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Japan’s Shimanami Kaido is a stunning cycling route with surprisingly good food 

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The Shimanami Kaido route takes riders across six majestic bridges over a 70km scenic journey. Do not miss confectionery shop Hassakuya's daifuku (right), a delicate rice cake wrapped around juicy oranges and citruses.

The Shimanami Kaido route takes riders across six majestic bridges over a 70km scenic journey. Do not miss confectionery shop Hassakuya's daifuku (right), a delicate rice cake wrapped around juicy oranges and citruses.

PHOTOS: JOHN TAN

John Tan

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HIROSHIMA, Japan – Many diners flirt with danger by consuming the highly toxic puffer fish. I push my culinary boundaries a notch further by popping its sperm sac into my mouth.

The rich, creamy texture is one of the culinary delights I unearth during a cycling journey across rural sea towns in Japan on one of the world’s most scenic bicycle rides – the Shimanami Kaido. Billed as one of the world’s best cycling routes, the well-maintained bicycle path winds through six islands, linked by dramatic bridges and ramps.

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