Tour Duration: 6 days
Number of participants: Minimum 3 people
Price: JPY 225,000
Tour start : Onomichi – Hakatajima
A guided, fully supported, six-day, five-night bicycle tour to Japan’s most remote island. As you cross the Shimanami Kaido, climb into the mountains, travel through cities and small villages, eat exceptional local cuisine, and stay in a mix of traditional and modern accommodations, you will experience breathtaking scenery, intriguing history, and charming culture. This tour is wonderful for cycling and traveling because it takes you on amazing roads to the nicest areas of the island.
Day 1: Onomichi – Hakatajima (The Shimanami Kaido)
In the morning, meet at Onomichi Station. Onomichi is adjacent to Hiroshima Airport and reachable via bullet train. Shimanami Kaido, a notable landmark, is cycled over. We’ll visit five islands, take in breathtaking vistas, and learn about the Seto Inland Sea’s culture. We’ll set up camp at our favorite campground, which is in a fantastic spot just by the water. We can make arrangements for you to stay in a hotel or guest home if you’d prefer not to camp.
Day 2: Hakatajima – Matsuyama
The final two bridges, including the magnificent Kurushima Bridge, must be cycled over to complete the Shimanami Kaido. The prefectural capital of Ehime, historic Matsuyama, is our next destination. As we ride our bikes through the city and reach the hotel in the Dogo district, we take in the castle. Enjoy local cuisine, tai meshi, and local sake at the Dogo Onsen area in the evening. After dinner, free time.
Day 3: Matsuyama – Nakatsu Gorge
Cycle through the city of Matsuyama then climb into the mountains, one of our favorite roads. The cycling then follows a picturesque river. Stay in a stunning hotel in a remote gorge.
Day 4: Nakatsu Gorge – Kochi City
An optional morning walk in the spectacular Nakatsu Gorge. Then cycle out of the mountains along one of Japan’s most celebrated rivers, with opportunities for impromptu wild swimming to cool off. Reach the city of Kochi and visit a famous street food market.
Day 5: Kochi City – The Iya Valley
Cycle out of the city and up into the celebrated Iya Valley. A challenging climb rewards outrageous landscapes. Cycle down the valley surrounded with terraced rice fields and walk across the famous vine bridges of the Heike warriors. Stay in a traditional Japanese inn with a funicular railway to a riverside hot spring.
Day 6: The Iya Valley – Kompira Shrine
Journey out of the Iya Valley along the beautiful Yoshino River. After a final climb, we arrive at the acclaimed Konpira Shrine, a popular area and our final highlight. After exploring the shrine, we share a drink and reflect on our six-day journey into hidden Japan. There are train stations nearby that connect with the bullet train. Alternatively, Takamatsu Airport is a few kms away. Let us know if you require airport transfer or would like us to organize accommodation for the final night.
