しまなみ海道サイクリング🚴‍♀️ ローカルと話すリアルな日本語の旅【Day 1】

しまなみ海道サイクリング🚴‍♀️ ローカルと話すリアルな日本語の旅【Day 1】

Hello, this is Sayaka from NihongoDekita. Today, I’m going on a cycling trip along the Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi covering 70 kilometers. There are many islands between Honshu and Shikoku, and it’s a 70-kilometer ride. Do you think I can do it? I’ll be taking two days to go, so I can stop by various places like cafes and sightseeing spots along the way. I’ll be cycling while visiting those places. Wow, let’s do this! Alright, here I go! First, I’ll take the ferry to Mukaishima. It’s about a five-minute ride. Then, the cycling trip starts from there. Thank you very much. The ferry only costs 110 yen. That’s cheap. Bicycle? Yeah. Well, we’ll take breaks along the way, so it’ll probably take about three hours. Maybe another 30 minutes or so? It’s already getting hot just after a little way. I didn’t expect it to be this hot today. It’s about the same as yesterday, right? The ferry will arrive, right? When the ferry docks, go straight, then turn right at the second traffic light. Okay. If you turn right, you’ll go down. There’s a blue line drawn below. Just follow that all the way. Got it. At the Ikuchijima area, head towards the island. Ah, understood. That’s it. Okay. After that, you’re free to go as you like. Oh, free to go. Thank you. Everyone is so kind, showing us all sorts of places. There’s already a blue line, right here. If you follow this blue line, it will take you to the final goal, a place called Imabari. OK, let’s go! The shade is so cool! It’s fine for now but… I wonder if I can make it? Phew~ Before starting this cycling trip, aren’t your luggage in the way? When you go cycling during a trip, you probably have a lot of luggage, but all of that can be sent using a service called “Tebura-bin” (hands-free delivery). I used Sagawa Express’s Tebura-bin service to send my bags. I sent them to my next hotel. And for Tebura-bin’s partner locations— “Partner locations” means they have a contract with the service, so there are hotels where this service is available. You just check which hotels are partnered and you can send your luggage from there. Yes. However, if you’re not staying at that hotel, you might not be able to send your luggage, so it’s best to double-check beforehand. Yes. As for the cycling part, the bike rentals were located near the ferry. I had reserved in advance, and besides regular road bikes, they also had electric bicycles but today I heard something, that if we get tired halfway, there seem to be a lot of terminals along the way and I heard that at those terminals, you can switch to an electric bike and apparently, it costs 1,000 yen per person. I found an escape route… what should I do? I’m still totally fine for now, but I want to try to complete as much of the 70 km as possible on my road bike. Let’s do our best! I can see the sea! Nice, cycling along the coast. I can smell the sea breeze, and the weather is great—this is perfect. It’s cool! I thought it would get hotter, but there’s plenty of shades from the trees in the mountains, and being along the coast, the wind feels amazing. And then, suddenly a hill appeared. I wonder if the bridge is coming up soon~ Ah, it’s downhill. Yay! I can see a bridge. Yahoo! This slope is intense. Ah, tough, suddenly tough! Whoa! Phew, just a bit… It’s amazing, so beautiful. Look at this. Wow, beautiful! I wonder if only cyclists pass through here? No cars, right? Cars don’t come here, do they? Alright. Hang in there! I can do this! I wonder how much more uphill there is? My breath… I’m getting out of breath. I’m running out of steam. And this is only the first island. This is bad. Gotta push through! Alright. Maybe just a little more? Quite a bit, huh? We’ve come up pretty high, haven’t we? Huh? I can see the sea pretty well from up here. But hang on … On the road, it says how many kilometers are left to Imabari. I wonder if I’m imagining things? I thought this route was 70 kilometers. But it looks like there are still 67 kilometers to go. What should I do? Ah, but I can see the bridge. Oh, so that’s how it is. I see. Hmm. Got it. I thought we’d ride next to the cars, but bicycles go under the cars, huh. This bridge is straight, so we’ll across to the next island. Where are we going now? Today, we’re heading to Ikuchijima island? Yeah, Kōzanjī temple on Ikuchijima island is fabulous. Is