5 Days Tour – Onomichi cycling & Iya valley
Tour Route: Onomichi (Hiroshima) – Iya Onsen, hot springs (Tokushima)
Day 1: Onomichi
Onomichi is a quaint town in eastern Hiroshima clinging to steep hillsides on the Seto Inland Sea coast.
Many movies and television dramas were made here which contributed greatly to the literary and cinematic world, recalling an earlier time in Japan.
Wander around the seeming maze of narrow alleys that criss-cross the hillside, and enjoy the nostalgic port town atmosphere.
Visit Shinshoji Temple – experience Zen and Shakyo (creating a handwritten copy of a sutra) in peace surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden.
Many movies and television dramas were made here which contributed greatly to the literary and cinematic world, recalling an earlier time in Japan.
Wander around the seeming maze of narrow alleys that criss-cross the hillside, and enjoy the nostalgic port town atmosphere.
Visit Shinshoji Temple – experience Zen and Shakyo (creating a handwritten copy of a sutra) in peace surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden.
Stay: Minato-no-Yado (ryokan), or Onomicui U2 Hotel Cycle
Meals: no
Meals: no
Day 2: Onomichi – Shimanami Kaido Cycling
Start from Onomichi by bicycle to Setoda port, then go to Ikuchijima Island by ferry. Cycle Ikujishima island passing picturesque olive terraces and enjoy the scent of ripening oranges, lavender grasses and cloves.
Also experience the vernal purity of forested slopes, sails of distant fishing skiffs, and small shrines cantilevered over rock faces. It’s like the Greek Islands!
Also experience the vernal purity of forested slopes, sails of distant fishing skiffs, and small shrines cantilevered over rock faces. It’s like the Greek Islands!
Stay: Minato-no-Yado (ryokan), or Onomicui U2 Hotel Cycle
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
Day 3: Iya Onsen (Tokushima)
Iya Hot Springs are considered one of the three major hidden hot spring spots in Japan along with Niseko Yakushi Hot Springs in Hokkaido and Yachi Hot Springs in Aomori prefecture.
Visit: Oboke Koboke Gorge and Iya Vine Bridge Oboke Gorge and neighboring Koboke Gorge, a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley and are popularly combined with a visit there. Cut by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean “big dangerous steps” and “small dangerous steps” as their jagged, rocky walls can be perilous to navigate.
Enjoy the nature walk and Oboke Sightseeing Boat Cruise!
Visit: Oboke Koboke Gorge and Iya Vine Bridge Oboke Gorge and neighboring Koboke Gorge, a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley and are popularly combined with a visit there. Cut by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean “big dangerous steps” and “small dangerous steps” as their jagged, rocky walls can be perilous to navigate.
Enjoy the nature walk and Oboke Sightseeing Boat Cruise!
Stay: Hotel Iya Hot Springs, or Togenkyo Iya no Yamasato (thatched house in a quiet village)
Meals: breakfast (in Onomichi), dinner
Meals: breakfast (in Onomichi), dinner
Day 4: Iya Onsen (Tokushima)
Free time
Stay: Hotel Iya Hot Springs, or Tokenkyo Iya no Yamasato (thatched house in a quiet village).
Meals: breakfast & dinner
Meals: breakfast & dinner
Day 5: leave Iya Onsen (Tokushima)
If you would like to explore Setouchi area by video please take a look Ms Kerry Ferro videos:
Activities
Walking, Exploring, History, Cycling