Tranquil islands to wild coastlines: Shimanami to Ashizuri
A 7-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure Through Rural ShikokuFrom ¥375,000
7 Days | 6 Nights
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An epic 7-day self-guided cycling adventure from the serene, island-dotted waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the dramatic, wave-crashed shores of the Pacific.
Quality Bikes
Fantastic Accommodation
Self Guided
Fully Supported
Choose Date
Exceptional Food
ABOUT THIS TOUR
This two-wheeled exploration traces the heart and soul of western Japan, journeying from the serene, island-dotted waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the dramatic, wave-crashed shores of the Pacific.
Your adventure begins in the charming, artistic town of Onomichi, the official starting point of the world-renowned Shimanami Kaido. As you pedal across a chain of magnificent suspension bridges, you’ll feel the gentle sea breeze and experience the island-hopping tranquility of the Seto Inland Sea.
Start of the trip
Onomichi
Day 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 2
Day 3
Day 2
Day 4
Day 4
Day 5
Day 5
Day 6
Day 5
Day 7
Day 7
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Difficulty: 4/5 – suitable for those with a solid level of fitness. We have e-bikes (subject to availability) if you need a helping hand.
- Group size: We can work with groups of most sizes, from couples to larger groups. (contact us for information about solo travellers)
- Things to see
- Things to eat
- Cross the Shimanami Kaido - six island-hopping bridges suspended over the Seto Inland Sea, Japan's most celebrated cycling route
- Dogo Onsen - a 3,000-year-old bathhouse where samurai once soaked, said to inspire Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away
- Ozu - a beautifully preserved castle town where wooden merchant houses line the Hiji River
- The Shimanto River - Japan's "last clear stream" flowing wild and undammed, crossed by unique submersible bridges that disappear during floods
- Cape Ashizuri - Shikoku's dramatic southernmost point where forested cliffs plunge into the Pacific's crashing waves.
- Taimeshi - Ehime's signature sea bream rice, served two ways: Matsuyama-style with raw tai over rice, or Uwajima-style where the fish is cooked with the rice in a clay pot
- Kaiseki at Ozu's castle-view restaurant - multi-course seasonal cuisine served at a refined hotel overlooking the historic castle and Hiji River
- Katsuo no tataki - Kochi's famous lightly-seared bonito with a crispy, smoky edge and rare ruby center, served with garlic, ginger, and citrus ponzu
- Shimanto River specialties - sweetfish (ayu), river shrimp, and unagi caught from Japan's last free-flowing river
- Seto Inland Sea catches - supremely fresh octopus, sea bream, and whatever's been pulled from the waters that morning
- Minshuku home cooking - authentic family-style dinners featuring the day's local catch, seasonal vegetables, and regional preparations you won't find in restaurants
- Ashizuri seafood - Pacific Ocean fish with a wilder, more intense flavor than their Inland Sea cousins, often served as sashimi at your oceanside accommodation
- Quality Bikes
- Support
- Maintenance
- Fees
- E-Bike Options
- Top Hotels
- Life-long Memories
- Life-long Memories
- Cross bike and helmet rental included. We use Giant, Specialized, and Cannondale bikes.
- If you would prefer to rent a road bike (carbon or aluminum), we can make arrangements for you and ensure you bike will be ready for you on Day 1 of your tour.
- Alternatively, bring your own bike.
- Full vehicle support - our support van shadows the route with cold drinks, energy snacks, fruit, and emergency supplies. Have a problem? We're never far behind.
- Seamless luggage transfer - your bags magically appear at each night's accommodation. Pack once, ride light, and focus on the cycling.
Expert mechanical support - an experienced bike mechanic travels with the group to handle any issues - from quick puncture fixes to gear adjustments. You focus on the ride, we'll handle the rest.
All tour-related fees included - ferry crossings on the Shimanami Kaido, bridge tolls, and other route fees are covered.
