Back in Tokyo
From here we made our way through a regular known route back to the hotel… now to pack…
Cycling
Croissants
On the ride back to the port on Awaji island, we stopped at SaVa Bakery. Thankfully it was after the highest elevation point.. so we had definitely earned our stop.
It was great that it was open on Sunday morning… fabulous! While my reaction may of been ride impacted… the croissant itself was flaky, and butter, airy and and oh so perfect. If I lived on the island I would cycle here… better tasting than most places in Adelaide.
Cycling Awajishima…
We spent the last two days cycling half of Awaji island. I would suggest it more for experienced cyclist based on some of the roads being the main highway around the island and you need to be consistent and hold your line. The majority of the time it was great.
While cycling around the island is promoted – it’s not the same as the Shimanami Kadio. There isn’t always the space on the road and if you are not an experienced cyclist you won’t enjoy it. Although there were only a couple of spots we didn’t enjoy, thankfully they were short.
Over the last two days we really enjoyed the rides on both days, as I had planed the routes maximising the side streets which are quiet. This is where the real joy of cycling through local neighbourhoods ca be experienced. You see gardens, little shops and people going about their daily life. We stopped at a few coffee shops and places for lunch along the way. Here are photos from the two days:
Last 36 hours in Japan
Morning! – this is today’s view (so far).
Today we ride 60km to the port at Iwaya on Awaji Island. It’s a large island that we’ve only cycled part of… but we have to come home. After the 60km we catch a ferry, ride to the Shinkansen station, where we catch one back to Tokyo.
I’m guessing it’s time to get up and get going…
Cycling Chiba – Part 2
Our ride in Chiba’s country side continued as we winded our away country paths between farms and adjacent to rivers. Our next stop was the Sakura Lavenderland.
While it wasn’t the season for lavender’s to flower – in the adjacent fields there certainly were some pretty flowers to be seen. Asako-san told us that:
In Japan the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido are famous. Therefore, at Sakura Lavenderland soil improvement was carried out to help lavender adapt to the hot and humid climate of Chiba Pretecture, and planting began in spring of 2003. Currently, the 13,600-square-meter farm cultivates tour varieties totaling 13,600 lavender plants.
Our next stop on a Chiba Cycling tour was the former Sakura City Shizu Elementary School (Aosuge Branch). It was designated a tangible cultural property in 2020. Asako-san told us that:
Aosuge Branch School is a single story wooden schoolhouse with a tile roof, built in 1955. (twas preserved even after ceasing to function as a branch school, retaining much of its original appearance.
This small wooden school building features a staff room beside the entrance, with just two classrooms arranged along a single corridor. Despite being a post World War II structure, it incorporates design elements from prewar wooden school building such as clapboard siding and wooden fittings.
We rounded out this part of the ride with a delightful afternoon tea spot at Cafe Hiyori.
Those of you who have followed this blog for while would know that Helen loves to visit a library or two. This visit was no different. Asako-san was prepared to show us the local Yachiyo City Public Library. Fortunately, there is a no photos policy in the library, you only get to see a small number of photos of the outside of the library. Asako-san told us that:
Yachiyo Public Library has over 350 seats. This includes private rooms and study rooms, providing a comfortable environment for studying. Located along the Shinkawa river, it was built as a lifelong learning hub, designed around the concept of “a place for learning, relaxation, gathering, and information.” Its bright space incorporates abundant natural light. Children’s books are placed near the entrance, with general and reference books arranged further inside, creating a layout suited to different age groups.
We would like to thank Asako-san and the kind people in Chiba Prefecture we met on this ride. It was truly an informative and magical experience.
Hotels in Imabari..
It’s a cycling destination, and they certainly cater for their audience…
We had a double room.. and had in room parking!
… to Imabari! Pt 2
After enjoying the ice cream we left Hakata beach and headed for the Hakata- Oshima bridge. Around this point there are two rivers that come together (confluence) and if you looks closely at the water you can see the whirlpools.
From the bridge we headed on to Oshima island. While the island features the highest elevation point along the ride we took a diversion and decided to go around the island with a different view.
We stopped to look at a rose garden…. While being at the end of the season still had blooms out.
From here we passed through farms, port areas until the final bridge, Kurushima (or bridges) came into view.
The last bridge is just over 4km long – and we were pleased to have limited wind. When on this bridge you had a sense of achievement for coming as far as you have, and sadness as you know your near the end of the ride.
This area is a significant shipping area.. and there are many ships which use this passage for freight.
We made a brief stop at the cyclist station for a photo with the sign – we had missed it last time (it’s not we’ll sign posted) for the required end of ride picture before the final few kilometres to the city of Imabari.
The ride down to Imabari if you’re following the blue line does have a little traffic… so instead we took a different route which was quieter and more enjoyable, before making it to the hotel.
Ride details
Kilometres cycling – 52.09 km (that’s what Strava tells me)
Elevation gain – 332
Walking – 16,285
… and it was truly a fabulous ride, and so pleased to have experienced it again. Ah.
Setoda to Imabari
A great day was had cycling to Imabari. Weather was overcast, but limited wind.
Just before going over the bridge, I stopped at my favourite sign – wild boar!
The bridges along the Shimanami Kaido are a wonderous thing. The approaching angles are really good for cyclists… even if you don’t have a battery, if you can’t cycle there is always walking. At the first lookout point of the bridge we came another Brompton rider from Korea who had cycled from Fukuoka… wow! Then we headed over the bridge, with a brief stop to scare away the dragons and on to the Ehime prefecture.
We stopped at the Tatara Cyclist Station for one of the best views, mandarin drink while taking in the view.
Then we headed for an Italian lunch spot near shopping yard (you can get super close to the ships!)… which was super tasty. We then went on to have an ocean at a nearby spot…with many photo opportunities for the next bridge.
Here we’re are with our Bromptons waiting for the Brompton Lovers meeting…which is held in May (generally every year)… last year the had 222 Brompton owners. We would have a long wait so we continued…
.. more in part two!
Cycling Chiba – part one
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Cycling Yugeshima Kaido
The Yugeshima Kaido (meaning dream island road) is a smaller route you can ride to explore the Yuge Islands which are connected by bridges and ferry.
It’s a quieter route – but the views are just as stunning. It’s not flat, but you are rewarded with the view…
We circumnavigated Kamijima and stopped at a cafe for a coffee before taking the bridge.
…we also enjoyed onigiri while taking in the view,. The 🍙 was made by the accomodation place from the previous night with the rice we didn’t finish at dinner (food was amazing!).
The islands are known for citrus and salt (let’s not talk about the salt… controversial topic which involves Price in SA and Mexico), so lunch target was a cafe with lime flavoured pork.
After lunch the target was heading towards the other side of the island to catch a ferry and cycle to accommodation in Setoda.
