A cycling course that takes in the stunning scenery of Ainan Town, the southwestern tip of Shikoku

Ainan Town is a small town with a population of about 18,000 located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku. There is no train service, and it takes about two and a half hours to get there from the nearest Matsuyama Airport, making it one of the farthest towns from Japan's capital, Tokyo. However, Ainan Town has many tourist spots that even Japanese people don't know about.

In this article, we will introduce a model cycling course for touring the lesser-known tourist spots of Ainan Town.

Let's rent a bicycle!

Bicycles can be rented at the Ainan Town Tourism Association located within Minami-Rek Misao Park.

Address: 742-1 Misano Hirajo, Ainan-cho, Minamiuwa-gun, Ehime Prefecture
Usage hours: 9:00-17:00
Regular bicycle: 500 yen, Electrically assisted bicycle: 1,000 yen
E-BIKE 4 hours/1,000 yen 8 hours/2,000 yen

E-bikes are recommended for long rides and climbing steep hills.

★Tourist Association Spots and Photos

Follow Japan's traffic rules and have fun driving!

To enjoy cycling safely and happily, it is necessary to follow traffic rules.
Below are the basic rules:

1. Principles and exceptions for riding on the road

As a general rule, ride on the left side of the road. On roads where there is a distinction between the sidewalk and the road, ride on the left side of the road.

2. Rules at intersections

Obey traffic lights and stop signs. At intersections with traffic lights, follow the traffic lights.

3. Obligation to Drive Safely

Lights on at night​ Headlights and taillights (or reflective material) must be on at night.

No drinking and driving. You must not drive while under the influence of alcohol.

4. Prohibited matters

Prohibition of riding with two people (riding beyond the capacity limit) As a general rule, riding with two people is prohibited. Also, two or more vehicles must not be driven side by side.Violation of the Safe Driving ObligationIt is prohibited to drive while holding an umbrella, using a mobile phone, or using headphones or other devices that prevent you from hearing surrounding sounds.

Follow the rules and enjoy safe and fun cycling!

Ainan Town Nishikai Peninsula 1-day itinerary

Depart from Ainan Town Tourism Association → Shiden Kai Exhibition Hall → Ishigaki Village → Oshita Minshuku (lunch) → Takamo Cape → Nishikai Sightseeing Boat → Wakaki Pearl → Return to Ainan Town Tourism Association

9:00 Departure from Ainan Town Tourism Association
So let's take a bicycle trip around this town surrounded by blue seas and lush mountains.

9:30 Arrive at Shiden Kai Exhibition Hall
The Shiden Kai fighter plane is the only one still in existence in Japan. It was discovered in Kura Bay in 1978 and is displayed as a symbol of hope for lasting peace. You can get a close look at this legendary fighter plane.

10:30 Arrive at Ishigaki Village
The cultural landscape of Sotodomari Ishigaki Village remains. Stone walls have been neatly stacked to a height that reaches up to the eaves of the houses to protect them from seasonal winds and typhoons, creating a unique and rare sight unique to this village. This landscape has even won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in the past.

11:00 Lunch at Oshita Minshuku
Once you're feeling a little tired, enjoy the delicious seafood of Ainan Town. With your body and mind satisfied, head to Cape Takamo.

13:00 Arrive at Takamo Cape
Once you reach the top of the hill, you will come to Takamo Cape, where cliffs over 100 meters high continue, covered in lush greenery.
On clear days, you can see as far as Kyushu, and every year around mid-November you can see hawks gliding through the clear sky and wild chrysanthemums in full bloom.
It is also famous as the most Instagrammable spot in Ainan Town, with its spectacular views of the sea and blue sky.

15:00 Arrival of the Saikai Sightseeing Boat
Much of the sea around Ainan Town is designated as part of Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. With exceptional transparency and a large population of colorful corals and tropical fish, it has attracted many divers. With Sea Walker, no diving license is required, so everyone from children to adults can enjoy the extraordinary experience of walking on the seabed.
Every hour on the hour, a boat departs to see the ocean floor. Take a break from cycling and explore the underwater world!

16:30 Arrive at Ainan Town Tourism Association
The trip ends with a leisurely stroll along the coast at dusk. The sky and sea are dyed orange, and the light sparkling between the waves creates a mystical sway. The beauty of this scene makes you want to come back again.

Let's go see the spectacular views of Ainan Town on an E-BIKE!

The course introduced this time is a course where you can fully enjoy the distinctive scenery of Ainan Town. If you want to see the original landscape of Japan, be soothed by Japanese nature, or visit places that even Japanese people don't know about, then be sure to enjoy cycling in Ainan Town!