Discovering the hidden charms of Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Tokushima and more
Photos: Weekender
I never seem to tire of Japan, no matter how often I step foot into its maze of skyscrapers, shrines and pop cultural hangouts.
This time round, I found myself discovering the Setouchi area in the heart of autumn, where we luxuriated in a poetic dreamscape of fall foliage.
The region consists of a national park, calm inland seas and beautiful islands, in addition to historical buildings and cultural sites.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we plunged into the quieter gems of the country — exploring the likes of Miyajima, Hiroshima, Imabari and more.
To explore Setouchi like a local, be sure to tick these 14 activities off your checklist:
4. Cycle on Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge
The best way to see the sights like a local, isn’t by foot or car. Instead, try cycling along the Shimanami Sea Route, which connects the islands in the Seto Island Sea between Hiroshima and Ehime via nine bridges.
Go ahead and embark on a cycling trail on the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge — the world’s longest suspension bridge structure — which connects the island of Ōshima to the main part of Shikoku.
While there’s an uphill climb at the start, the sprawling view once you arrive on the bridge, will be worth every ounce of sweat.
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