Departure date: 07 May, 2018 (Mon) Coach tour
*Name of cycling route or event is highlighted in blue.
Day 00 (Sun, 06 May)
Assemble at Changi Airport
Day 01 (Mon, 07 May)
Singapore – Onomichi – Ikuchijima
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Ryokan Tsutsui or similar
Distance: 32km Elevation: 230m
Upon arrival at Hiroshima airport, we head to Onomichi town, along the Seto Inland Sea. Assemble your bikes to cycle to Ikujima Island.
Admire the unique bridges and gorgeous views of Setonaikai’s Islands while cycling on the expressway! Along the Shimanami Kaido, a stand out bridge is Tatara Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world and designed to look like a bird with open wings! Marvel at the sights and sceneries as you cycle!
Day 02 (Tue, 08 May)
Ikuchijima – Imabari
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel or similar
Distance: 55km Elevation: 976m
Today, we will cycle from Ikujima island to Imabari, just part of the Shimanami Kaido route. One of the bridges is Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first triple-suspension bridge.
End the day by making your way to Mt Kiro Observatory, where a 360° view of Seto Inland Sea can be had. Plus, you get to see the Shimanami-Kaido from afar!
Day 03 (Wed, 09 May)
Imabari – Matsuyama
(Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Matsuyama or similar
Distance: 43km Elevation: 459m
Start off this morning by cycling from Imabari to Matsuyama.
We introduce you to our special FMJ local activities, exclusive to Follow Me Japan guests and held at Moritomo Farm, about 25km from Matsuyama city. Over there, enjoy a barbeque lunch of seasonal local ingredients prepared with much love by the warm and friendly locals, while soaking in the charmingly simple small town atmosphere. Get to see how seabream cutting is done as well.
Take a break from cycling and sightsee! The castle town of Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku, known for its literary tradition. Matsuyama Castle is located on Mt Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city centre that provides visitors with a panoramic view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Or head to the famous Dogo Onsen, purportedly the oldest hot spring in Japan and dates back 3000 years! One of Japan’s three Great Ancient Hot springs, it is the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s anime drama, “Spirited Away”.
Day 04 (Thur, 10 May)
Matsuyama – Shikoku Karst
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Tenguso or similar
Distance: 63km Elevation: 1845m
Travel by car to Uchiko Old Town and feel yourself travel back 100 years! Once the centre of wax and paper production, it is now one of the most well-preserved towns in Japan. Cycle down the historical street of beautifully preserved houses from the Meiji period.
Shikoku Karst is one of Japan’s 3 largest karst topographies on the border of Ehime and Kochi prefecture. Dotted with limestone formations and sinkholes, you get stunning views of Mt Ishizuchi and the surrounding mountains, At an altitude of 1400m, the rippling rock formations and flowing hills are a must-visit for nature lovers, stargazers and anyone who desires fresh air and open spaces!
Day 05 (Fri, 11 May)
Shikoku Karst – Kochi
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Sansuien similar
Distance: 104km Elevation: 898m
Today, you again get to cycle amidst incredible natural surroundings. Niyodo River in Oichi town is one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers, known for clarity of water and colour so striking that the distinctive shade is called “Niyodo Blue”. The amazingly clear stream is a popular movie and drama location spot as well. Next is Nakatsu Valley where you can bask in nature as you cycle. Kochi City is situated along the Kagami River on Shikoku Island. See the well-preserved, original Kochi hilltop castle and climb to the top floor to get a view of downtown. Kochi is also the hometown of Sakamoto Ryoma, a central figure in the Meiji Restoration.
Day 06 (Sat, 12 May)
Kochi – Miyoshi
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Awaikeda Ekimae Hotel Eleven or similar
Hirome market is made up of a mishmash of about 60 shops that introduces Kochi’s food, friendliness and culture to foreignvisitors. Try local food at reasonable prices and the table-sharing is a great way to chat with locals n foreigners alike.
Dare to cross a bridge made of mountain vine? Kazurabashi is a 45m suspension bridge across the Iya River anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends. Rebuilt every 3 years, the only modern addition to it is the steel cables cleverly hidden within the vines for additional safety. For spectacular scenery, look no further than Oboke Gorge. A steep, narrow ravine carved out by the flow of the Yoshino River, there are boat tours that will bring you nearer to the magnificent rocks and clear water. This evening, recharge for the exciting day ahead!
Day 07 (Sun, 13 May)
Miyoshi
(Breakfast)
Hotel: Awaikeda Ekimae Hotel Eleven or similar
SS Course Distance: 153km Elevation: 3732m
C Course Distance: 95km Elevation: 1527m
Tour De Nishi-Awa is a large bicycle rally held every spring that traverses sections of the Iya Valley. Pedal past miles of lush greenery and enjoy amazing views from the Ochiai Pass at an altitude of 1520m. You might even catch the sight of a sea of clouds along the way! Get a breather at aid stations as well as some local cuisine to refuel yourself.
With just 1000 cyclists taking part in the Tour De Nishi-Awa every year, the event is so popular that cyclists in Japan get places through a balloting system! But we have guaranteed places for you!
Every course includes a steep slope, so brace yourself! Tough? Definitely! But where would the fun be without a good challenge? No better time to push or smash through whatever limits you thought you had!
Day 08 (Mon, 14 May)
Miyoshi – Osaka – Singapore
(Breakfast)
On this last day, travel from Miyoshi to Osaka Umeda station by van/micro-bus. The tour will end at Umeda station. You can have some free & easy time in Osaka or even opt to extend your trip. Your bike case and luggage will be delivered to Kansai airport and can be collected when you are flying back.
*Return flight must be after 17:00 on 14 May.
COACH TOUR
Assemble date: 06 May, Sun (SO12776)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
07May MI 868 Singapore - Hiroshima
0145 / 0930
14May SQ 615 Kansai - Singapore
2325 / 0505*1
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 12-16 pax
Adult twin share $3,550; Single** $3,810
Group size: 17-20 pax
Adult twin share $3,020; Single** $3,290
Group size: 21-24 pax
Adult twin share $2,640; Single** $2,910
**Due to the size of the hotel, Miyoshi accommodation will ALL be on a twin-sharing basis.
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Tours and Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Luggage and bike case transportation
Cycling guides
Supplementary food and water
Tour De NishiAwa 2018 Registration Fee
Complimentary Wifi router
FMJ local activity
Micro bus (fixed and fold-in seats on the bus)
Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
Visa application fee (if any)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Optional Add-on:
International Sector Airfare Adult $800
Airport Taxes Adult $90
Remarks:
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 15 adults.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.
Deposit of $1000 per person is required upon booking.