WAKKA

WAKKA is well-positioned off of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. We started in Imabari, ending in Onomichi, which is "backward" from a lot of the recommended routes. However, this worked out great for us. Wakka was a nice place to relax after a long day of cycling. The tent was very comfortable and the AC worked well during the hot summer weather. The shared bathroom and showers were well-appointed and clean. The laundry service also worked well. All of the staff members were very friendly, and they were easy to keep in touch with via WhatsApp during the trip. The BBQ and breakfast were very good.

Food exceeded expectations. Outdoor patio where we at was super comfortable with great views. It rained just a bit, but the patio was still dry. The food was fresh, a lot of it grown locally I believe. There was even locally brewed beer. We rented the trailers, (both - we had 4 people). If you have a party of 4, it's well worth it to get the trailers as you get your own huge patio. We went fishing, coordinated out of the hotel - that was great too. The inland sea is very calm so no worries about getting sea sick. We caught lots of fish which was used by the facility and shared with neighboring businesses. The chef prepared a platter of the fish we caught for both grilling on our patio and sashimi. We ordered the BBQ meal as well beforehand so with the BBQ meal that they prepared and the fish we were stuffed. The BBQ meal they prepare for you, (you grill it on your own patio) is super. They store it in your refrigerator so after your bike ride, hike or fishing trip, the meal is there ready for you to grill. The bike rental was super convenient. We just rode around the island. You can easily ride around the island in a day. We opted to take it easy. We ended up eating lunch at one of the small restaurant/ Bar, (Umimachi Baru Ameri I believe is the name). It's off highway 51. 2559 Omishimacho Omi, Imabari. Food and atmosphere were great. It's hard to imagine this place - it's so isolated. You would never figure a place like this here. You can take a shuttle, (WAKKA provides) from the hotel to this restaurant. I think it's a 20 min drive or so. WAKKA provides shuttles to neighboring restaurants. There are a few that are walkable. Traffic is light so riding bikes around the island is pretty safe, even though the roads are narrow. All of the staff are very friendly and helpful.

After cycling the Shimanami Kaido, WAKKA was the best oasis we could have asked for. Delightful staff, a welcoming refreshing beverage, a quick tour of the property, and then installed in our exquisite accommodations. Two of our group had the most well-appointed tent we've ever slept in, the ultimate in glamping, with ample space, beautiful amenities, and such comfy beds. The other two had a cabin, which WAKKA had thoughtfully given us right beside the tent. Each had a private deck with an unobstructed view of the water. So beautiful. The cabin has its own sink, toilet and shower, the tent uses ones a short stroll away, so if a private bathroom is important to you, pick the cabin, but either location will leave you delighted. They even provide loungewear! While it doesn't have its own onsen or sento, there is a community centre a 10-minute walk along the road that WAKKA will drive you to and pay for your admission! A much-needed soak after a day on the bike, and the walk home afterwards was quick and refreshing. As if that wasn't enough, the food! Absolutely delicious. Fresh, perfectly cooked, wonderful flavours. They'll even happily deliver it to your room on a tray so you can enjoy it on that private deck. We chose to sit in the outdoor lounge on the comfortable sofas and enjoy the view and the ambience. Our breakfast was included, and it was equally scrumptious, plentiful, and filling. WAKKA is also a rest stop for day bikers wanting a break and a bike-friendly cafe, so even if you don't stay overnight, it's a perfect lunch spot to rest and admire that gorgeous view. The service was outstanding! The staff are some of the friendliest we've ever met, and additionally knowledgeable about cycling in particular - bike maintenance, routes, etc. Overall, the design of the place is unbelievably beautiful, and every aspect of our stay was perfect. It was absolutely a highlight of our trip, and we only wished we could have stayed there longer.

We stayed overnight while cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The experience was superb. The dome tents were fun and cosy, with great views. The showers and toilets were clean. All of the staff were super friendly and helpful. There was a complementary trip to an onsen included which I did not expect and really enjoyed. In our group we were all vegetarian and vegans and the dinner in the evening was absolutely delicious.

I loved this place. Everything was so thought out, and bike riders were well catered for. The yurt was waterfront and looked towards the sunrise location. The accommodation was cosy, clean and had a nice warm feel to it. The lighting was set up to create a nice ambience. I enjoyed the outdoor seating and relaxed at dusk. They had a personal esky/cooler bin in the room with water and enough space to add your own drinks if you wished. It had everything I needed for my mid ride stop over. The food was fantastic, toiletries supplied were very nice, staff were friendly and helpful. The was a convenience store down the road if required. I needed some help with my bike before I set off the next morning and the staff helped me out with their tools, they had a good selection. The shared bathrooms were a short walk, very clean and well maintained.