*Names of cycling routes are highlighted in blue.

Day 00 (Sun, 21 Oct)
Assemble at Changi Airport

Day 01 (Mon, 22 Oct)
Singapore – Hiroshima – Kure
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Kure Hankyu Hotel or similar

Arriving in Hiroshima today, we head to Hiroshima castle nicknamed Carp Castle. Spared during the Meiji Restoration, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. Here, you can learn about the history of Hiroshima, castles in Japan and also get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top floor of the castle. Next, we head to Hiroshima Peace Park. View the various monuments and buildings, such as the A-Bomb Dome and Cenotaph that remember the victims of the tragedy. Of equal significance are the monuments such as the Peace Flame that represent the people’s prayers for peace.
Head back to the hotel to assemble your bike.

Day 02 (Tue, 23 Oct)
Kure
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Kure Hankyu Hotel or similar
Distance: 77km            Elevation: 785m

To prepare yourself up for the main event in a few days' time, there are a few “practice routes” planned for you. First is the Kakishima Kaido. This 70km route connects JR Kure station in Kureichiha town to Kushikushi Port in Etajima city. You will cycle on national highways, prefectural and city roads.

Day 03 (Wed, 24 Oct)
Kure – Imabari
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
Distance: 57km            Elevation: 687m

Today, we have our second practice route with Tobishima Kaido, known for beaches, history and citrus fruits! Considered a mini version of Shimanami, it is a route of choice for cyclists who prefer quieter roads and a more rustic course. Enjoy shifting views of the seas, 5 islands and 5 bridges. At 57km, this route ends at Okamura Island.
We then take the ferry back to Imabari to stay for the night.

Day 04 (Thur, 25 Oct)
Imabari – Matsuyama
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Matsuyama or similar
Distance: 50km            Elevation: 316m

The Hamakaze Kaido is a relatively new 50km cycling route connecting Shimanami Kaido to Imabari town and Matsuyama, An ocean route that lets you enjoy the pleasant landscape along the coastline and feel the sea breeze in your face as you cycle across the SetoIsland sea.
 
Take a break from cycling and unwind with some sightseeing! 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”.
Anyone wishing to check out the cycling-related items available here can also make use of this downtime to do some shopping!

Day 05 (Fri, 26 Oct)
Matsuyama 
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Matsuyama or similar
Distance: 105km         Elevation: 650m

In Uchiko town, you will cycle along the Yuyake Kayake Line. Once the centre of wax and paper production, this place is now one of the most well-preserved towns in Japan. Cycle down the historical street of beautifully preserved houses from the Meiji period. Another rare gem here is Uchiko-za, a full scale kabuki theatre complete with trap doors, hidden entrances and a revolving stage.  After this, we head to Shimonada station, a train station in Iyo, Ehime. Featured on the Seishun 18 Ticket promotional posters, in TV dramas and anime movies, it is not surprisingly very popular with photographers and tourists. From the station platform, get an amazing view of the vast ocean!

Day 06 (Sat, 27 Oct)
Matsuyama – Imabari
(Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Imabari Kokusai Hotel (Hot spring) or similar

For “No-Cycling Day”, we introduce you to our special FMJ local activities, exclusive to Follow Me Japan guests. Today you will travel to 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. Next, we do the all important task of registration for the big cycling event! If time permits, we will go to Mt Kiro Observatory, where a 360 view of Seto Inland Sea can be had. More importantly, the Shimanami-Kaido route can be seen from here!
Head back to get a good night’s rest for the big day tomorrow!

Day 07 (Sun, 28 Oct)
Imabari –Shimanami –Imabari –Hiroshima
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hiroshima Airport Hotel
Distance: 140km

Imabari in Ehime prefecture is a city of rich historical heritage and the entry point to Shimanami-Kaido (the course for CYCLING SHIMANAMI). With over 7000 cyclists, the scale of this cycling event actually necessitates the local government to close the entire highway! Admire the unique bridges and gorgeous views of Setonaikai’s Islands while cycling on the expressway! One of the bridges is Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first triple-suspension bridge. Another noteworthy 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!

Here is a video clip of the event from 2014:
CYCLING SHIMANAMI

After the event, you will head back to Imabari Kokusai hotel to shower, pack up and have dinner. If time permits, you can also have a last soak in the hot spring! Thereafter, you will be transported by micro bus to Hiroshima Airport hotel.

Day 08 (Mon, 29 Oct)
Hiroshima – Singapore

It is time to bid farewell to the friendly people, wonderful food and beautiful sceneries of Shikoku. We will head to Hiroshima Airport for the flight back to Singapore.

COACH TOUR 
Assemble date:   21 Oct, Sun (SO12731)

Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
22Oct    MI 868        Singapore - Hiroshima    
0145 / 0930

29Oct    MI 867        Hiroshima - Singapore      
1025 / 1540

Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size:   15-19 pax
Adult twin share $2,770; Single $3,130
Group size:   20-24 pax
Adult twin share $2,520; Single $2,870
Group size:   25-28 pax
Adult twin share $2,260; Single $2,620

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
Cycling Shimanami 2018 Registration Fee
Complimentary Wifi router
FMJ local activity
Micro bus (fixed and fold-in seats on the bus) & ferry

Tour price excludes:
Air ticket
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Entrance fees for sightseeing spots

Optional Add-on:
International Sector Airfare $670
Airport Taxes (subject to change) $50

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.