Included: An experienced English-speaking cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area 6-day guided cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan Support van with snacks and hydration Luggage transfers Accommodation for 5 nights in quality Japanese inns and hotels* All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6 (excluding dinner on Day 2), detailed in the itinerary Helmet and cross bike rental (Giant, Specialised, and Marin bikes) Bike maintenance if needed Transportation during the adventure Add-ons: Single supplement — $400 E-bike or road bike rental (cross bike is included in the price, but you can choose a road bike (carbon or aluminum) or an e-bike for an additional cost) — let us know if you’re interested prior to booking Not included: Flights to Japan & airport transfers Accommodations prior to and after the tour Dinner on Day 2 Travel and medical insurance — mandatory Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

For this cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan, you need to have a very good level of fitness . You can expect 50-85 km (30-50 miles) of cycling per day , often in steep terrain, for 6 consecutive days. This is a trip meant for frequent cyclists who don’t hate hills—you can find day-by-day distances and elevation gains in the itinerary, but the most you’ll climb within a day is 1,500 m (4,920 ft) . There are a few climbs with the steepest gradient being 13%. The average gradient of the climbs is 5-7%. For more bike adventures in Japan, click here !

What is the accommodation like?

You will spend 5 nights in a mixture of Japanese inns and business hotels . Your guiding company has handpicked the accommodation using their extensive knowledge of the area. Sea views, mountain inns, hot springs (onsen) resorts —they’ve got everything covered, allowing you to experience the best that this area has to offer! The price of the tour is based on a shared twin room. However, if you’d like to have a room to yourself, you can add the single supplement to your booking upon checkout! Please note that it may not always be possible to meet all requests for single rooms.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s what you’ll need for your daily outings: Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Sunglasses Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder Daypack with snacks Biking gloves are optional but recommended Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season—layers are best. Make sure to also bring some comfy clothes for evenings and free time.

This self-guided cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan covers the cost of rental cross bikes and helmets —your guide uses Giant, Specialized, and Marin bikes. If you’d prefer to rent an e-bike or a road bike (carbon or aluminum), these are also available for an additional cost . As these are limited in availability, please contact us prior to booking and we’ll get back to you. Alternatively, if you bring your own bike, you can send it to the guided (this can be done at an airport if you are travelling to Japan) and they will bring it to the start of the tour. They can then send it back to you (or send it to your departure airport for you to pick up if you are travelling to Japan). Let us know upon checkout!

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The group for this tour consists of up to 6 people and one guide. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. Solo travellers are welcome! There’s no extra fee for solo travellers, as they’ll share a room with another member of the group. Single supplement, however, is also available and can be added to your booking at checkout. Please note, it may not always be possible to meet all requests for single rooms. Cycling in Shikoku can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Onomichi, the starting point of the tour, is 30 minutes from Fukuyama, 90 minutes from Hiroshima, and 70 minutes from Okayama. To get to Onomichi, most people fly into Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) . From there, you can either take a shuttle or a train to Onomichi, or take a flight to the Hiroshima Airport. From there, you can hop on a bus in the direction of Fukuyama and transfer to the “Flower Liner” bus at the Takasaka bus stop to reach Onomichi Station. You will meet your guide at Onomichi Station in the morning of Day 1, meaning that you have to fly in at least a day earlier (and arrange accommodation accordingly).

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

SHIKOKU | JAPAN

Cycling Tour of Hidden Japan on Shikoku Island

5.00

Cycling along the celebrated Shimanami Kaido between Honshu and Shikoku.

People cycling along the coast with big palm trees decorating the path

Beautiful landscapes of the Iya Valley seen during the cycling trip on Shikoku, Japan.

A traditional Japanese restaurant visited during the cycling trip on Shikoku.

People dresses in traditional kimono posing for a photo before tea ceremony

Dogo, part of the city of Matsayuma seen at night during the Shikoku cycling trip.

Historical castle in the Japanese city of Kochi on Shikoku.

Crystal-clear seen during the cycling trip on Shikoku.

A market street on the island of Shikoku.

Shimanami Bridge, part of Shimanami Kaido, crossed during the Shikoku cycling trip.

From $2,500 ()

Duration

6 days

Season

March through November

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Head to Shikoku and experience hidden parts of Japan on two wheels! Over 6 days and 250 miles, you’ll cycle your way through mountain roads taking you to ancient Shinto temples and coastal paths overlooked by traditional Japanese castles. Traverse a world-renowned expressway connecting 5 islands and switch it up with roads cutting across terraced rice fields, until you end up in meticulous Japanese gardens. Stop pedaling to admire gorges and untamed rivers before unwinding with a glass of sake in hot springs. Join your guide and discover authentic and remote parts of Japan in an active way.

