How difficult is the trip?

This is a moderate level cycling tour, suitable for riders comfortable cycling 50-65km per day at a relaxed pace.

What type of roads do we cycle on?

The tour follows quiet roads with light traffic. Japanese drivers are well known for being courteous to cyclists, making this an excellent destination for cycle touring.

What kind of bike is availbale to hire?

Well-maintained touring bikes are available, suited to paved roads and mixed terrain. e-Bikes are also available on request, subject to confirmation.

Are there options for shorter rides?

Yes, a support vehicle is available to provide possiblites for resting on stages.

What is the accommodation like?

A combination of hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation.

What’s the best time of year to do this trip?

Departures operate during spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and conditions are ideal for cycling. Spring offers fresh greenery and blossoms, while autumn features comfortable weather and colourful foliage.

Can non-cyclists join?

Yes. Non-riding partners can travel in the support vehicle and enjoy sightseeing, temples, local markets, hot springs and cultural attractions throughout the journey.

Riding along the bridges trail of the Seto Inland Sea | Will Turner

Amazing view of Uwa Bay | Will Turner

The purpose built cycleway joins together all the bridges of the Seto Inland Sea | Will Turner

We Ride Japan Food | Will Turner

Bridges along the Shimanami Kaido cycle way | Will Turner

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle

Name: Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: JSCW
Rating: 5.00 (5 reviews)

Cycle Japan's spectacular Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku, discovering islands, temples, villages, coastlines and hot springs.

Japan

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5 reviews

10 Days from

$4990 USD

Trip Code: JSCW

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hybrid / Cross Bike Hire

$250 USD

Carbon Road Bike Hire

$640 USD

e-Bike Hire

$640 USD

Single Supplement

$730 USD

Duration

10 Days

Activities

7 days cycling

Style

In Comfort Adventures

Accommodation

9 nights western hotel or traditional Japanese Inn (ryokan)

Meals

9 Dinners
9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

56kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(445kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cycle the spectacular Shimanami Kaido across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea
Discover Shikoku's quiet coastal roads, emerald river valleys and mountain scenery
Visit ancient temples, historic towns and traditional villages rich in Japanese culture
Relax in natural hot springs and stay in premium hotels and traditional ryokan
Ride alongside the beautiful Shimanto River and enjoy a scenic local train journey
Savour delicious regional cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients throughout the tour

Overview

Discover one of Japan's most rewarding cycling adventures as you ride the iconic Shimanami Kaido and journey deep into the beautiful island of Shikoku. Over 10 days, cycle quiet coastal roads, emerald river valleys and picturesque countryside while exploring ancient temples, historic towns and traditional villages. Relax in natural hot springs, stay in premium hotels and authentic ryokan, savour outstanding regional cuisine and enjoy the support of experienced local guides. Combining moderate cycling with immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery, this journey showcases a side of Japan rarely visited by international travellers.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Meet your guides and fellow riders in Onomichi at 4pm for bike fitting and trip briefingThe tour starts in Onomichi, a city in Hiroshima prefecture. Onomichi is on the shinkansen (bullet train) line, 1.5 hours from Osaka. Explore the atmospheric Temple Walk before enjoying a welcome dinner together. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom)

Meals: D

Begin cycling from Onomichi, ferrying briefly to the start of the Shimanami Kaido. Ride across island bridges and quiet roads, visiting a local shrine along the way. Finish in the harbour town of Setoda with time to enjoy the hotel spa before dinner. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 400m / 1,312ft

Meals: B,D

Today, we venture off the main path to explore some of the islands in greater depth. Along the way, we visit one of the region’s oldest and most prestigious shrines, renowned for its ancient camphor trees. We also ride across the Kurushima Bridge, a spectacular 4-kilometre suspension bridge that leads us onto to Shikoku Island. From there, it’s a short ride to our hotel in Imabari, where you can relax in the spa before dinner. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 450m / 1,476ft

Meals: B,D

Heading inland today. Along the way we pass Imabari Castle and one of the temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage before continuing through quiet rural landscapes. Our ride finishes in the small coastal town of Hojo, just north of Matsuyama. From here we take a short transfer into Matsuyama cityTransfer to Matsuyama with time to visit the castle or soak in historic Dogo Onsen. The evening is free to explore the city. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 300m / 984ft

Meals: B,D

We start today with a short drive from Matsuyama into the mountains. Cycling on beautiful rural roads, we stop in at one of Shikoku’s most beautiful temples. After exploring the temple, we get on our bikes and cycle to a small village alongside an emerald, green river where we’ll have lunch. Following the valley into the beautifully preserved town of Uchiko. Uchiko is a beautiful town in a lovely setting. Here we stay in a selection of traditional houses within the historic district that have been refurbished into modern Japanese-style accommodation. Accommodation: Traditional houses (shared facilities) Total ascent: 400m / 1,312ft

Meals: B,D

Choose from optional rides or cultural experiences including washi paper making and kimono fitting. Enjoy a relaxed day immersed in local life. Gather in the evening for dinner at a traditional izakaya. Accommodation: Traditional houses (shared facilities)

Meals: B,D

Today's ride is challenging but very rewarding with incredible views of the Uwa sea and surrounding mountains, adorned with terraced orange orchards. The scenery here is some of the best in Shikoku and with very few foreign tourists visiting Enjoy coastal views and local hospitality. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 800m / 2,625ft

Meals: B,D

We start the day with a scenic train journey that’s takes us from Uwajima to the beautiful Shimanto river in Kochi prefecture. The ‘Yodo line’ covers around 75km of gorgeous Shikoku scenery, crossing over dramatic bridges, through river valleys, passing by rice fields and stopping in at some adorably retro local train stations. We alight the train at Kubokawa, where we meet our support van and jump on the bikes for an afternoon of cycling along one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers, the mighty Shimanto. Accommodation: Ryokan (shared bathroom) Total ascent: 400m / 1,312ft

Meals: B,D

Follow the Pacific coastline north with challenging climbs and rewarding views. Pass coastal shrines, temples and an old highway. Celebrate the journey with a final group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 800m / 2,625ft

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, visit Kochi Castle before transferring to Matsuyama for onward travel. As one of the twelve original castles in Japan, Kochi Castle was built before the Edo period (1603-1868), Kochi-jo has retained much of its original structure, making it fascinating to explore. After this, we will drive directly to Matsuyama city (approximately 2 hours), where you will be dropped off either at the airport, ferry port or at the central train station.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

9 breakfasts and 9 dinners
9 nights a mix of premium hotels and traditional high quality Japanese ryokan
Support vehicle throughout the trip
3–4 local guides depending on group size
GPX files for each day
Drinks, snacks and refreshments during cycling days

Not included

International flights
Domestic flights
Airport and departure taxes
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not listed as included
Bike and helmet hire
Personal expenses such as phone calls, internet, laundry and shopping
Sightseeing and entry fees not listed as included
Optional activities
Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Meet Will Turner, our seasoned guide who leads New Zealand trips in the Summer and shifts gears to guide tours in Japan in the winter. In 2020, Will, alongside Tamie, ventured back to Japan and with their deeply rooted local knowledge, lead meticulously planned itineraries for small groups, infused with a sense of adventure. During your time in Japan, Tamie and Will ensure that your every need is met, offering profound insights into local culture and curating a once in a lifetime exploration of their beloved country.