Travellers to Japan looking for something a little different can pedal away from the norm on a new be-spoke cycling and art trails tour from award-winning Selective Asia.
The 10-day trip travels from the country’s foodie capital Osaka across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to visit Naoshima where archetypal Japanese natural beauty meets quirky, other-worldly art exhibits and installations.
In addition to two days spent on the “art island”, the cycling elements of the trip are centred around three days spent on the Shimanami Kaido road that connects six smaller islands with the larger ones of Honshu and Shikoku at either end.
Travellers will ride a section of the famously scenic 60km route, taking in two of the intriguing little islands while journeying from the arty seaside town of Onomichi (on Honshu) to the shipbuilding harbour of Imabari (Shikoku) while exploring small temples and rural life, spending a night in a traditional ryokan on the island of Ikuchijima and relaxing in the hot spring baths that are so much a part of Japanese R&R.
On the island of Omishima the cycling route takes in museums, villages and temples before heading to the aforementioned Imabari – a harbour town on Shikoku island famous not only for its shipbuilding but for boasting the best towels in Japan!
The itinerary also includes a night in Takamatsu, a relaxing port city noted for buildings historic and modern and the beautiful and spacious Ritsurin Garden dating back to the 16th century and featuring many historic tea houses.
The trip is “topped and tailed” with stays in Osaka with its neon-draped flamboyance, cheeky forthright people, karaoke bars and, of course, world-renowned food and sake.
The 10-day Cycle and Arts Trails of Japan costs from £2433 per person excluding flights (based on two travelling) and staying in first class accommodation on a B&B basis. The trip is organised on a fully tailor-made basis with private guides and drivers throughout.
For further information go to selectiveasia.com or call 01273 670001.
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February 3, 2020
Press enquiries and requests for images to David Leck at Selective Asia on 01322 528580/07710 326256.