Adventure highlights

Discover gorges and untamed rivers

Tour an authentic and lesser-known part of Japan
Cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea

Traverse the world-renowned cycling destination—Shimanami Kaido
Vibrant local atmosphere

Combine active travel with cultural and culinary insights about Japan

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Spend 6 days cycling in search of authentic Japan in Shikoku, the country's smallest major island. Start off by traversing the scenic expressway of Shimanami Kaido and cross tens of miles each day witnessing the clash of nature, tradition, and modernity in Japanese cities, villages, sacred places, and unspoiled wilderness. Join a tour laced with traditional cuisine, quality lodging, and, of course, great cycling under the supervision of your expert local guide.

Make your way to Onomichi Station in the morning—accessible by bullet train and close to Hiroshima Airport. Our guided adventure starts with cycling over the world-famous Shimanami Kaido—a 37-mile expressway open for bikes connecting the biggest Japanese island of Honshu to the smallest of the main four islands—Shikoku. We’ll cover 5 islands and bridges, relish the scenic landscapes, and experience the culture of the Seto Inland Sea. Lodging on Day 1 is a Japanese hotel in a stunning location nestled by the shoreline.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Cycling: 67 km (41.6 mi)
Elevation gain: 500 m (1,640 ft)
Accommodation: Japanese hotel
After finishing the Shimanami Kaido route, we will head down the coast to the historic city of Matsuyama, the capital of the prefecture of Ehime. Cycling through the city, we’ll be able to view an impressive 17th-century Japanese castle. We continue cycling towards our hotel in the Dogo area. Wander about the Dogo Onsen area famous for its traditional hot springs. You’ll have ample time to explore the city, and you can go to one of the restaurants for dinner (at your own arrangement).

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 63 km (39.1 mi)
Elevation gain: 800 m (2,625 ft)
Accommodation: Business hotel
Cycling on Day 3 starts along the streets of Matsuyama, before heading out of the city and climbing up the mountains following stunning roads surrounded by unspoiled nature. We will ycle along a meandering river before reaching a remote gorge—inside of which is a hot spring hotel where we will stay for the night!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 75 km (46.6 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,200 m (3,940 ft)
Accommodation: Japanese hot spring hotel
Let’s start our day with an optional morning walk inside the spectacular Nakatsu Gorge. Later, we will cycle out of the mountains following one of Japan’s most celebrated rivers. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can go for impromptu wild swimming to cool off! We will reach the city of Kochi and visit a famous street food market offering fresh seafood before heading to our accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 66 km (41 mi)
Elevation gain: 500 m (1,640 ft)
Accommodation: Business hotel
We’ll leave the city and make our way into the forested Iya Valley. We will first have to face a challenging climb and later get rewarded with views of beautiful landscapes with gorges, crystal-clear rivers, and traditional thatch-roofed houses. Cycling down the valley, you’ll be surrounded by terraced rice fields. Then we’ll stop pedaling and walk across the famous vine bridges before heading. We continue cycling through the valley and reach our accommodation—a traditional Japanese inn with a funicular railway connecting it with a riverside hot spring.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 80 km (49.7 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,500 m (4,920 ft)
Accommodation: Japanese hot spring hotel
The final day begins with cycling out of the Iya Valley following the beautiful Yoshino River. After a final climb, we will arrive at the celebrated Konpira Shrine! After exploring the shrine, celebrate with a drink and relax while you reflect on the past six days! You will later board a train to your airport and say goodbye to Japan or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 57 km (35.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Japan Cycling Tours

Honshu (6) | Shikoku (2) | Kyushu (1)

Explore similar adventures

Cycling Tour of Hidden Japan on Shikoku Island

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Miho

Born and raised in Shikoku, Miho is passionate about showcasing her home. She has a deep love for the area, often cycling along mountain roads, wild camping by the Seto Inland Sea, and running local marathons. Dedicated to providing exceptional service, she takes pride in the tours she creates and enjoys hearing positive feedback from guests. Miho holds licenses in Domestic Travel Business Administration and Domestic Tour Management.

5.00

Sam Barclay

Originally from the United Kingdom, Sam has called Shikoku home for nine years and has a deep love for exploring rural Japan. Understanding the magic of these landscapes firsthand, he is eager for others to experience the same. He also runs marathons—just not as fast as Miho.

5.00

Hidden Japan Travel

Hidden Japan Travel is your passport to experiencing authentic Japan through hiking and cycling tours that showcase the best of the country’s nature and culture in its lesser-known areas.

