This month I explored local delicacies along the Shimanami Kaido, a dedicated cycling path connecting Hiroshima with Ehime. Eating my way across the eight bridges and six islands at a rather leisurely pace, I finished the 70-kilometer trip in two days, but it can be cycled in five hours if you are short on time. Just stick a bag of the local lemon senbei (rice crackers) into your pack and you're good to go.

I recommend starting on the Ehime side and heading north. You can rent your metal steed on either side, however, and return it on the other shore. Once you've mounted your velocipede, just follow the blue line marked on the road.

The first four kilometers of suspension bridges over the Kurushima Strait offer exhilarating views of the Seto Inland Sea — quintessential Shimanami Kaido. The blue line will guide you down onto the first island, Oshima. At the bottom of the bridges is a rest area, good for a short break, but to experience the local culture and cuisine you'll need to get off the blue line. Follow me!