Entrance fees to optional sites (castles, museums, etc.) are not included and payable on the day.
E-bike option - want a bit more help on the climbs? Electric assist bikes are available for an additional fee (subject to availability).
Carefully curated accommodation - six nights blending traditional Japanese inns with comfortable business hotels. Expect sea-view rooms on the islands, a mountain hot spring retreat, and castle-town charm - each location chosen to enhance your journey through the region.
Memories & mementos - along with unforgettable views and experiences, you'll receive a Hidden Japan Travel water bottle. Cycling jerseys also available for pre-order.
Memories & mementos - along with unforgettable views and experiences, you'll receive a Hidden Japan Travel water bottle. Cycling jerseys also available for pre-order.
¥375,000 per person
- Ages 12+
- Based on shared twin room
- Cross bike included
- After reading the Terms & Conditions, click the Enquire about this Tour button and submit the form.
- We will get back to you to confirm your reservation and send you a registration form.
- Once you’ve sent this back to us, we’ll arrange for payment of your deposit, which is 10% of the trip price. We accept credit cards and wire transfer.
- Full payment is due 30 days prior to the first day of the trip.
Please click here for our terms and conditions.
Maybe you’re thinking “Is it worth doing a self-guided tour?”. Well, yes!
Not only do we take care of everything – accommodation, luggage transfer, bike rental – but we’re also on hand in case you need support. We’re never too far away! We also provide very detailed maps. These have information about the history of each island and our favourite places to enjoy the local culture, nature, and cuisine. We send you this information as a PDF prior to your tour so you can start planning your adventure from the options we suggest. We hand-pick these locations based on our local knowledge of the area and the needs of our guests. We also choose great hotels – the ones with the most character, the best food, and the most relaxing views. We can provide a phone in case you need to get in touch and electronic maps so you can navigate to your hotels easily. All this means that you can concentrate on having a unique experience that’s facilitated by local knowledge and supported safely if anything goes wrong.
So yes, doing a self-guided tour (with us), is defintely worth it!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Onomichi to Oshima
68kms
The Shimanami Kaido cycling route across 6 islands with epic sea views and bridges. Stay at a traditional minshuku by the sea. Japanese seafood dinner included.
Day 2: Shimanami to Dogo Onsen
55kms – 70kms
Cross the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Optional morning climb to Mt. Kirosan for the best Shimanami views. Finish at the historic Dogo Onsen. Explore the area’s foot baths, sake, and traditional shopping street. Dinner not included.
Day 3: Dogo, Matsuyama to Ozu
Two route options: longer climb with a technical downhill, or a shorter route to allow for more time in Matsuyama (option to visit the castle). Both routes follow the coast then head south along Hijikawa River. Stay at a unique hotel in traditional buildings. Breakfast and dinner included.
Optional Rest Day
Explore the historic towns of Ozu and Uchiko.
Day 4: Ozu to Kihoku
Follow the meandering Hijikawa River on peaceful backroads through villages and towns. Gentle climbs with fantastic views. Finish at a hotel in the gorge with clear, cascading waters. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5: Kihoku to Shimanto
Fantastic downhill start, then meet the majestic Shimanto River – Japan’s “last clear stream.” Peaceful, flat ride alongside the river with iconic submersible bridges (chinkabashi). Finish at seaside hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6: Shimanto to Ashizuri
The grand finale – pedal from peaceful river valley to dramatic Pacific coastline. Road hugs cliffs with exhilarating ocean views. Reach Cape Ashizuri, southernmost tip of Shikoku, with an 88-temple pilgrimage site and geological features to explore.
Day 7: Ashizuri to Kochi City
No cycling. Taxi to Shimanto station, then train to Kochi City. Connect to Kochi Airport or shinkansen via Okayama. Options to extend to Iya Valley or Naoshima.
AFTER YOUR TOUR, WHY NOT…
MATSUYAMA FOOD AND CULTURE
SOBA MAKING