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Why You Should Try Cycling Shikoku, Japan

Sam Barclay

Co-founder of Hidden Japan Travel

5.00(17 reviews)

John S.

|April 2025

Sensational. The ride route was spectacular - the bridges ride at the start and rural Shikoku all stunning.. Some challenging bits, but manageable with the help and guidance provided. My wife and i were pleased we chose E-bikes, and I'd recommend them to anyone who is not a fairly strong rider. With E-bikes most riders would be fine. Great scenery and conditions. Sam has found many back roads/trails to largely avoid busy roads. The accommodation and food (dinners often multi-course banquets) were a real culinary and cultural experience.

Newton C.

|April 2025

Incredible hospitality, expert cycling leadership and guidance and an experienced mechanic in support as well, this adventure was over the top. The accommodations were excellent and we enjoyed some of the best seafood dinners we have ever had in Japan. Shikoku is the road less traveled and we would highly recommend this trip.

Janet M.

|April 2025

Miho and Sam take such pride in their tour around the Shinkoku Islands. That is apparent from the moment you meet everyone involved on day 1. Hidden Japan is the best tour company I have ever used. The six-day cycling ride was terrific, and every detail was covered. The ride over the bridges and through the countryside was amazing. You see a part of Japan that many people never visit. The food and accommodation were also fantastic. It's an experience you should treat yourself.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced English-speaking cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
  - 6-day guided cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan
  - Support van with snacks and hydration
  - Luggage transfers
  - Accommodation for 5 nights in quality Japanese inns and hotels*
  - All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6 (excluding dinner on Day 2), detailed in the itinerary
  - Helmet and cross bike rental (Giant, Specialised, and Marin bikes)
  - Bike maintenance if needed
  - Transportation during the adventure
Add-ons:
- - Single supplement — $400
  - E-bike or road bike rental (cross bike is included in the price, but you can choose a road bike (carbon or aluminum) or an e-bike for an additional cost) — let us know if you’re interested prior to booking
Not included:
- - Flights to Japan & airport transfers
  - Accommodations prior to and after the tour
  - Dinner on Day 2
  - Travel and medical insurance — mandatory
  - Guide gratuities — optional
For this cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan, you need to have a very good level of fitness. You can expect 50-85 km (30-50 miles) of cycling per day, often in steep terrain, for 6 consecutive days.

This is a trip meant for frequent cyclists who don’t hate hills—you can find day-by-day distances and elevation gains in the itinerary, but the most you’ll climb within a day is 1,500 m (4,920 ft). There are a few climbs with the steepest gradient being 13%. The average gradient of the climbs is 5-7%.

For more bike adventures in Japan, click here!
You will spend 5 nights in a mixture of Japanese inns and business hotels. Your guiding company has handpicked the accommodation using their extensive knowledge of the area. Sea views, mountain inns, hot springs (onsen) resorts—they’ve got everything covered, allowing you to experience the best that this area has to offer!

The price of the tour is based on a shared twin room. However, if you’d like to have a room to yourself, you can add the single supplement to your booking upon checkout! Please note that it may not always be possible to meet all requests for single rooms.
Here’s what you’ll need for your daily outings:
- - Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Sunglasses
  - Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Daypack with snacks
  - Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season—layers are best. Make sure to also bring some comfy clothes for evenings and free time.
This self-guided cycling tour in Shikoku, Japan covers the cost of rental cross bikes and helmets—your guide uses Giant, Specialized, and Marin bikes.

If you’d prefer to rent an e-bike or a road bike (carbon or aluminum), these are also available for an additional cost. As these are limited in availability, please contact us prior to booking and we’ll get back to you.

Alternatively, if you bring your own bike, you can send it to the guided (this can be done at an airport if you are travelling to Japan) and they will bring it to the start of the tour. They can then send it back to you (or send it to your departure airport for you to pick up if you are travelling to Japan). Let us know upon checkout!
Group sizes and prices:
- - The group for this tour consists of up to 6 people and one guide.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - Solo travellers are welcome! There’s no extra fee for solo travellers, as they’ll share a room with another member of the group.
  - Single supplement, however, is also available and can be added to your booking at checkout. Please note, it may not always be possible to meet all requests for single rooms.
Cycling in Shikoku can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Onomichi, the starting point of the tour, is 30 minutes from Fukuyama, 90 minutes from Hiroshima, and 70 minutes from Okayama. To get to Onomichi, most people fly into Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).

From there, you can either take a shuttle or a train to Onomichi, or take a flight to the Hiroshima Airport. From there, you can hop on a bus in the direction of Fukuyama and transfer to the “Flower Liner” bus at the Takasaka bus stop to reach Onomichi Station.

You will meet your guide at Onomichi Station in the morning of Day 1, meaning that you have to fly in at least a day earlier (and arrange accommodation accordingly).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.