An Immersive Cycle Tour of the Shikoku Region of Southwest Japan
*This tour was previously called: Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour of Japan
This is the ultimate guided bike tour through Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. Explore Shikoku, an island where ancient castles, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist monasteries blend effortlessly with contemporary modern design. Our route takes you along epic coastal rides, through verdant river valleys, and into the heart of remote towns. With its unimaginable beauty, incredible seafood, and rich tapestry of experiences, Shikoku awaits to transform your understanding of adventure.
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers.
Wheels
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Overview
This tour is for true travelers—those who seek more than just ticking off tourist sites. As we journey through historic pilgrimage sites, you'll experience some of Asia's most breathtaking rides and untouched landscapes. This bike tour of Shikoku will give you a lasting, unforgettable glimpse of authentic Japan.
Your adventure begins on the Shimanami Kaido, where stunning bridge views stretch across the Seto Sea. We'll cycle to Matsuyama for a taste of world-renowned sake and delve into Japanese history. Shikoku's efficient train system helps us avoid busy roads, ensuring you enjoy the island’s most scenic routes.
In Yusuhara, be inspired by the architectural brilliance of Kengo Kuma and get hands-on with the ancient craft of Washi paper making. As we head to the Pacific coast, you'll pedal through lush valleys and over scenic mountains, resting in an onsen retreat with dramatic coastal views. The journey concludes in Kochi, exploring lively markets and a majestic hilltop castle.
Craving more?
Extend your adventure with our Hiroshima (pre-trip) and Kyoto (post-trip) for a well-rounded Japanese experience.
What's the riding like?
You'll cover 385 km (240 mi) of Shikoku's most scenic routes, cycling on excellent roads with light traffic and respectful drivers.
The terrain offers a bit of everything—some climbs are steep but short, while the longer climbs are gradual.
Unsure about the challenge? Our support vehicles are on standby for those moments when you need a little breather.
For an extra boost, upgrade to our pedal-assist E-bikes for $200 or a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra SE for $270.
Highlights
- Cycle the world-famous Shimanami Kaido route across the Seto Sea
- Explore sacred temples along Shikoku’s historic 88 temple pilgrimage
- Create traditional washi paper in Yusuhara with a world-renowned artist
- Savor Japanese cuisine and experience traditional Kaiseki dining.
- From dry to sweet—taste Japan’s sake spectrum and find your favorite!
INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights in traditional-style inns and hotels with Onsen baths
- All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
- Quality bike, a helmet, and support vehicle
- Passionate guides and support team
- Healthy snacks and water during cycling
- All activities, train tickets and site entry fees
- Memento cycling jersey and water bottle
Day to Day
You'll kick off your adventure in Onomichi, a charming town easily reachable from Osaka or Kyoto via the Shinkansen (the famous bullet train).
After meeting your guide and fellow riders, it's straight onto the ferry to the iconic Shimanami Kaido!
You'll begin your ride through secluded bamboo forests, leading you to a stunning coastal route that offers breathtaking views.
Your first night’s stay is in a quaint town known for its salt production history.
Relax in a comfortable Ryokan and savor dinner at a local eatery. Feel free to don your Yukata—a traditional and comfortable gown provided in your room—for a true taste of Japanese culture.
Special Information:
You'll start your cycling adventure right after a quick 15-minute ferry ride. The day's journey spans 41.5 km (about 25.7 mi), kicking off with the iconic Shimanami Kaido. There’s a small amount of urban riding at first, but we'll quickly reach the quiet island roads.
Prepare for the occasional climb, with a total elevation through the day of 460m on paths that are a dream to ride—well-maintained and mostly paved.
Feel confident knowing our support vehicle is available if you need a hand.
Our day starts with a coffee at a nearby bike cafe, then it’s time to hit the road. The route begins with a climb up to the hilltop in the middle of Ikuchi Island where we ride past citrus farms that the island is well known for. We continue over a number of bridges with stunning views out over the blue Seto Sea, islands dotted as far as you can see.
