Uncover the secrets of Shikoku’s stunning serenity
*This tour was previously called: Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour of Japan
Hold onto your helmets, because Shikoku is about to blow your mind! Ancient castles, sacred shrines, peaceful seaside towns, and rolling green hills, all wrapped up in one unforgettable 8-day adventure. Cycle the legendary Shimanami Kaido, ride sections of the legendary pilgrimage route, kayak through sheltered coves, and unwind in piping-hot onsens while sipping and snacking on local favorites.
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
Legs
Water
Overview
This tour is for true explorers — those who seek more than just ticking off tourist sites. We’ll be cycling the famous Shimanami Kaido, hopping between islands like a local, and uncovering jaw-dropping views of turquoise waters, lush forests, and charming villages, with ancient temples, hidden beaches, and rolling hills as our backdrop, this is not just a cycling tour — it’s a full-on Shikoku experience.
Hungry yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re talking hot bowls of Onomichi ramen that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about noodles, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and tempura so crispy you’ll be crunching with joy. Toss in a few sips of sake, a side of pickled veggies, and you’ve got yourself a feast fit for an emperor (or... just a very happy bike tourer).
When it's time to rest your helmet hair, curl up in comfy beds and unwind in steaming hot springs. With our expert Tour Leader leading the charge, we’re cycling, sipping, and snacking our way into the heart of Shikoku!
What's the riding like?
This tour is Riding Level 4, which means you can expect to cycle an average of 40 mi (64 km) per day — and usually no more than 55 mi (88 km) — with occasional breaks to recharge. Expect some longer stretches and uphill climbs (up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m) a day), meaning you’ll need a good level of fitness if you’re on a standard bike.
In Japan, we’re in for a smooth ride as almost all the roads are paved. We’ll mostly cycle along smaller roads and quiet country routes, covering roughly 239 mi (385 km) in total.
For an extra boost, upgrade to our pedal-assist e-bikes for $200 or a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra SE for $270. Just give our Customer Service team a call to book one for this tour.
And if your backside needs a break — or you just fancy a breather — our Rest & Ride Vehicle is always on standby.
Highlights
- Ride across the sparkling Seto Inland Sea on one of Japan’s most iconic cycling routes, The Shimanami Kaido
- Temple hop your way along Shikoku’s sacred 88-pilgrimage route — zen vibes guaranteed
- Get artsy in Yusuhara making washi paper with a famous artist (you’ll brag about this one for years)
- Soak it all in — literally — at cozy inns and steamy hot spring retreats
- Sip, savor, and enjoy a sake tasting while learning its boozy backstory over dinner
INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights in traditional inns and hotels, mostly with Onsen baths
- 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
- Quality bikes and our Rest & Ride Vehicle
- Passionate Tour Leader and support crew
- Healthy/local snacks and water
- All activities, transfers and site entry fees
Day to Day
Kon'nichiwa, welcome to Japan! We’ll kick things off in the charming little town of Onomichi, easily reachable from Osaka or Kyoto via the legendary Shinkansen bullet train. Your tour leader – a local expert, and total legend – will be there to greet you, along with your fellow Hoppers who you’ll get to know well over the next 8-days (don’t worry, the names will stick eventually).
Then... it’s time to get this show on the road. We'll get you set up on your bike to make sure you’re safe, comfy and confident. Ready? Let’s hop on the ferry that’ll take us to the start of the world-famous Shimanami Kaido route. We’ll clear the small ferry port town, then the ride kicks off properly with a peaceful pedal through bamboo forests that are straight out of a zen daydream, followed by a coastal route with just enough hills to make us feel like we’ve earned those epic views.
Hungry? Your Tour Leader’s got lunch covered! Will they treat you to Onomichi-style ramen? Sushi straight from the Seto Inland Sea? Or perhaps Onomichi-yaki (a crispy, savory pancake)? *drools*
Back on our bikes, we’ll roll into our first destination — a quaint town originally built on salt production (yes, salt!). After a day of exploring, it’s time to check into our Ryokan for a cozy night. What’s a Ryokan, you ask? It’s a traditional Japanese inn where you get to experience all the comfy feels, plus the chance to literally sleep on the floor Japanese-style (don’t worry, it's way comfier than it sounds).
