Course Information

http://cycleken-yamaguchi.com/support/cycle-root/tsunoshima-bridge.html

Start: Shimonoseki Station

Goal: Nagato Yumoto Onsen

DATA

Total Distance: Approximately 93.2 km

Elevation Gain: 717 m

SPOT INFORMATION

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_11069.html

Karato Market

A must-visit spot when you come to Shimonoseki is [Karato Market]. This is a historic fish market that was established in 1924 (Taisho 13), but it's not just any fish market!

The "Iki-iki Bakangai" event, held every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, is bustling with tourists from both Japan and abroad, as it offers gourmet food using fresh local ingredients at reasonable prices, including a sushi buffet and deep-fried fugu (blowfish), a Shimonoseki specialty. Be sure to enjoy the Yamaguchi gourmet food here.

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_11069.html

<Spot Information>
Address: 5-50 Karato-cho, Shimonoseki City
Phone Number: 083-231-0001
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sunday & Holidays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round

<Iki-iki Bakangai>
Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sunday & Holidays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
URL: https://www.karatoichiba.com/

◉ Restrooms

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_15192.html

Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine

This ancient shrine is said to have been founded in 859 (Jogan 1). Within the precincts, there are many historic sites, including the Fumiko Hayashi Literary Monument, the world's largest fuku (blowfish) bronze statue, and the remains of the Kameyama Battery. Also, the goshuin (shrine seals), featuring beautiful seasonal designs and illustrations of fugu, are very popular, with many people visiting just to collect them.

From the shrine grounds, which are located on a hill, you can overlook the Kanmon Straits, making it a truly Shimonoseki-esque shrine. Be sure to visit and pray for a safe ride.

<Spot Information>
Address: 1-1 Nakanomachi, Shimonoseki City
Phone Number: 083-231-1323
Opening Hours: Always open
URL: http://www.kameyamagu.com/

◉ Restrooms

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_18749.html

Bisha-no-Hana Cape

Bisha-no-Hana is the westernmost cape of Honshu, the main island of Japan. From the observation plaza, you can see a panoramic view of the deep blue Sea of Japan. Far beyond your line of sight lies Tsushima Island, and even further beyond that, South Korea. Gazing at this unobstructed, magnificent view will surely relieve the fatigue of your ride.

While the daytime scenery is of course beautiful, sunset is the best time to visit. The sunset over the Sea of Japan, viewed from the place on the Honshu mainland where the sun sets latest, is very romantic and a must-see!

<Spot Information>
Address: Misaki, Oaza Yoshimo, Shimonoseki City
Phone Number: 083-231-1350 (Shimonoseki City Tourism Policy Division)
Opening Hours: Always open
URL:https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_18749.html
◉ Cycle Stand ◉ Restrooms

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_10868.html

Doigahama Beach

Doigahama Beach features a clear, blue, highly transparent sea and a beautiful white sandy beach stretching for about 1 km. It has been selected as one of the "100 Best Bathing Beaches in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment, and the wide beach and the transparency of the seawater are astonishing.

The white sand is said to be made of accumulated crushed shells, and it feels smooth to the touch. There are restaurants and cafes nearby, so take a break and be sure to step onto the beach. The sunset viewed from here is also exceptional!

<Spot Information>
Address: Kanda-kami, Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki City
Phone Number: 083-786-0234 (Shimonoseki City Hohoku Town Tourism Association)
URL: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_10868.html

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_10826.html

Tsunoshima Bridge

[Tsunoshima Bridge] frequently appears in TV commercials and is used as a filming location. The scenery, with its pure white sandy beach and cobalt blue sea, is a hot topic on social media as one of Japan's top scenic spots.

The bridge, which is free to cross, is 1,780 meters long, making it one of the longest public roads in Japan. The low height of the bridge allows you to feel close to the sea as you ride, making it a recommended point for a cycling route. Cycling over the beautiful blue sea while feeling the sea breeze is exhilarating!

There are many restaurants and stylish cafes around Tsunoshima and the bridge, so it's also recommended for lunch or a snack during your ride.

