I went cycling in Etajima, which is recommended for getting some exercise.

Hello, this is Ikeda from grumpy. On our recent regular day off, three of us staff members went cycling on Etajima Island.

Etajima is a fantastic island for cycling, easily accessible by a single ferry ride from Ujina Port in Hiroshima City.

It's perfect for those who want to start exercising again now that spring has arrived, or for new cyclists wondering where to go.

When it comes to cycling routes in Hiroshima, Shimanami Kaido often gets all the attention, but Etajima is just as good, if not better, for its local shops, ease of access, and scenic views!

This time, we went cycling on such an Etajima Island.

↓Youtube Video

【Youtube Video Index】

0:00 Ujina Port

3:39 Boarding the ferry

5:25 About today's course

9:32 To Furutaka Forest Road

13:16 Furutaka Forest Road Observatory

21:33 Places associated with Shogo Hamada

25:15 Lunch at Mamegashima

28:55 Teku Teku Sweet Potato Shop

30:25 Soy sauce vending machine

32:43 Sako Seimenjo Noodle Factory

33:20 Bike Check

42:37 Return to Hiroshima by ferry

 

 

We met directly at Ujina Port.

It's close to Hiroshima city and easily accessible, so if you've just started cycling, this is a place you should definitely visit.

It's strange how adding a ferry ride into a cycling trip doubles the sense of adventure.

 

We had two Ridley bikes and one Sig.Rando.

Our attire was a mix of cycling jerseys and casual clothes.

The morning was cold and the afternoon was warm, making it a difficult climate to compare, but ultimately, we were both hot while riding!

 

Upon arriving at Etajima, we immediately headed to Furutakayama Forest Road Observatory, a place an customer had told us about.

 Despite saying this was for people out of shape or those new to cycling, we couldn't suppress our adventurous spirit and went to a slightly unusual place.

To reach this forest road, you climb straight up the mountain from the port. There were some steep sections, but it's fine if you go slowly!

If it gets too tough, just get off and push!

As we climbed the hill, my body quickly started to heat up.

The packable Patagonia Houdini is really convenient at times like these.

 

After riding for a while, we arrived at a pass with views of Etajima's inner bay.

There was a section of the downhill where a cliff had collapsed, so we descended carefully and slowly.

 

Next, we visited the Etajima Municipal Library.

It's a place associated with Shogo Hamada, and there were many exhibits.

 

Next, we went to "Shima no Eki Mamegashima" for lunch.

 We had originally planned to go to a tempura restaurant recommended by a customer, but unfortunately, we couldn't make it during their operating hours.

So, we had udon at Mamegashima, a place I always love to visit. 

It's incredibly delicious, so if you visit Etajima, you should definitely go there.

 

 

We continued cycling and soon arrived at Mitaka Port.

We stopped by Sako Seimenjo, a noodle factory near Mitaka Port, and bought udon and somen noodles as souvenirs!

It seems to be a long-established noodle factory that has been in business for over 80 years.

I tried them the next day, and they were incredibly delicious!

I'll definitely go again!

After that, we returned to Ujina from Mitaka Port.

The initial hill climb had taken quite a toll, and the three of us were a bit tired.

If you prefer a more relaxed ride, cycling along the coast would be a good option.

 

Between Etajima and Ujina, various types of ferries, including tankers and warships, pass by, which is quite interesting.

Be sure to check it out when you're on the ferry.

Late March is the best season for cycling.

If you're looking to exercise after a long break, or if you're just starting out with cycling, I highly recommend going for a ride on Etajima!