Sazanami Kadio – Connecting Hiroshima Cycling Routes
The さざなみ海道サイクリングロード (Sazanami Kaido Cycling Road) is often described as a relaxed coastal touring route along the Seto Inland Sea, but for experienced cyclists it serves another important role: it is one of the best access corridors into some of the most demanding and rewarding riding in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Rather than existing as a standalone sightseeing course, the Sazanami Kaido functions as a spine connecting the Inland Sea coastline to Hiroshima’s steep interior mountains, remote valleys, highland roads, and long-distance endurance routes. Riders can spend a day cruising calm seaside roads before turning inland toward brutally steep climbs, isolated mountain passes, and some of western Japan’s toughest terrain.
The Sazanami Cycling Route connects the Seto Inland Sea routes all together and is a great option for connecting them together as necessary
The Route
Wabisabi Route
The main road can have traffic on it at times so the Wabisabi Route takes some smaller side roads and avoids tunnels near Kure (which ads about 20km to the route)
Official Sazanami Kaido Route
Extra Riding
Mt Noro
One of the best-known climbing objectives directly accessible from the Sazanami Kaido is Mount Noro (膳棚山). (Google Maps location)
Mount Noro rises sharply above the Inland Sea and is one of the classic climbs of the region. Approaching from the coastline, the road gains elevation aggressively through dense forest before opening to panoramic Setouchi views.
For riders touring the Sazanami Kaido, Norosan provides an immediate transition from relaxed coastal cycling to genuine climbing territory.
On clear days, the summit views extend across countless Inland Sea islands, making it one of the most rewarding elevation gains in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Things to do and see
Takehara Townscape Conservation Area
In the Takehara city area, there is a small area which has been preserved from the edo area and is great for a walk around and a few of the old residences can be visitied.f
