Seto Inland Sea Bike Tour

DAY 40: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has a long history. It dates back to the Kamakura period when it was a castle on Mt. Omatsuyama. It was built on the top of Mt. Wagau at an altitude of 430 meters. It is the only mountain castle tower in Japan. Its unique castle structure cleverly uses the natural granite and wood structure from Mt. Wagau. The tower, turret and earth wall that have been preserved since the Edo period are all listed as important cultural heritage sites designated by the country. If the climate and humidity are suitable, you may even be able to see the "Sky Castle" floating on the sea of ​​clouds. The current cat lord, Sanji Yuuro, is a very cute orange cat. This time we were lucky enough to meet the lord himself. Walking around the castle, we could also see many cat lord-related products and standees. In the afternoon, we will go to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautiful town full of history and art. There are white-walled old houses, rows of willow trees, traditional blocks that retain century-old houses, and quiet canals. A small boat slowly approaches, followed by waves, which create ripples on the mirror-like river surface. There are rows of drooping willow trees along the coast. The street scenes created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River are unforgettable. Transportation: Take the JR Hakubi Line from Okayama Station and get off at Bitchu-Takahashi Station (¥860). After exiting the station, take the city loop bus to the trailhead (¥170). The distance from the trailhead to the castle tower is about 1.5 kilometers. The entrance ticket is ¥500. There are also common packages available on site (¥1000 for three buildings and ¥1500 for five buildings). Attractions: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Samurai Residence, Kurashiki Mitsui Outlet, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Hojuzan Kanryuji Temple, Tsurugatayama Park, Achi Shrine, Achi no Fuji, Kami-no-Machi Kita Clock Tower Accommodation: The One Five Okayama, Okayama City Today's cycling distance: 0 km Cumulative cycling mileage: 2120 km #Japan #FourCountries #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Seto Inland Sea #Shikokudisease #Tokushima #Awa Spiritual Field #Kochi #Tosa Sacred Ground #Ehime #Sanuki Sacred Ground #Kagawa #Iyo Sacred Ground #BicycleTravel #Two people walking together #Kobo Daishi #Namo Master Universal Illumination Vajra #Shikoku Pilgrimage 88 #Gohenro #Shimanami Kaido #Shodoshima #Setonaikai National Park #Don't ask me how much the trip costs #Ask yourself how many years of youth you have left #japan #tokushima #kochi #ehime #takematsu