Cycle & Art Trails of Japan

On arrival in Japan, you'll be met by our representative, who will accompany you to your hotel. Excellent public transport is part of the Japan travel experience, so we'll be making the most of this throughout your trip.rnrnLate afternoon make your way to Tenma district for this eveningu2019s food tour. A lively, unpretentious neighbourhood steeped in history, Tenma is home to Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street which claims to be the longest covered arcade in Japan, stretching more than 2.5 kilometres. The areau2019s maze of narrow streets and alleys come to life at night when locals flock to dine and relax in the many tiny bars and hole-in-the-wall eateries that open up. Forget Dotonburi - this is the place to get real local soul food, and your guide will show you where to find the classics.

After youu2019ve slept off last nightu2019s feast, step out to explore Osaka. Itu2019s easy to navigate, and much of the fun stuff is concentrated in the centre. If you can't decide where to go, we suggest heading to Umeda, the district where most of the city's impressive contemporary buildings are found, such as the Hankyu Entertainment Park which features a big ferris wheel and reliable shopping. Head Kitashinchi to savour some of the city's culinary specialities, and the Umeda Sky Building for extraordinary views from its 'Floating Garden Observatory'.

Jump on the train to Onomichi, on the coast, and meet your guide to explore. The town is set apart by its historic wooden houses, which run up a steep hillside and are only accessible on foot. We recommend taking the time to get lost in the maze of pathways while you admire the houses, and the bohemian lifestyles now lived within them. Take the cable car up the hill to look down across the historic rooftops, and descend via u2018Cat Alleyu2019, making sure you pause u2014 or should it be paws u2014 to greet the much revered felines who started it all. The town also has a fun retro shopping arcade, which innovative residents have revived with a range of indie coffee shops, a fantastic bakery and singular shops.

Meeting your guide this morning, warm up those calves on the short ferry trip across Onomichi harbour to the start of the Shimanami Kaido. En route you can stop to explore small temples and rural life, and enjoy incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea. Youu2019ll be staying overnight on the small island of Ikuchijima, at a traditional ryokan u2014 an inn with hot spring baths, where youu2019ll be served a multi-course meal prepared with local seasonal ingredients.

Cycle via the island of Omishima, where youu2019ll find museums, villages and temples. Head onwards to Imabari, a harbour town on the large island of Shikoku, famous not only for its shipbuilding, but for boasting the best towels in Japan (!). Here youu2019ll hand over your bikes, and perhaps spend some time exploring, but nobody will blame you if youu2019d rather put your feet up to enjoy a well-earned beer with a view.

Catch the local train to Takamatsu, where youu2019ll have time to explore the cityu2019s famous landscaped garden before settling down for a good nightu2019s sleep.

Catch the ferry to Naoshima, where your day will be at leisure to begin the islandu2019s extraordinary museums and installations. Getting around Naoshima is easy, whether by bus or electric bike, but bear in mind that there are reportedly only two taxis on the island!

Today will be free for you to explore the island, but it is important to plan your day. We suggest giving plenty of time to the islandu2019s interior, where sculptures and installations will occasionally surprise you as you round a corner. There are small restaurants around the island, and numerous beaches that are lovely places to take a break. If you're staying at Benesse House, you can wander around the museum whenever the mood takes you, and the amazing underground Chichu Art Museum will be a short bus ride away. On the island's eastern side you'll find the impressive Ando Museum, and it's also worth spending time at the Art House Project u2014 abandoned local houses that have been transformed into installations.

Return to Osaka to enjoy a final night at leisure before leaving the country.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.