REGIONAL RIDE: AWAJISHIMA LOOP, JAPAN

Looking for riding inspiration in Japan? Try this 145km island loop, which boasts stunning beach views and a chance to try delicious local cuisine

Awajishima, or Awaji Island, is located between Honshu and Shikoku and this ride circumnavigates the whole island in a 145km loop. The island can be reached from Kobe by riding over the world’s longest suspension bridge, the near-4km Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Awajishima has much to offer, including beautiful beaches, great landscapes, a historic culture, countless hot springs and a strong culture of food – it is after all known as Mitsukekuni, or ‘the region of food’. Don’t miss the chance to try the island’s famous Awajishima Burger, which has a cult following and is considered one of the best, if not the best in Japan.

Goshikihama is a famous beach on the western coast, named after the five colours of the beach’s pebbles, which shine like gems during the spectacular sunsets here. Keino Matsubara Beach’s white sand, beautiful clear water, and 50,000 beachside pine trees makes it one of the grandest shorelines in Japan and usually finds its way onto plenty ‘best of’ lists.

Wondrous Whirlpools
The Naruto Whirlpools which form in the strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku at the southern end of the island are a famous natural phenomenon and the fastest current in Japan. They are best seen from Onaruto Bridge which connects Awajishima with Shikoku.

Click here to see the route and download the GPX instructions to your navigation device.

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