Get Active on the Shimanami Kaido, Kick Back in One of Japan’s Oldest Onsen Resorts

After exploring the higgledy-piggledy streets of Onomichi, this four-day itinerary takes you straight to the heart of the Shimanami Kaido cycle route where you will enjoy stunning views and sail over the blue sea via impressive bridges. Your trip ends with a reviving visit to the onsen town that is said to have inspired the Ghibli classic Spirited Away.

Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama

Eclectic Ishiteji Temple is one of the 88 temples on the famous Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage route and is only a short distance from Dogo Onsen. As you go around Shikoku, you will undoubtedly spot pilgrims with their distinctive straw hats, white robes and walking stick trekking between temples. Visiting Ishiteji Temple is a way to experience a tiny part of this vast journey that attracts pilgrims from all over the world and a great a way to start your day.

Dogo Onsen is all about relaxation and the art of bathing. Dogo is one of Japan's oldest and most revered hot springs. The beautifully preserved Dogo Onsen Honkan, a historic bathhouse that has welcomed visitors for centuries, is a must visit. The original hot spring onsen is still in operation and open to the public. They also offer guided tours around the facility, including a look at the special bath constructed exclusively for the emperor’s private use.

Whether you take the plunge or not, why not treat yourself to a taste of Matsuyama's local craft beer. Sample the rich and distinctive flavors of Dogo Beer created by local brewers who try to incorporate local ingredients and flavors into the beer and served next to Dogo Onsen Honkan.

Matsuyama Castle, an impressive hilltop castle with panoramic views of the city and is accessible by an open air chair lift. For a nostalgic trip between Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, try to catch the Botchan Ressha, a steam locomotive named after the title of the novel of the same name written by one of Japan’s most famous writers and which is set in Matsuyama.

Matsuyama’s sea bream rice and goshiki somen noodles

Matsuyama is known for its delicious cuisine and these two dishes are held in high esteem. To create the sea bream rice (tai-meshi), sea bream and kelp are slow-cooked with the rice, infusing the whole dish with umami-rich flavors. Before serving, some regions around Matsuyama arrange raw slices of sea bream on top while others mix carrot and fried tofu into the rice.

Goshiki somen noodles come in five bright colors – brown, green, red, yellow and white. They achieve the different colors by kneading various ingredients into the noodles, such as matcha tea, mandarin oranges and ume plums.

Both goshiki somen noodles and sea bream rice can be ordered at Goshiki, 5 minutes walk south of Okaido streetcar stop fairly close to Matsuyama Castle.

Onward Travel

Matsuyama is connected to Hiroshima by an excellent ferry service.

URL: https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/language/en/