Van-Supported Shikoku Bike Tour

Japanese Tunnels

Japan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, which makes tunnels an essential part of its road infrastructure. This tour includes up to 25 tunnels, with some stretching up to a mile in length. While passing through tunnels, cellular phone reception and mobile internet connectivity may be limited.

To ensure safety, please make sure to switch on your cycling headlights before entering any tunnel. Visibility inside can be significantly reduced, and having your lights on improves not only your ability to see but also ensures that you are visible to vehicles and other cyclists.

Self-guided Van-supported Bike Tours

A sub-type of self-guided tours, these tours have a van accompanying the guests at all times, acting as a support vehicle in addition to transporting their luggage.

The remaining arrangements stay the same as standard self-guided bike tours. The guests are still responsible for their own navigation, bike maintenance and repair, and there is no local guide accompanying them.

Accommodation:

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 (Ryokans) 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 due to the limited availability of double beds in many Japanese hotels.

Dietary Preferences

While we do our utmost to accommodate all dietary requirements, please note that vegan and gluten-free options can be limited in some regions. We will certainly make every effort to cater to your preferences, but we recommend that guests carry some essential vegan or gluten-free staples as a backup to ensure their needs are fully met. Additionally, we encourage you to inform our guide at the start of the trip; they will be happy to assist you in sourcing suitable supplies from local grocery stores in larger towns whenever possible.

E-Bike Regulations in Japan

In accordance with Japanese regulations, e-bikes provide pedal-assist support only up to a speed of 24 km/h (15 mph). Beyond this limit, the motor will no longer offer assistance, and you’ll continue riding under your own power. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience while complying with local laws.

Choosing Between Twin and Double Rooms in Japan

Hotel room terminology in Japan can be different from what many international travelers are used to.

A Twin Room typically features two separate beds and generally offers more usable floor space, making it the most comfortable choice for most travelers.

A Double Room usually contains a single bed that may be narrower than the queen or king beds commonly found in Western hotels. In some cases, the room may be quite compact, with limited space for luggage and movement.

Japan also has a unique room category known as a Semi-Double Room, which features a bed approximately 120 cm wide. While designed primarily for single occupancy, some hotels may offer it for two guests. These rooms can feel considerably smaller than standard double rooms in Europe, North America, or Australia.

Because room categories and bed sizes vary between hotels, we strongly recommend selecting a Twin Room whenever available, even for couples. Twin rooms generally provide:

• More personal space and greater overall comfort
• Easier luggage storage in compact Japanese hotel rooms
• Separate bedding, which many travelers find more comfortable
• A lower risk of receiving a smaller bed than expected

Please note that room changes after arrival are often difficult to arrange, particularly during busy travel periods when hotels operate at high occupancy levels.

Arrival

To travel from Tokyo to Onomichi (Day 1) via train, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo to Fukuyama:

Board the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Fukuyama Station. This is the most direct route.

Duration: Around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on whether you take a Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama train.

Nozomi is the fastest but not covered by the JR Pass. Hikari and Kodama trains are slower but are JR Pass eligible.

From Fukuyama Station, transfer to a local train on the JR Sanyo Line.

Duration: Around 20–25 minutes to Onomichi Station.

Arrival at Onomichi:

Once you arrive at Onomichi Station, you are in the heart of the city, close to the scenic Seto Inland Sea and famous for cycling routes like the Shimanami Kaido.

Departure

Here's how you can travel from Kotohira to Tokyo and Kyoto by train:

1. Kotohira to Tokyo:

Step 1: Take the JR Dosan Line or Kotohira Line to Okayama:

• From Kotohira Station, take a local train on the JR Dosan Line (if you are using the JR Pass) or the Kotohira Line to Okayama Station.
• Duration: Around 60 to 80 minutes, depending on the specific train.

Step 2: Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Tokyo:

• From Okayama Station, board the Sanyo Shinkansen to Tokyo. You can take the Nozomi (fastest), Hikari, or Kodama trains. Note that Nozomi is not covered by the JR Pass.
• Duration: Around 4–5 hours to Tokyo Station, depending on the train type.

2. Kotohira to Kyoto:

Step 1: Take the JR Dosan Line or Kotohira Line to Okayama:

• Follow the same route as mentioned above to Okayama Station.
• Duration: Around 60 to 80 minutes.

Step 2: Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Kyoto: -From Okayama Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Kyoto Station. The journey is much shorter compared to Tokyo. -Duration: Around 1 hour.

Summary: Kotohira to Tokyo: About 5–6 hours total. Kotohira to Kyoto: About 2–3 hours total.

Both trips involve transferring at Okayama Station, where you can catch the Shinkansen for direct access to Tokyo or Kyoto.

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.

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

• Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
• Padded cycling shorts.
• Short-fingered cycling gloves.
• Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
• Synthetic cycling socks.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Personal helmet, if preferred.
• Personal saddle, if you ride one at home.
• Rain jacket or windbreaker.
• Cycling water bottle.

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

• Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
• Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings when needed.
• Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
• Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
• Modest clothing for exploring towns, villages, and temples.

Other Necessities

• Basic toiletries, including insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
• Plug socket adaptor.
• Binoculars if you enjoy spotting wildlife or distant landscapes.

Pro Tips

• Pack light but plan for varying temperatures, winds, and road conditions.
• Use bright clothing for visibility on the road.
• Leave some room for route-side shopping and souvenirs.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Japan has a liberal visa policy and allows citizens of up to 70 countries/regions visa-free stay for up to 90 days. These include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, all citizens of the European Union, Israel, and South Africa to name a few.

The complete list of visa-exempt countries can be viewed on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Citizens of other countries may need to apply for a visa to enter Japan. The following documents are needed for a Japan visa:

• A valid passport
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the applicant’s stay in Japan
• Entry and departure tickets showing dates of arrival and departure
• Travel itinerary
• Passport size photograph

Citizens of a select few countries are eligible to apply for a Japanese eVisa online. The list of countries can be viewed here. Japanese eVisa is only eligible for tourist visas, and for visitors arriving by plane. To apply for a Japan eVisa, visit the Japan government's official eVisa application website.

Citizens of all other countries must apply for a Japan visa by visiting their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. More information on how to apply for a Japan tourist visa can be found on the website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.