the best. We will definitely go there. So, um, from Onomichi street to Imabari, you see that blue line, right? Yes. That’s the touring road all the way to Imabari. If you follow it straight, the next stop is Ikuchijima island. You cross the bridge, and if you keep following the blue line, you’ll get on the next bridge. Yes. So when you cross the bridge to Ikuchi Island and ride your bike down… When you see this island, you go left. Left? Ah, so it’s left. If you go there, that’s Setoda area. And you’ll reach Kōsan-ji Temple. If you go right, you’d have to go all the way around, because the islands are like this, and you’d come around to get here anyway. Is it a mountain on the right? No, the right is flat, but there’s nothing there. Oh nothing at all ok. Then I definitely have to go left. Go left, and then you reach Setoda. Like this, it’s a shortcut. Otherwise, you’d go around this way or this way. Okay. No problem. Got it. And then there’s a town here called Setoda. So that’s the Kōzanjiji Temple. Got it. That’s the best choice. We’ll go there today and stay at a hotel nearby. On Ikuchijima island, Yes. The scenery is beautiful, isn’t it? Somehow, this place, has a lot of farmland too, farms, factories, and houses everywhere. Yeah, there are a lot of factories around here. In this area. It’s a bit uphill right now, my legs are hurting. Can you still go? Ah, yeah, I can still manage. It’s a little hot, but… But I’ll push through because I’m looking forward to ice cream. Okay. We’ve just entered this hill section. This hill is pretty tough. Wait, wait. Uh, are you okay? A little… Not okay! This is hard! All of a sudden— It was all pretty countryside roads until now. So tough~ Just a bit more. Ah, made it through~ I feel like I’m dying. This is bad. Hard, hard. This year, in Japan, the rainy season usually lasts from June to around mid-July. But this year, even after rainy season started, What I mean by rainy season “started” is the rainy season officially beginning, even after it began, there hasn’t been much rain. Believe it or not, before July even began, this area had coming out of the rainy season in June. “Coming out of the rainy season” means the rainy season is over. So normally, during the rainy season, hydrangeas bloom beautifully. Hydrangeas is the rainy season flowers, but somehow the hydrangeas are blooming so beautifully, and the summer flowers of sunflowers, are also in fully bloomed. I thought that was unusual, and I’ve noticed that there are so many flowers blooming all over this island. The people of this town take great care in growing beautiful flowers in their gardens. So the scenery is amazing. We found a set meal restaurant, so we’re going to have lunch there. We are ready for ordering. Yes. One “Chicken Namban” set meal, and… Please wait a moment. Mama, do you have “Chicken Namban” ? “Chicken Namban”, yes, it will take a little time though. I see… Will that be alright? Ah, that’s fine. Yes. Yes. And also, Yes. Is chili shrimp okay to order? Ah, we’re out of shrimp. Oh, I see. I’m sorry. Yes. I’ll change to the Ajisai set meal, And would you like to order fried rice as a single item? One Ajisai set meal. Yes. Will that be all? Yes. It will take a little time to prepare. No problem. That will be the Chicken Nanban set meal. Ok, excuse me. Thank you. Please enjoy your meal. Do you have cold water? I’ll bring it to you. Thank you. I ordered the Chicken Namban set meal. There’s a lot of rice, Chicken Namban, and a salad. This one is Nikujaga (Japanese meat potato stew), a home-cooked dish. Then, there’s miso soup. And this is Takuan (pickled radish). Let’s eat! The chicken is huge, amazing. Mmm… Yeah!! Yeah!!! Delicious! The chicken is tender and crispy, and juicy on the inside. So good. Nikujaga is a Japanese home-cooked dish, so you don’t see it much in restaurants. Yeah, not really. But Japanese people often eat it at home, so let’s dig in. Delicious. This is really nice. After cycling and getting tired, it’s great to be able to eat this home-cooked meal. This is a video about whether we can complete cycling the Shimanami Kaido. Next time, come for kayaking. I do kayaking lessons and show around. Kayaking? We have quite a few visitors who come to film videos, so I thought maybe you might be interested. Yah, definitely. For contact, use this. On the backside there you will see a YouTube link. – Ah, you also have a YouTube channel.
