Hojo to Imabari with a Castle and Temples

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松山市, 愛媛県, JP

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Route Overview

Shikoku Tours

We specialise in the island of Shikoku, Japan

44 mi.

2,162 ft.

This route starts in Hojo, goes over the shoulder of Mt. Takanawa and around Tamagawa Reservoir. Then it heads down into the centre of Imabari, visiting pilgrimage temples and Imabari Castle. The route returns to Hojo around the coast, passing a petroleum refinery and sake brewery.

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Route Details

This route takes a big bite out of the top of the Takanawa Peninsula in the northwest quadrant of Shikoku. It takes you through some representative scenery of the island including mountains, rivers, lakes, rice fields, bamboo groves, pilgrimage temples, castles, and sea coasts.

# Route

* You can park at the [Kashima](https://www.shikokutours.com/attractions/Ehime-Prefecture/points-of-interest/matsuyama/Kashima_Island) ferry terminal or @poi[Hojo Port](38637221). 
* Head towards @poi[Mt. Takanawa](38637227), the mountain that looms directly ahead. The route goes over its left shoulder.
* After a long uphill stretch, you reach the pass and soon arrive at Tamagawa Reservoir. Be sure to check out the dam.
* From here, there's a long descent down into [Imabari](https://www.shikokutours.com/attractions/Ehime-Prefecture/points-of-interest/imabari), with visits to [Shikoku pilgrimage](https://www.shikokutours.com/shikoku-pilgrimage) temples. In the city, visit @poi[Imabari Castle](38637224).
* The route back follows the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. You pass a shipyard, tile workshops, and a petrol refinery that's popular with local photographers. 
* The [Kawara-Kan](https://www.shikokutours.com/attractions/Ehime-Prefecture/points-of-interest/kikuma/Kawara-Kan) tile museum in [Kikuma](https://www.shikokutours.com/attractions/Ehime-Prefecture/points-of-interest/kikuma) has a fascinating exhibition of tile-making and decorative roof tiles.

# Notes

* Spring and autumn are the best time to enjoy this route, but it can be done in summer and winter too. Snow sometimes falls on Mt. Takanawa, and at these times, the road may be icy.
* The climb up to the pass is long, and steep in places, but it's not difficult for an average cyclist.
* Parts of the route, particularly around the reservoir, are a little gravelly, and caution is advised on corners. The route includes many narrow, winding roads.
* There are several restaurants and convenience stores along the route and there are many drinks vending machines.
* Toilets can be found in convenience stores, parks and museums. There are also drinking fountains in parks and in front of Imabari Castle.

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Hojo to Imabari with a Castle and Temples

Route Overview

Route Details

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