 miles).
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent (with some very brief ups and downs to reach each bridge).
The time required: 2-4 hours.
Cycling distances vary based on the inn you have stayed at and how many of our optional side-trips along the islands you wish to undertake. Most guests will undertake the 45km, 4-hour cycle today.
Walking distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles).
Elevation gain: 250m / 820 feet ascent and negligible descent.
The time required: About 1.5 hours

Continue hiking with a gentle walk down the mountain from Senyū-Ji, with the opportunity to explore small village settlements on the way. Return to the town of Imabari, with an optional paved hike on to Temple 59 Iyo Kokubun-Ji and continue onwards to Matsuyama by train.

Check-in at Dogo Onsen.

Walking distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles).
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and 250m (820 foot) descent.
The time required: About 1 hour.
An optional paved walk of 4.1km (2.5 miles) can extend the hike by a further 1.5 hours.

Typical Accommodation
This charming inn in the heart of Dogo Onsen is run by a friendly family with exceptional service, beautiful Japanese rooms, exquisite cuisine, and lovely thermal baths.

Head to the south from Matsuyama to Temple 45 Iwaya-Ji, a temple closely linked to Kōbō Daishi – the priest who founded Shingon Buddhism and Mount Koya. Climb the iconic ladder to his meditation spot, with its spectacular views over the surrounding region. From Iwaya-Ji, enjoy a lovely forest hike to the Temple 44, Daiho-Ji before returning by bus to Matsuyama in the evening.

Check-in at Dogo Onsen.

Walking distance: 11.7km (7.3 miles).
Elevation gain: 650m (2,130 feet) ascent and 580m (1,900 foot) descent.
The time required: About 4 hours.
Accommodation: Hot-spring Ryokan (Travelers Inn).

Your Japan adventure will come to an end today with a rewarding hike in the east of Ehime Prefecture. Travel to reach the trail and walk to Temple 60 Yokomine-Ji, Temple 61 Kōon-Ji and onwards to Temple 62 Hoju-Ji. The walk passes through a rural area of Shikoku and the temples are in lovely natural settings.  After the hike, travel onward by train to the Kansai area, arriving mid-evening.

Walking distance: 13.7km (8.5 miles).
Elevation gain: 620m (2,050 feet) ascent and 870m (3,850 foot) descent.
The time required: About 4-5 hours.
You can reduce the hike by about one hour to 11.3km (7 miles), avoiding the first uphill section.
Simply pay locally to extend the taxi ride to Temple 60 Yokomineji. Choose on the day – no need to decide in advance.