As we roll into the town of Imabari, you have officially traversed the Shimanami and arrived on Shikoku. There are four prefectures here and we will be riding through Ehima and Kochi. We’ll board a train that takes us an hour to Matsuyama, the largest city in the prefecture and a place with a unique feel. Here colorful orange trams trundle along the main streets and temples and castles sit atop the surrounding hills.
After checking into our modern hotel, you have the possibility to visit Matsuyama Castle before we make our way on foot to tonight's dinner for some traditional Japanese fare. While the food is important, the highlight will be tastings of Japan's most famous drink - sake. You'll be trying a number of sakes, from dry to sweet and in between. Your guide will tell you about sake's unique place in Japanese history and after tonight you'll know what you want to order with all your meals!
Special Information:
Today's ride brings a bit more of a challenge, with a rewarding 1051 meters of elevation gain. You'll be cycling mostly on paved paths, with plenty of stops for tea, coffee, and snacks along the way.
Go ahead and push your limits—we’ve got your back with a support vehicle close by if you need it.
After congratulatory high-fives for cycling the Shimanami Kaido, you'll take a one-hour transfer to Matsuyama. Take some time to explore the city, unwind, and savor some well-deserved downtime before we meet again for dinner.
An early start to get out of the traffic, with another comfortable and punctual one-hour, train journey will lead us to the lovely start of our first inland ride. Following the Hijikawa River, we’ll ride quiet roads that follow the contours of the valley. As we reach its headwaters we climb out of the valley leading to the charming village of Yusuhara.
Internationally renowned architect, Kengo Kuma took a liking to this town and designed and sponsored several buildings and public structures. What you will find here is a tidy, beautiful village with exceedingly hospitable people and a public library of the quality you might expect in a major city. Dinner this evening will be in a small, neighborhood eatery.
Special Information:
You’ll kick off the day with a scenic tram and train journey, taking about 2 hours before we start cycling in Yusuhara.
Building on yesterday's challenge, today's adventure includes two rides: first, we’ll pedal to a delightful lunch spot, then continue to our cozy hotel for the night.
The total ride distance for the day is 60.4 km (37.5 mi), with a total elevation gain of 1457m throughout the day.
It is worth noting that today features a particularly significant climb in the morning, but you are rewarded with a thrilling descent. You’ll have plenty of breaks for tea, coffee, and snacks to keep you fueled. And remember, our support vehicle is always close by, ready to assist if needed.
This morning we cycle up to the homestead known as Kamikoya where a man named Rogier has made it his life’s work to understand and perfect the art of Washi Paper making. His family run workshops here and today we will partake. With a mountain backdrop behind Kamikoya and the panoramic views of the valley below this is a hands-on experience to treasure.
When finished, the family will dry out your hand made paper and send it on for collection at the end of the tour. Throughout the morning, we will also learn about the history of Washi Paper and its role in the imperial business of Japan in ancient times.
The return ride to Yusuhara is a descent, so we will cruise into town by lunchtime. You have the afternoon to yourself to wander, relax, or even enjoy the library until we convene for dinner in a small eatery nearby the hotel.
Special Information:
After breakfast, you’ll start with a 12 km (7.4 mi) cycle to a traditional Washi paper workshop, where you’ll craft your own paper with local artisans.
After a tasty lunch, hop back on your bike to cycle around the charming city of Yusuhara before heading to a relaxing onsen (hot spring) to unwind and rejuvenate.
Today's total riding distance is 24.7 km (15.4 mi) with an elevation gain of 651 meters.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon before we gather again for dinner.
It’s time to leave our mountain village and travel through the Shimanto region to reach the Pacific Coast. The ride offers another wonderful day of lush green valleys, nearly deserted roads in excellent condition, and bubbling creeks and rivers. There is a sustained climb late-morning that is particularly beautiful in the Fall, with autumn colors at the top which are visually stunning.
Lunch today is at a wellness retreat set by a raging river, and suitably fed we push on along a plateau. We’ll enjoy a final descent to complete our ride, and you can capture your first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.
Settling into our clifftop property take a dip in the excellent natural onsen to soak your muscles. The view here peers out over rocky outcrops towards the dark blue ocean landscape. A traditional meal is served tonight and you can retire to a comfortable Japanese futon-style room for a sound night’s sleep.
