Essence of Shikoku Bike Tour
8 days
From US $4,195
Overview
From the iconic cycling in Shimanami Kaido to the historic city of Matsuyama and beyond, this Shikoku bike tour offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Shikoku. Shikoku may be the smallest of Japan's four major islands, but it is a cycling lover's paradise. Shikoku is where you head to when you're looking for the best biking routes, the best preserved castles, the best sake and the best udon noodles in all of Japan. Add to it all vibrant local festivals, lively local markets selling fresh farm produce and local crafts, and some of the most pristine scenery in Japan, and Shikoku emerges as a destination you don't want to miss.
Shimanami Kaido | 13:00 hrs
Konpira
casual
moderate to challenging
60km/36mi
Min. 4, Max. 12
HIJ
TAK
Highlights
Cycling Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is, quite simply, one of the most breathtaking coastal bike routes in the world. This is a 70-km biking track that passes through six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. On offer are gorgeous ocean views, winding roads through forest-covered mountains, sweet-smelling orchards of oranges and lemons, and the chance to savor a variety of specialty juices and citrus products along the way.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Onomichi | Green Hills | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Shimanami Kaido | Minsyuku Nagoma | B,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Matsuyama | Dogo Hakuro | B,D | 75km / 46mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Shikoku Karst | Hoshifuru Village Tengu | B,D | 75km / 46mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Kochi | Dormy Inn | B | 55km / 33mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Iya | Hotel Kazurabashi | B,D | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Konpira | Shikishimakan | B,D | 55km / 33mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Onomichi
Nestled in the heart of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi is a picturesque coastal town known for its historic temples, sloping streets, and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. As we meet at our hotel in Onomichi at 5:00 PM, prepare to immerse yourself in the charm of this quaint town. Following an introductory meeting and bike fitting, we relish a delightful welcome dinner in one of Onomichi's inviting eateries.
Day 2: Shimanami Kaido
Today set out on a cycling adventure along the renowned Shimanami Kaido, traversing five islands to witness breathtaking panoramas and delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the Seto Inland Sea. The Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route spanning several kilometers, is a remarkable journey connecting Japan's Honshu and Shikoku islands through a series of breathtaking bridges and picturesque landscapes. Our accommodation awaits in a Japanese hotel, perfectly situated by the seaside in a captivating locale, promising a memorable stay amid the scenic beauty.
Day 3: Matsuyama
Conclude the scenic Shimanami Kaido journey and pedal along the coast to the culturally rich Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture. As we cycle through the city, admire landmarks like the iconic Matsuyama Castle en route to our hotel in the Dogo area. In the evening, immerse yourself in the renowned Dogo Onsen, savoring a local delicacy, tai meshi, and a glass of regional sake.
Day 4: Shikoku Karst
Today our route leads us into the mountains through challenging roads. As we ascend, the cycling path meanders alongside a scenic river, offering picturesque views. Our accommodation for the night awaits in a magnificent hotel situated in Shikoku Karst, providing magnificent views amid nature's tranquility.
Day 5: Kochi
Opt for a break en-route and stroll amidst the breathtaking Nakatsu Gorge's splendor. Following this, pedal down from the mountains along one of Japan's renowned rivers. Arrive in the vibrant city of Kochi and explore a well-known street food market, indulging in the local culinary delights.
Day 6: Iya
Today ascend into the renowned Iya Valley. Conquer a challenging climb that unveils breathtaking landscapes. Descend through the valley, enveloped by terraced rice fields, and take a stroll across the famed vine bridges of the Heike warriors. Experience the night in a traditional Japanese inn, an accommodation that embodies stunning authenticity.
Day 7: Konpira
On the concluding day of our adventure, we travel out of the enchanting Iya Valley along the scenic Yoshino River. Following a final ascent, we reach the renowned Konpira Shrine, a popular locale and the pinnacle of our journey.
Day 8: Departure
Travel further as per your onward travel plans. Nearby train stations provide connections to the bullet train, or for those traveling by air, Takamatsu Airport is conveniently located a few kilometers away.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $300
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $250
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Yamaha CROSSCORE RC or similar
Available at a surcharge
What to Expect
On hotels in Japan:
Most of the hotels in Japan offer a mix of Japanese inns (Ryokans) and Western-style rooms. It is important to note that room assignments are subject to availability and beyond our control.
Japan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and two quintessential elements of this heritage are onsen and ryokans. Onsen refers to natural hot springs, which hold cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for the Japanese people. Ryokans, on the other hand, are traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique and immersive experience into the country's customs and way of life. Together, onsen and ryokans provide travelers with an opportunity to indulge in relaxation, rejuvenation, and a deep connection with Japan's past.
The combination of onsen and ryokans creates a unique travel experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Japan. Guests at ryokans often have access to private or communal onsen baths, allowing you to soak in the therapeutic waters while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
Japanese-style rooms offer a unique local experience and are quite popular. They add a distinctive cultural touch to the tour. In Japan, taking public onsen hot spring in the hotel is so popular, so even nice beautiful hotels most time has rooms only with toilet.
Hence, for hotels lacking en suite bathrooms, guests are expected to utilize the communal bathing facilities. Furthermore, depending on the hotel style, when double rooms are requested, we may only be able to secure twin rooms.
Weather
The best time for cycling in Shikoku is typically during the spring (mid-March to early-June) and autumn (mid-September to mid-November) months when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is vibrant with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Avoiding the hot and humid summer months is advisable for a more comfortable cycling experience. The summer months (July and August) are doable if you are used to heat and humidity.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Good
April
Best
May
Best
June
Mixed
July
Mixed
August
Mixed
September
Good
October
Best
November
Good
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
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