Trip info
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130 km Cycling rest is on foot/public transport
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Accommodation in the hotels
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All meals as indicated per itinerary
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Imabari
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Osaka
Overview
This 6-day, partially guided tour offers a unique journey that blends spiritual pilgrimage, historical exploration, and scenic cycling in the heartland of Japan. The tour is designed to provide an intimate glimpse into the country’s ancient traditions and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it ideal for those seeking a rewarding and immersive travel experience.
The adventure begins with a private walking tour of the legendary Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage in the scenic mountains of Kumakogen. Guided by an official Henro guide, you’ll experience a taste of the 88-temple route, participating in a sermon and sutra offering at Daihōji temple.
The journey continues to a farm stay in Usa, where you’ll be immersed in a new initiative where guests choose their own experiences, such as farming activities or countryside experiences like making rice cakes. The day’s meals are cooked together using “koji,” or malted rice.
A major highlight of the tour is a two-day e-bike cycling adventure on the Kunisaki Peninsula. On the first day, you will retrace the historic “Gyokoe,” a 1,200-year-old ceremonial path, visiting multiple ancient shrines and a mysterious stone Buddha at Takasu Kannon. The second day of cycling takes you through Tashibunoshou, a World Agricultural Heritage Site, with 1,000-year-old preserved rice-farming estates, and to the original shrines of Hachiman worship in the region.
The tour culminates in Beppu, where you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the unique food culture of Kannawa Onsen, where meals are cooked with hot spring steam. A traditional sand bath experience at Takegawara Onsen is also included before you board an overnight ferry to Osaka, where the tour concludes.
Highlights
- The tour includes a walking tour of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage in the mountains of Kumakogen. You'll also explore sacred shrines, including the Usa Jingu Shrine, which is the head shrine of over 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan.
- A major highlight is the two-day e-bike cycling tour on the Kunisaki Peninsula, which retraces the historic Gyokoe ceremonial path, a 1,200-year-old Shinto ritual.
- You'll have a farm stay experience in Usa, where you can participate in farming activities or countryside experiences like making rice cakes.