Special Information:
Gear up for the longest ride of the tour! Today, you’ll tackle 73.3 km (about 45.5 mi) and an elevation gain of 1211m, first up will be our largest climb of the day, followed by a thrilling descent down a forested mountain road. The majority of the route is paved but we do encounter some unpaved paths requiring moderate technical riding for added adventure.
We'll keep you fueled with frequent stops for coffee, tea, snacks, and a nourishing lunch. And don’t worry about pushing your limits—our support vehicle is always close by to assist if needed.
Today some off-the-bike activity is planned, weather permitting, as we transfer from our hotel to meet some local kayaking enthusiasts. They’ve researched the nearby sheltered coves and bays and will paddle with us around to some of the best spots to view the topography from the water. Rocky outcrops, mountains in the distance, and if we are lucky, maybe some ocean life could reveal itself to us.
After a morning of paddling and a bite to eat, we take to the bikes again and ride southwards to visit Iwamoto Temple, number 37 on the Henro Pilgrimage route. The temple, set on a wooded hillside outside the town of Kubokawa, features ornate paintings on the ceiling of its main prayer hall. We’ll continue our ride on to the Shimanto River, a significant fishery and the largest river in the area then return to our lodging via a different route.
Special Information:
After a brief transfer, kick off your day with a sea kayaking adventure. In the afternoon, you can take part in an optional 48.9 km/ 30.3 mi ride with 923 meters of elevation gain, or simply unwind and take it easy. It’s your day to choose!
The ride today will remain etched in your memory long after the tour has concluded. We start out on a deserted road that hugs the cliffs, with the ocean crashing onto the black rocks below us. The composition of the sand here accentuates the blue of the water and you’re guaranteed to want to pause and take photos of the view.
Passing through the town of Susaki, we enter another stunning section of the route, climbing up to a nature reserve along the ridge. A perfect riding gradient and an abundance of birdlife makes this stretch one of the best parts of an already fantastic ride.
Our lunch stop is near another of the 88 temples, known as the Blue Dragon. It’s here we often encounter pilgrims making their way along the walking route. Our day concludes riding into Kochi, with an enjoyable descent and a cruise along the river. We pass through the central area of the city and conclude in the heart of the food & dining district.
Tonight will be our last together, so a progressive dinner with some grazing is in order, and maybe a visit to another Sake bar (or two) as the evening moves along.
Special Information:
Today's ride takes you on a door-to-door cycle right to your hotel in Kochi, covering 65.7 km with an elevation gain of 887 meters. You will encounter some climbing along the coast but the spectacular views here will keep your legs happily turning. Expect mostly paved paths with a few unpaved bamboo trails along the way.
We’ll take plenty of breaks along the way, with our trusty support van ready to help if you need it.
Today, enjoy a last morning walk exploring the old town by visiting one of the twelve Japanese castles which have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post-Japanese feudal age. Originally built during the first decade of the 17th century, the castle used to be the seat of the Yamauchi lords, who ruled over the surrounding region. The castle buildings have since been designated "important cultural properties", and now house local treasures and historical objects but also as a product of an age of peace.
Back to the hotel to refresh and get your belongings in order before the taxi ride to the train station. Here it’s time to say farewell to your fellow adventurers and guide. Goodbyes over, your guide will assist you to board the train to Kyoto for a pleasant 4-hour train journey on your own.
Special Information:
Enjoy a morning walk through the historic old town and visit a 17th-century castle. Then, return to the hotel to pack up before a taxi takes you to the station for a 4-hour train ride to Kyoto.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
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WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
With our experience and knowledge of Asia, we have crafted this itinerary that gives you an immersive look at Japan as you cycle to sacred sites and beautiful islands. You’ll have the chance to appreciate Japan’s seamless blending of ancient and modern on this bicycle tour through the Shimanami Kaido, the island of Shikoku and beautiful Kochi, with visits to small towns tourists rarely go. There will be plenty of interesting accommodations along the way, including fresh, delicious meals and cultural activities. You are guaranteed to leave Japan with a greater understanding of this enigmatic and unique country.