Dinner is just a short walk away! We’ll tuck into delicious local fare and, of course, try to commit everyone's names to memory. The adventure continues tomorrow – but for now, kick off your trainers and dive into some well-earned slumber.
Slurp up that coffee and sāikō! It's time to jump on our bikes and pedal to Ikuchi Island. A little climb up to the hilltop will reward us with views that make you want to hang a hammock and live here forever. We’ll glide over a series of bridges with panoramic vistas of the Seto Sea, dotted with islands stretching as far as the eye can see.
Lunch? Right by the ocean! Dig into some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste while your TL shares the story of the pirates who once called this spot their hideout.
Anchors aweigh, it's time to roll! time to roll! Back on our bikes, we’re crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge — the second longest suspension bridge in the world, stretching a whopping 2.5 mi (4km)! Coasting into Imabari, we’ve officially crossed the Shimanami Kaido.
HIGH FIVE! On Shikoku Island, the vibe shifts. The pace is a little slower, the streets a little quieter, and time feels like it’s in no rush at all.
We’ll hop on a train ride to Matsuyama, just an hour away. As we step out of the station, we’ll be greeted by a burst of color from the iconic orange trams and the sight of temples and castles peeking out from the hills. It’s like old-school Japan meets modern city — and it’s impossible not to appreciate the contrast.
Once we check into our hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Kick back and let the Onsen do its thing while you enjoy an ice-cold Asahi.
On the menu tonight? A lip-smacking traditional Japanese feast. But... we're not done yet. We're ending the day with a... *drumroll* sake tasting! From dry to sweet, and everything in between, after tonight you'll know exactly what to order with all your meals!
Rise and shine, Hoppers! We’ve got an early start to avoid the traffic and catch the train to our very first inland ride. Picture this: quiet roads following the Hijikawa River, with towering trees and the freshest, most foresty air you’ve ever breathed. It’s peaceful, serene, and totally Japan – but hold onto your handlebars, because once we hit the headwaters, we’ll climb out of the valley and roll into the adorable village of Yusuhara.
World-renowned architect Kengo Kuma fell in love with Yusuhara and made it his canvas. His distinctive style blends seamlessly with the surroundings, using wood and natural materials to create spaces that feel part of nature rather than just placed in it.
We’ll cycle past cozy houses with veggie gardens, tiny shrines tucked between the trees, and an unmistakable smell of wood and earth. It’s hard not to feel like we’re in some secret little pocket of Japan that only a lucky few get to experience. The vibe? Relaxed, hospitable, and oh-so-charming. The people here are as warm as the sun on your face, and the town feels like it comes straight out of a fairytale (only with better WiFi).
On the agenda tonight? Dinner at a small local eatery - think hōtō noodles (Japan's answer to veggie-packed stew), grilled fish fresh from the river (now, try saying that out loud), rustic soba, and maybe even tangy tsukemono (pickled veggies).
This morning = paper-making. Paper-making? Yes! Paper-making! We’re cycling up to Kamikoya, the homestead where a man named Rogier has dedicated his life (yes, his whole life) to mastering the ancient art of Washi paper-making. Impressive stuff!
Set against a stunning mountain backdrop and panoramic valley views, we’ll chat about how Washi wasn’t just paper —it was the backbone of imperial Japan’s business deals, secret letters, and fancy scrolls. Once you’ve made your masterpiece, the family will dry it out, and voilà! It’s on its way home to you by the end of the tour (is there any better souvenir?!)
Back on our bikes, it’s all downhill from here (literally) as we roll our way back into Yusuhara, just in time for lunch! What’s on the menu today? A steamy bowl of ramen? Or maybe crispy tempura and a slice of matcha cake to top it off?
The afternoon is yours to do as you please — soak in the local Onsen, explore the nearby library (highly recommended), or maybe round up the Hoppers for a friendly game of Rummy!
