Guided Shimanami and Kyushu Bike Tour

Your journey begins in the atmospheric port town of Onomichi, the traditional gateway to the iconic Shimanami Kaido. After checking into your hotel, take time to relax and recover from your travels.

Depending on your arrival time, we’ll carry out a professional bike fitting to ensure optimal comfort for the days ahead. Our experienced mechanics will fine-tune your road bike, hybrid, or e-bike to match your riding style and preferences.

In the evening, meet your cycling guide and fellow riders for a welcome briefing and dinner. Your guide will outline the route ahead, share practical tips for cycling on Japanese roads, and answer any questions as you prepare for the adventure to come.

Set off across the Shimanami Kaido, a spectacular route of bridges linking the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Lemon groves and fishing villages paint a lively picture of local life along the way. The Tatara Bridge and ferry crossings make the journey both scenic and unique.

The ride finishes in Setoda, a peaceful town on Ikuchijima. Stay at Azumi Setoda, where restored wooden architecture and tranquil gardens create a calm retreat. After a day of climbs and descents, unwind with refined island hospitality and a dinner rooted in Setoda’s local flavors.

Please note: Today’s ride includes short ferry crossings (up to 5 minutes).

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Route Highlights

• Scenic Coastline: Long stretches of calm seaside riding with views of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Rolling Terrain: Moderate hills, with climbs and descents that are challenging but not extreme.
• Mixed Roads: Mostly smooth asphalt with some minor roads and natural paths for variety.

Begin in Setoda and cross into Shikoku, pedaling over the grand Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge toward Matsuyama. The ride offers rolling hills, coastline, and cultural sites like Oyamazumi Shrine along the way. Stop at parks or seaside viewpoints before continuing into the city. Finish at Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, where soothing baths await.

The stay at Dogo Yamanote Garden Hagakure combines tradition and comfort, with kaiseki meals and warm hospitality. This stage feels both challenging and deeply rewarding, closing with relaxation in Matsuyama’s historic onsen district.

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Route Highlights

Itoshima Park: At approximately 40.4 km into your ride, take a break at Itoshima Park, a scenic spot ideal for rest and refreshments.

Nagahama Beach: Around the 68.1 km mark, enjoy the picturesque views at Nagahama Beach, a perfect location to capture memories of your journey.

Please note: After about 50 km of cycling and passing through Imabari, traffic may increase. Our crew will be on hand to support you and ensure a safe, comfortable ride to your hotel in Matsuyama.

Cycle coastal and rural stretches toward Misaki Port, where the ferry crosses to Kyushu. The route is demanding, with steady climbs totaling over 1,600 meters, but sea views and quiet roads inspire determination. Aboard the ferry, relax and watch Shikoku fade as Kyushu approaches.

Arrive in Beppu, Japan’s hot spring capital, and settle into Hoshino Resorts Kai Beppu. A short spin in town refreshes the legs before dinner. Steam rising from the city’s onsens signals your arrival in a new chapter, with luxury, relaxation, and Kyushu’s cultural richness at your doorstep.

Option 1 – Full Ride (Approx. 85 km)

Cycle the entire 85 km route to Misaki Port. To catch the ferry on time (13:00 hrs), the ride will start early at around 6:00 AM. It’s a long and challenging day, but highly rewarding.

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Option 2 – Shortened Ride

Choose a shorter ride with a later start and a shuttle transfer, allowing for a more relaxed pace before taking the ferry and transferring to Beppu.

After cycling, you will meet the Kyushu-based English-speaking guide, then take the ferry and continue towards Beppu.

Please note: The Misaki Port ferry departs at 13:00 and arrives in Beppu at 14:00. To ensure a smooth trip, we plan to finish the ride by 11:30 a.m. and reach Misaki Port without any hassle.

• Transfer by bus from the port to the hotel: 14:00–15:30 )

• Hotel check-in: 15:30–16:00.

• Bike fitting: 16:00–16:30.

• Short cycling session for the day.

• Dinner is scheduled between 17:30–19:30.

Route Overview

Challenging Climbs: Over 1,600 m of elevation gain make this a tough yet rewarding ride.

Steady Pace: An average speed of 16.5 km/h allows for steady riding while managing the climbs.

Surface Variety: Mostly paved roads, with some rough or unpaved stretches that require caution. Short, steep hills may require walking.

Scenic Mix: Enjoy coastal views, quiet countryside, and forested areas throughout the route.

Start among Beppu’s famous steam plumes before following coastal roads along the Seto Inland Sea. The ride is moderate, with gentle climbs, rolling flats, and breezy stretches near fishing villages. Shrines and stone Buddhas guide the path toward Kunisaki, a peninsula known for its spiritual heritage and peaceful atmosphere.

Villa Kunisaki offers an intimate stay, with rustic interiors and local cuisine capturing the essence of the region. This stage feels lighter than previous days yet full of cultural depth, balancing cycling with reflection in one of Kyushu’s most soulful landscapes.

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Route Highlights

Beppu Hot Spring Area: Begin in this culturally rich region, renowned for its thermal activity.