– Yes. Alright, afternoon cycling, let’s start! The second bridge is slowly showing up. Wow, amazing! I can see the bridge is! Alright! Let’s go! Oh~ Ohhh! So beautiful! Wow! Beautiful! We’re almost at the bridge, Yes! We made it. So beautiful! I love this, after working hard, there’s beautiful scenery and delicious food waiting for you. That’s why I was able to do this. It’s worth the effort. Let’s push a little more. So beautiful and refreshing. The breeze feels great. This is amazing. Hello. Would like a photo? Ah, no thank you. Thank you. YOu sure? Ah, maybe could take photo of us then? Is that alright? Thank you so much! Wow, what is that? Like a vlog? Ah, yes. I’m making a video to see if I can complete the cycling trip. Where did you come from today? I came from Onomichi today, and I’ll be staying on Ikuchijima island. Yes, that’s right. Tomorrow, Imabari? Yes. Ah— It’s hot eh, It really is. Are you running around here? Ya, but it’s between slow jogging and walking and keep switching. Oh, I see. From home, you cross this, and there’s a small shrine around there, right. Yes. I go there and back, then return home. That’s quite a distance, isn’t it? 9 kilometers. 9 kilometers? Wow. Amazing. Everyday? Only when it’s not raining. Wow, that’s really healthy. Yes, exactly. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight. Really? Wow, how long have you been doing? About 4 years now. 4 years? I was in Tokyo. Ah, I see. It’s been about five months here only. Are you originally from Tokyo? I lived and worked in Tokyo for 60 years. I’ve already retired. Retired, retired. It’s totally different, but Which do you prefer? I like here better. Oh really? Because with Amazon, if you order today, it’ll arrive tomorrow. Here? Yes. This one is faster, then. Isn’t it the same? Even in Tokyo, it comes the next day, right? Ah, yeah, I guess so. I see, so it doesn’t make a difference here either. Because, you know, Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix, even Apple TV— You can watch them normally, right? Yes. Exactly, exactly. Parking is cheap, rent is cheap as well, and there are fewer people… – Well then. Thank you very much! Take care. Amazing. This town, we’ve only been to two islands so far, but we’ve already talked to 4? 5 people maybe? Everyone’s so kind. Lovely. Shall we go? Alright, we’ve arrived at the gelato shop Dolce that I wanted to visit, so let’s go inside. It’s hot. Eh, what should I have? Hmm, maybe these two? I can’t decide. Hakata salt and mikan (mandarin orange). Will this be a double? Yes, even like this, it counts as a double. Ah, then I’ll have it as a double cup, please. Okay, sure. Will that be all?
