Discover scenery that no one has seen before. If you love traveling, head to the "Ura Shimanami Kaido"

[Shimokamagari Island] Start your island hopping at Kajigahama Coworking Space

The starting point for the cycling trip is Kajigahama Coworking Space, located on Shimokamagari Island, the first island from Honshu. Just opened in November 2021, this coworking space has been gaining attention as a spectacular workspace where you can get work done in an open space with the sea stretching out in front of you.

When you go outside, you'll find a wooden deck with a gentle breeze blowing in the air. The facility's kitchen has coffee and tea available for you to enjoy, so you can take a short break with a drink in hand.

In addition to providing workspace, the facility also offers bicycle rentals.

If you plan to drop off your car at Okamura Port, at the very end of the Akinada Tobishima Kaido (a drop-off fee is an additional 1,000 yen), and take a ferry to Imabari, you can fly in from Hiroshima to Matsuyama, and enjoy the sights of Honshu, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and even Shikoku on an indulgent trip.

The lineup of bicycles is rich in variety, ranging from electrically assisted bicycles that are great for women and beginners, to e-bikes that are suitable for full-scale riding.

If you're going short distances, we recommend a cute mini velo, and if you're going long distances, we recommend an e-bike that can travel about 80km on a single charge. If you're not sure which one to choose, it's a good idea to consult with the shop staff before making a decision.

Now, let's go island hopping among the islands that are linked together like stepping stones.

Kajigahama Coworking Space

[Shimokamagari Island] Enjoy the local specialty, Jakoten, at "Sea Station Sannoseki"

First, we head to Kami-Kamagari Island from Shimokamagari Island, where Kajigahama Beach is located, via the Kamagari Bridge. Before that, we recommend stopping by the "Sea Station Sannoseki" at the foot of the bridge. Here you can enjoy freshly fried jacoten, a local specialty.

The Jakoten at Sea Station Sannoseki does not use dried small sardines, but is made by kneading local white fish with the local specialty Himehijiki seaweed salt. When you put it in your mouth hot, the delicious flavor of the fish spreads throughout your mouth, making it an excellent dish. It is a popular item, so it may be sold out by the evening, but be sure to check it out before crossing the bridge.

After satisfying your hunger, continue your bike and cross the Kamagari Bridge. If you look back along the way, you can see the Akinada Bridge, which connects Honshu with the Akinada Islands. This is a location where you can capture two bridges at the same time, so we recommend taking a commemorative photo.

Sea Station Sannoseki

[Kami-Kamagari Island] Enjoy a refreshing cycle ride while enjoying the sea and bridges

The road on the north side of Kamikamagari Island is a comfortable cycling road with little traffic. Enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the views of the sea, islands, and bridges that appear and disappear. As you approach the next island, Teshima, a torii gate appears along the coast.

This is the torii gate of Hidaka Shrine. This view of the sea, mountains, and torii gate all in one is a popular photo spot unique to the Ura Shimanami Kaido.

[Kami-Kamagari Island] Take a break at the slightly deep "Udon no Hara"

If you go along the road on the south side of the island, you will notice a shop with a unique exterior. It is actually a udon restaurant. The food stall-style shop is built with the kitchen inside a van, and the shop expands out from behind it.

At first glance, it may seem intimidating to enter, but you'll soon find yourself feeling at ease in the calm, local atmosphere. The shop is frequented by many locals and cyclists.

The udon at Udon no Hara is made with soft, thin noodles, and the mild broth will soak into your body. They also offer tempura udon and meat udon, and the fact that you can enjoy them at reasonable prices is another plus.

After a break, we headed towards Teshima. On the way, next to the Teshima Ohashi Bridge that connects Kamikamagari Island and Teshima, there was the Teshima Ohashi Observatory, from which you could see the beautiful suspension bridge. Although you have to climb a small hill, it's easy to do on a powerful e-bike.

Udon no Hara

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