Scenic Coastal Roads: Enjoy stretches along the coastline, with refreshing sea breezes and open views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Countryside Villages: Pass through quiet settlements and farmlands, experiencing authentic rural life in Oita Prefecture.

Rolling Terrain: Moderate climbs totaling approximately 550 m provide variety without being overly demanding, though a few sections may challenge your legs.

Cultural Touches: Notice roadside shrines and statues as you approach Kunisaki, reflecting the area’s spiritual heritage.

The day begins near Oita Airport on the eastern edge of the Kunisaki Peninsula, with the route initially tracing the scenic coastline before turning inland toward the peninsula’s rugged, volcanic heart.

This is a challenging ride, shifting from flat seaside roads to a sustained mountain climb that rises above 400 meters and demands steady pacing and endurance. After reaching the high point, a long, rewarding descent carries you back toward the western coast, where the terrain gradually flattens as you roll through rural farmland and small townships on the approach to Nakatsu.

Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, dense forested slopes, mountain panoramas, rice-filled valleys, and historic countryside scenes. The ride concludes in Nakatsu, a city known for its historic castle and legendary karaage (fried chicken)—a well-earned culinary reward after a demanding day in the saddle.

Elevation gain: +814m

The ride begins in the historic castle town of Nakatsu. Leaving the coastal plains behind, the route heads south and gradually enters the scenic river valleys that lead deep into the interior of Oita Prefecture.

This stage features a steady transition from urban surroundings to lush, mountainous landscapes. Following river valleys for much of the day, the route maintains a consistent upward trend while avoiding overly steep mountain passes.

Several sections of gentle yet sustained climbing carry you from sea level toward the higher basin of Hita. The terrain alternates between open valley roads and narrower stretches as the hills close in, rewarding riders who maintain a steady, rhythmic pace.

Road conditions are excellent, with mostly well-paved local roads and regional highways. Traffic is moderate at first and becomes increasingly light as you move farther into the countryside.

Highlights include picturesque riverside cycling, dramatic rock formations and cliffs typical of the Yabakei area, quiet rural villages, terraced farmland, and the gradual shift from coastal lowlands to mountain basins. The day concludes in Hita—often called the “Little Kyoto” of Kyushu—set in a mountain-ringed basin and celebrated for its historic Mameda district and traditional merchant houses.

Route Highlights

Historic Temples & Sculptures: Pass by ancient temples and stone statues, reflecting the cultural depth of the peninsula.

Rural & Scenic Countryside: Cycle through quiet villages and lush farmland, enjoying peaceful rural scenery.

Mixed Terrain: Mostly paved roads, with some bike paths, minor roads, and short unpaved or walk-only sections for variety.

Rolling Elevation: Total climbs and descents of approximately 1,700 m provide a rewarding challenge with moderate gradients.

Please note: Today’s ride will cover a challenging 121 km. The first hill is especially demanding, and there will be limited opportunities for breaks. The route also includes several tunnels. Our crew will provide safety instructions and guidance to ensure safe passage. Please be aware that there are no dedicated cycling lanes; however, the city sections will be short.

Depart Hita along rural backroads before gradually approaching the urban energy of Fukuoka. The first half offers peaceful farmland and scenic countryside, easing the rhythm of the ride. Closer to the city, traffic grows, but the sense of achievement builds with each kilometer. Riders can complete the full distance or shorten the route if preferred.

Finish triumphantly at the Ritz Carlton, where modern luxury and Hakata’s vibrant energy provide a celebratory finale. Toast the journey and savor the closing evening, reflecting on the challenges and beauty of Shikoku and Kyushu.

Full Ride – (Approx. 90 km, Hotel to Hotel) Cycle the entire route all the way to your hotel in Fukuoka, including sections through city traffic. Our crew will provide close support throughout the ride.

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Recommended – Shortened Ride (Approx. 50 km)

After approximately 50 km, our guides will stop at a shrine. From this point, we recommend ending the ride due to heavy traffic and reduced enjoyment, with transfers arranged to the hotel. Guests may continue cycling if they wish, but it is not recommended.

Route Highlights

Historical Sites: Ride past landmarks and cultural sites that showcase the region’s rich heritage.

Rural Countryside: Cycle through tranquil villages and lush farmlands, enjoying the peaceful rural lifestyle.

Mixed Terrain: Mostly paved roads, with bike paths and brief unpaved sections for variety and added interest.

Please note: After about 50 km of cycling, the route enters Fukuoka city, where heavy traffic can be expected. You may choose to continue the ride hotel-to-hotel or conclude after 60 km, depending on your preference. The route also includes tunnels, and our crew will provide safety instructions and support to ensure a safe ride.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before preparing for departure. With no scheduled rides, the morning offers freedom for a final walk through Fukuoka’s lively streets or a pause overlooking Hakata Bay. Transfers to the airport make onward travel simple.

The trip ends with memories of ferries, bridges, onsens, and timeless countryside roads. This closing chapter balances calm with gratitude, offering a gentle farewell after a cycling adventure rich in culture, challenge, and unforgettable landscapes.

Transfer to Fukuoka Airport

• Flight: Peach Aviation MM 154, Fukuoka (FUK) → Osaka (KIX)
• Departure: 12:40 hrs, Arrival: 13:55 hrs