Be sure to visit the Tsunoshima Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1876 and is still in operation today. From the observation deck at the top of the spiral staircase, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

Also, the Makizaki Wind Park, located at the northernmost tip of Tsunoshima, is an open area where you can feel the magnificent nature. From late October to early November, you can enjoy darumagiku (Chrysanthemum crassum), a designated plant of the Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Enjoy the nature at a leisurely pace while pottering.

<Spot Information>
Address: Kanda to Tsunoshima, Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki City
Phone Number: 083-786-0234 (Shimonoseki City Hohoku Town Tourism Association)
URL: https://michinoeki-houhoku.jp/tourist/

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_17060.html

Motonosumi Shrine

[Motonosumi Shrine] was featured as one of "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places" by CNN and is a hot topic on social media.

123 vermilion torii gates, dedicated over a period of 10 years starting in 1987, line up for over 100 meters towards the sea. It's like a path leading to the Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo)! The contrast between the blue sky and the vermilion torii gates is breathtakingly beautiful.

It is said that if you can successfully toss a coin into the "most difficult offertory box to throw money into in Japan," located at the top center of the large torii gate, your wish will come true. Be sure to give it a try!

<Spot Information>
Address: 498 Tsuo, Yuya, Nagato City
Phone Number: 0837-26-0708 (Nagato City Tourist Information Center YUKUTE)
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
URL: https://www.motonosumi.com/

Image Source: https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_13457.html

Taineiji Temple

[Taineiji Temple] is one of the most prominent temples of the Soto Zen sect, said to have been founded in 1410 (Oei 17) by Hirotada Washizu, who was the deputy governor at the time. The temple grounds are very spacious, with many historical sites, including the main hall rebuilt in the Edo period, the foundation stones of the former temple gate, Sugatami Pond where Yoshitaka Ouchi is said to have seen his reflection and realized his end, and the Kabuto-kake Rock.

Also, you can enjoy history and nature throughout the year, with about 200 cherry trees blooming in spring, and about 300 trees, including Japanese maples and ginkgo trees, turning color in autumn.

<Spot Information>
Address: 1074 Fukawayumoto, Nagato City
Phone Number: 0837-25-3469
Opening Hours: Always Open
URL: https://yumotoonsen.com/historic_site/taineiji/

Notes

• Access to the starting point: Start at Shimonoseki Station
• Parking near the starting point: Available (Ekminami Parking, Seamall Parking, etc.)
• Bicycle rental shops near the starting point:
  • plan☆do Shimonoseki Station North Cycle Port (Shimonoseki Station North Bicycle Parking) TEL: 083-242-0099 Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Reception until 6:30 PM) Open year-round

    Electric cross bike 1,000 yen/day, other bikes 600 yen/day, helmet/free
    (5 electric cross bikes, 7 cross bikes (including 2 for kids), 4 road bikes, 1 mini velo (small-wheeled bicycle))

  • Former British Consulate Shimonoseki TEL: 083-235-1906 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Reception until 4:30 PM)
    Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays), New Year holidays (12/29-1/1)
    Electric cross bike 1,000 yen/day, other bikes 600 yen/day, helmet/free
  • Eki-Rinkun (Eki Rent-A-Car Shimonoseki Office) TEL:083-224-0232 Business Hour 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Regular bicycle 500 yen/until the next morning, helmet/free
• Tourist information centers near the course:
  • Shimonoseki Station Tourist Information Center TEL: 083-232-8383
    https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_10666.html
  • Hohoku Town Tourism Association TEL: 083-786-0234
    https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_17011.html
  • Nagato City Tourist Information Center YUKUTE TEL: 0837-26-0708
    https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_17789.html

■ How to Enjoy Your Trip

• Health and Safety: Make sure you have the physical stamina to endure long rides and follow all safety guidelines.
• Equipment Preparation: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for cycling, and bring sunscreen and rain gear as needed.
• Respect for Culture: When experiencing local life or participating in activities, respect the local culture and customs.
• Environmental Protection: Please value the natural environment and do not leave any trash during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected accidents or medical needs.

By following these basic precautions, you can enjoy cycling in Kyushu(Yamaguchi in this case, but the original text said Kyushu) with greater peace of mind.