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A 6 km downhill ride through Beppu to the ferry dock, then load the bikes on the ferry and to sail 2hr 45 min to the port of Yawatahama. From there we started our ride in earnest.
As per ferry regulations, all bikes must be brought on board covered up and treated as hand luggage, unless they are on a vehicle.
So we rode down to the dock, half of us had to remove the front wheel and cover the bike, then enjoyed the ferry…some checked messages, lounged in massage chairs, and some caught a nap or stretched or relaxed in a cool area of carpeted cubicles. I opted for a nap.
Vending machines are everywhere in Japan as well on this ferry. I had a ‘coffee in a can’ which came out of the vending machine hot!
On the Road – Distance 81km / 50mi | Elevation 1163m / 3816ft plus 6 km to the ferry = 87 km
Our major ride began in the functional port town of Yawatahama. Once we disembarked the ferry and are back on our bikes, we skimmed over the edge of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range, soon becoming our constant companion.
We had one decent climb and then basically flat and with a bonus tailwind for most of the ride. The highest elevation today was a measly 345m. But we aren’t to get too comfortable because the best climbing days are yet to come and today we took advantage of the coast route along the Seto Island Sea.
We have seen a lot of blossoming trees in our rides but today was even more spectacular…a jubilation of cherry blossoms on a multitude of trees, in the air and on the ground( due to wind).
In the afternoon, we enjoyed the sights as we rolled through the Dogo Onsen region all the way into Matsuyama, Ehime’s capital – a thoroughly suitable location for our first full rest day!
Destination Matsuyama
Matsuyama (松山) is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture. At the heart of the city stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle. The castle’s hilltop vantage point offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea.
The city is also famed for being the setting of Natsume Soseki’s popular novel, entitled “Botchan”. Often read as part of the Japanese school curriculum, the novel describes Matsuyama during the turbulent Meiji Restoration. Natsume’s novel helped make the city renowned throughout Japan.
Dogo Onsen is frequently mentioned in “Botchan” and is one of Matsuyama’s main tourist attractions. Located on the northeastern outskirts of the city, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Destination Matsuyama
Matsuyama (松山) is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture. At the heart of the city stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle. The castle’s hilltop vantage point offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea.
The city is also famed for being the setting of Natsume Soseki’s popular novel, entitled “Botchan”. Often read as part of the Japanese school curriculum, the novel describes Matsuyama during the turbulent Meiji Restoration. Natsume’s novel helped make the city renowned throughout Japan.
Dogo Onsen is frequently mentioned in “Botchan” and is one of Matsuyama’s main tourist attractions. Located on the northeastern outskirts of the city, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Prefecture Shikoku
Rural landscapes, ancient pilgrimage trails and celebrated contemporary art .
Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan’s four major islands, but it packs a big natural and cultural punch. It boasts picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles, movie-inspiring onsen, the first step on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and a summer stage for Japan to dance. It also provides the setting for Japanese literary giant Natsume Soseke’s classic, “Botchan.” If you’re looking to delve into a more traditional Japan, it’s time to explore vibrant Shikoku.
A one minute walk from our hotel is Dogo Onsen (道後温泉) which is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. The area is popular for its beautiful bath house and many ryokan. Dogo Onsen has also been a frequent destination for Japan’s most prestigious guests, the Imperial Family.
The main attraction in Dogo Onsen is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse, dating from 1894. The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki’s popular animated film “Spirited Away”.
Life is Good in Matsuyama!
Sayonara
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