Enjoyed your breakfast? It’s time to *sob* say goodbye to our mountain paradise. Back on our bikes, we’ll make our way to the Pacific Coast pedaling through the Shimanto region. The valleys are lush, the roads are blissfully empty, and the creeks and rivers bubble like nature’s own soundtrack.
After a late-morning climb, a wellness retreat is our date for lunch, set by a raging mountain river with great food, great views, and great company!
Thankfully, everything that goes up must come down. Back on our bikes we’ll reap the fruits of our labor and be treated to our first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean, rolling into our clifftop paradise like the true explorers we are.
Hop into the resort’s natural onsen to soak the day away with views of rocky outcrops and a sea that stretches on forever. Tonight? A Kaiseki feast! Fresh, seasonal goodness, plated like art, and served in a multi-course dining experience. Then, kick off your trainers, curl up on your futon, and settle in for some serious zzz’s.
By now, you’ve probably had your fill of rice and miso soup, but have you tried fresh fish for breakfast yet? This is Japan, after all. Grab your coffee and let’s get moving. If the weather gods play nice, we’re taking a break from the bikes (just for a little while) and heading out for a morning of kayaking.
We’ll paddle through sheltered coves, surrounded by rocky outcrops and mountains in the distance, and who knows — maybe we’ll get lucky and spot some ocean life. Dolphins? Sea turtles?
Adventuring is hungry work! After grabbing a bite (or three), we're back on our bikes (we told you just for a little while!) for a loop ride.
Next up: Iwamoto Temple — number 37 on the iconic Shikoku Pilgrimage. What makes it special? Besides being part of a centuries-old spiritual journey, it’s also a head-turner — literally. The ceiling is decked out with 575 paintings, from serene Buddhist imagery to (believe it or not) Marilyn Monroe.
We'll coast down to the Shimanto River, where life moves at the speed of a fishing boat... a very, very slow fishing boat. After soaking in the serenity, we’ll pedal back to our clifftop oasis, leaving you with the afternoon to do whatever feels right. Take a dip in the indoor pool, unwind in the sauna, or curl up with your favorite novel *bliss*
Come dinnertime, it’s another love affair with Susaki’s finest. Will you go for grilled mackerel, with a comforting bowl of miso soup? Or perhaps a hot pot of sukiyaki to share? Pair it all with a chilled glass of umeshu (plum wine) or a refreshing glass of Melon soda, and you’ve got a feast fit for an emperor — or at least a very satisfied bike tourer.
Today = epic. We’re riding cliffside roads, with the ocean smashing into black rocks below. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget how to breathe. Expect frequent "wow" moments and pit stops to let your jaw catch up with your eyes.
Riding through Susaki, we'll climb our way up (not as daunting as it sounds) to a nature reserve that’s a birdwatcher’s dream. Lunch? A pit stop at the Blue Dragon Temple — one of the 88 pilgrimage spots on Shikoku. We’ll rub elbows with pilgrims, soak in the serenity, and nibble on some seriously delicious bites.
Refueled and recharged, we coast into Kochi with a blissful downhill ride along the river. We roll right into the heart of the food and dining district, where things are about to get mouthwateringly good.
Tonight’s the grand finale — our last supper together! This right here is why we are often referred to as food tours on bikes (and we’re not mad about it). We’ll hop from one delicious bite to the next, sampling small plates, snacks, and maybe just a bit too much sake.
And just like that, it’s our final morning. But, not without one last stroll! First stop: one of the twelve surviving Japanese castles that’ve made it through fires, wars, and all kinds of historical mayhem. Built in the early 1600s, this fortress was once the home of the powerful Yamauchi lords.
Then *sob* say sayōnara to your terrific Tour Leader and top-notch cycling crew. They’ll see you off as you hop on the train for the journey to Kyoto.
Not ready to say goodbye to Japan? Neither are we! Keep the adventure rolling with our Kyoto Spotlight!
Dates & Price
18 People are considering this Tour
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.