Yes. 600 yen, please. Here you go. Mikan (mandarin orange) and salt. Thank you very much. Yay! Look, ice cream. In this heat… It’s already starting to melt. Hakata salt and this is Mikan (mandarin orange). Enjoying Setouchi Mikan (mandarin orange). Delicious! It’s really good. Mmm, wow, this is amazing. It’s starting to drip. So delicious. This mandarin orange flavor tastes like the mandarin orange ice I used to eat as a kid. But it’s not overly sweet at all, and I love it. I just walked through Shio-machi Shopping Street, and after just one more street, I found today’s accommodation, called Yubune. I’ll check in now, and take a little time to relax. This hotel also has a public bath, so I’ll relax here and save some energy for tomorrow. Basically, I’ll conserve my energy. I want to save my energy. Alright, let’s check in! I’m tired. Hello, excuse me. I called earlier to say I’d arrive around 6 o’clock. I’m Hamaguchi. Thank you. Normally, the charge would be taken directly from the guest, Yes. Let me give you a brief explanation of the room. Thank you. Sorry, it’s heavy. No, not at all. This is the second-floor lounge, or rather the library space. You can go up to the second floor via these stairs. Yes. Please. Yes. It’s really beautiful. Is it new? It opened in March 2021. So four years? Yes. So it’s just over four years old now. Please, go ahead. Thank you. Oh, it’s so cool in here! And spacious! Wow, really spacious! Should we take our shoes off here? Shall we? Wow! So spacious! Oh, there’s a tatami room. Look. There is a sunken Kotatsu. A sunken Kotatsu? It’s a Kotatsu where you can sit with your legs bent like this. It’s called a Horigotatsu. Ah, nice! Tatami rooms are the best! Amazing! Somehow… how should I explain, It’s Japanese, but It feels modern-Japanese. Huh, what is it? Huh, what is this… so relaxing. Ah, like this? Oh, that’s what it is? Ahh. I just want to sleep like this. We went to the public bath! Ah, that felt so good. These are the room clothes. They come with these Geta sandals too, and you wear the room clothes to go to the bath, soak in the water—ah, that felt amazing. Also, there are drinks you can have freely here, want one? I think I’ll have one. I got a bit thirsty after taking a bath. Eh, which one should I choose? There’s lemon ale, and also mandarin orange juice. Since it’s a special occasion, maybe I’ll have a beer. Eh, 5%! This is… Cheers! Easy to drink. Wow, it has a lemon aroma and is really smooth. Well, the bath really felt amazing. Since I just came from the bath, sorry for being barefaced. And my hair is wet too. But seriously, the bath was really great. You know, the water at the sentō is really nice, but the fun part of a sentō is also looking at the artwork. The walls are tiled with pictures, and today’s women’s bath had images of the local town… or rather, of the islands and the sea in this area, and it was really pretty. The staff told me about it today, about the bath. The bath, is called “Yubune” in Japanese. The kanji for Yubune is literally means “water ship.” You might wonder, why “ship”? Back in the Edo period, ships used to travel between towns, and apparently there was a bath in the middle of the ship. And people get on, bath, and then go home, or travel to another town. So even now, that tradition remains, and that’s why it’s called “Yubune.” I didn’t know that, right? So if you ever wonder why it’s called a ship, that’s the reason. If you ever get a chance, be sure to tell someone. And that’s also the name of this hotel. It’s called Yubune. Well, more like an traditional accomodation than a hotel, yes. Today, I’m just going to relax and rest up for tomorrow’s cycling. About 30? 40 kilometers left for tomorrow. I’ll take a little break and rest. Good night, everyone.

🌿 Where I stayed: YUBUNE (Ikuchi island)
🔗 https://yubune.co/
I checked out a bunch of places on Ikuchi Island, and Yubune instantly caught my eye👀 Beautiful, peaceful, and it even had a sento bath to relax before the next day’s ride.
I reached out, and they kindly sponsored part of my stay. I’m so glad I did! That beautiful sento saved me for Day 2…🚲

Cycling across Japan’s Shimanami Kaido, a 70 km route connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea 🏝️
In this video (Day 1), I start from Onomichi, talk with many locals, learn real Japanese through everyday conversations, and share tips on bike rental, luggage delivery, and hidden spots along the way 🚴‍♀️🇯🇵 How much did you understand the conversations? 🙈

📹 尾道旅行の動画はこちら👇

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こんにちは！Hi everyone!I’m Sayaka from NihongoDekita, and I love teaching Japanese and sharing Japanese culture. My goal is to make learning Japanese FUN and EASY, and to teach you REAL, AUTHENTIC JAPANESE beyond textbooks! 😊✨
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