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Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour

Name: Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: JSCW
Rating: 5.00 (4 reviews)

Cycle the Shimanami Kaido and hidden Shikoku backroads on a fully supported guided journey

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4 reviews

10 Days from

$5240 USD

Trip Code: JSCW

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour - Hybrid / Cross Bike Hire

$250 USD

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour - Carbon Road Bike Hire

$600 USD

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour - E Bike Hire

$600 USD

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour - Single Supplement

$700 USD

Duration

10 Days

Activities

7 days cycling

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

Ride the Shimanami Kaido, a world-class island-hopping cycle route across the Seto Inland Sea
Explore Shikoku’s quiet heartland on scenic rural roads through valleys, coastlines and traditional villages
Soak in historic hot springs including Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest onsen spa
Enjoy cultural encounters including washi paper making, shrine visits and regional cuisine
Cycle with experienced bilingual guides who share local insight and manage every detail

Overview

This guided cycling journey links the iconic Shimanami Kaido with the quiet backroads of Shikoku Island. Ride across spectacular sea bridges, through citrus orchards, river valleys and remote coastal villages rarely visited by travellers. Cultural experiences including washi paper making, temple visits and local cuisine offer a deeper connection to place. With expert guides, vehicle support and carefully chosen accommodation, this is cycling Japan beyond the expected.

Itinerary

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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. Settle in for the night ahead of the first ride. 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. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 400 m / 1,312 ft

Meals: B,D

Continue across the remaining islands, climbing to Mt Kiro lookout for panoramic views. Cross the dramatic Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge onto Shikoku Island. Celebrate completing the Shimanami Kaido with a relaxing spa visit. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 450 m / 1,476 ft

Meals: B,D

Enjoy an optional morning loop before heading inland through rolling countryside. Transfer 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: 350 m / 1,148 ft

Meals: B,D

Drive into the hills before cycling quiet rural roads past temples and emerald rivers. Follow the valley into the beautifully preserved town of Uchiko. Stay in restored traditional houses within the historic district. Accommodation: Traditional houses (shared facilities) Total ascent: 400 m / 1,312 ft

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) Total ascent: Up to 300 m / 984 ft (optional ride)

Meals: B,D

Ride through orange orchards and coastal hills toward the port town of Uwajima. The scenery is remote and rarely visited by foreign cyclists. Enjoy coastal views and local hospitality. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 550 m / 1,804 ft

Meals: B,D

Travel by scenic local train before cycling along the pristine Shimanto River. Quiet roads and river views define the afternoon ride. End the day with a soak in natural hot springs. Accommodation: Ryokan (shared bathroom) Total ascent: 300 m / 984 ft

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: 800 m / 2,625 ft

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, visit Kochi Castle before transferring to Matsuyama for onward travel.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

9 breakfasts, 9 delicious traditional dinners using fresh local ingredients
9 nights in a variety of premium hotels and traditional high quality Japanese ryokan, based on twin or double share
2-4 local guides depending on group size
Private vehicle transport and full mechanical support
Scenic train ride
Tasty and nutritious drinks, snacks and treats to keep you fuelled for the ride
Printed maps and GPX files for each day

Not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (allow around 1500 Yen for lunch per day)
All beverages
Cycle and helmet hire
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Optional activities, site-seeing and entry fees listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visa (if required)
Tips - whilst gratuities are not expected in Japan, they are humbly appreciated.

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.