Cycling Around Mount Fuji

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Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at   https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html   and train prices at   http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at ou...
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Shimanami Kaido: Accommodations

Onomichi
We stayed at Hotel Cycle located in U2 building, about 600m from the station, which looks like a refurbished warehouse. They did an excellent job making the interior very modern and hip.

The facade

Kog Bar

Restaurant
Although the toilet in our room had no heating, there was a huge bathtub which we enjoyed using. Toilet seat is also heated so no issue.

Bath tub big enough for two medium-sized adults

There is a hook for a bike but we didn't use it

The hotel provided complimentary welcome drinks at the bar (including alcoholic drinks) and breakfast. There was an excellent variety of breads for breakfast which I love.




Perfectly-done eggs


It's cute how they mix English and Japanese

From the hotel, it’s a short ride to the ferry point opposite the train station, the start point of the shimanami kaido.



Cost: 36,000 yen per night for two pax including breakfast
Website: https://www.onomichi-u2.com/en/

Hakatajima
We booked a small family-run ryokan Seto Ryokan in Hakatajima, about 2/3 along the way because we wanted to take it slow and steady in order to enjoy the sights along the way. This gave us more time to stop and take photos, sit down and enjoy the scenery or grab a snack from the many convenience stores along the way.

Our room had excellent sea view and the meals was satisfying. They had a family bath (hot spring) which we really appreciated after the long ride.




Shocked by the sashimi platter

Very nice soft shell crabs

Simple breakfast

Cost: 30,240 yen per night for two pax including dinner and breakfast
Website: https://www.gambo-ad.com/english/hotel/index.php?ar=12&id=59

Imabari
Chris booked Imabari Kokusai Hotel which has a nice hot spring public bath with full amenities such as make up cleanser, cleanser, toner, moisturizer and hair water (tonic). The effect of the hot spring bath is simply amazing! After soaking for about 5 mins, I felt my tiredness and soreness being drained away. The hotel is about 1 km from JR Imabari station but if you have your own bike, that's just a couple of minutes ride away.

Breakfast

Spa shower in the room

Imabari is famous for towels so be sure to get one as a souvenir!


I got myself a mikyan badge as a reward
Mikyan on a bike

Cost: 22,000 yen per night for two pax including breakfast
Website: https://www.imabari-kokusai-hotel.co.jp/en/

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