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10 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
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Shikoku Island is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s top cycling destinations, and for good reason. Renowned worldwide for its 88-temple pilgrimage, Shikoku is brimming with beautiful forests, deep river valleys, and dramatic coastlines, where history and culture can be discovered at every turn. It’s also where we are proud to call home, and we’d love to share it with you! Join us on this fully supported cycling tour as we delve deep into the Shikoku region, pausing to explore historic towns and villages, ancient temples, and Shinto shrines along the way. Immerse yourself in the delightful tapestry of local life, savouring wonderful Japanese cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients. All this, while
enjoying some of the finest cycling that Japan has to offer!
41kg of CO2-e PP per day
(368kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Meet and Greet in Onomichi
Meet your guides and fellow guests in the afternoon at the hotel in Onomichi, close to the station. Afternoon briefing and bike setup after which you’ll have some free time to explore fascinating Onomichi city, famous for its narrow alley ways and lanes connecting temples built into the hill-side. Later we head out for an evening meal where we get to know each other and eat some local specialities. Cycling Distance: Nil
Meals: D
Day 2
Ride the Shimanami Kaido - Cycle 50km
After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and set off straight from our accommodation. A short ferry ride takes us to the start of the Shimanami Kaido, where we begin a stunning ride along one of the world's best cycling routes! As we explore the islands, we’ll venture off the beaten path to visit a local shrine, pay our respects, and wish for a safe journey ahead. We finish today’s ride at our beautiful accommodation in the small town of Setoda. You'll have time to explore the town and unwind in the hotel's spa before we come together for a delicious dinner. Cycling Distance: up to 50km/400m elevation gain
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle Setoda to Imabari - 65km
Another fantastic day of cycling as we complete the Shimanami Kaido route! Today, we venture off the main path to explore some of the islands in greater depth. Along the way, we visit one of the region’s oldest and most prestigious shrines, renowned for its ancient camphor trees. We also ride across the Kurushima Bridge, a spectacular 4-kilometre suspension bridge that leads us onto to Shikoku Island. From there, it’s a short ride to our hotel in Imabari, where you can relax in the spa before we head into town to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and celebrate completing the Shimanami Kaido. Cycling Distance: up to 65km/450m elevation gain
Day 4
Cycle Imabari to Uchiko - 40km
We begin the day with a beautiful morning loop ride in Imabari, taking in the impressive Imabari Port and one of Shikoku’s picturesque 88 temples. As we leave the coast behind, the scenery transforms, revealing the rolling hills of rural Shikoku. After returning to Imabari for lunch, we take a short transfer to Matsuyama, arriving with plenty of time to explore. You'll have a range of great options, from visiting the iconic Matsuyama Castle to enjoying a relaxing soak in Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen, conveniently located right next to our hotel. Cycling Distance: up to 40km/300m elevation gain
Day 5
Cycle Matsuyama to Uchiko - 63km
We start today with a short drive from Matsuyama into the mountains. Cycling on beautiful rural roads, we stop in at one of Shikoku’s most beautiful temples. After exploring the temple, we get on our bikes and cycle to a small village alongside an emerald, green river where we’ll have lunch. From here, we follow the river on a beautiful ride through quintessential Shikoku countryside.Uchiko is a beautiful town in a lovely setting. Here we stay in a selection of traditional houses within the historic district that have been refurbished into modern Japanese-style accommodation. Here you can feel at home away from home, enjoying the great local atmosphere and exploring this beautiful area. Cycling Distance: up to 63km/400m elevation gain
Day 6
A rest day in Uchiko
We have some great optional activities for you to choose from today including some excellent ride options, a visit and hands on experience at a Japanese washi paper factory and a Kimono fitting experience. These activities are selected to provide a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and offer some very unique experiences. Whether you choose to relax and unwind or partake in one or more of the optional activities, we guarantee you'll have a great day. In the evening, we will re-group for our evening meal at a local ‘izakaya’ – a Japanese pub… Cycling Distance: Various Options
Day 7
Cycle Uwa to Uwajima - Cycle 65km
After a short drive south to the town of Uwa, our Shikoku journey continues as we make our way to the port town of Uwajima. Today's ride is challenging but very rewarding with incredible views of the Uwa sea and surrounding mountains, adorned with terraced orange orchards. The scenery here is some of the best in Shikoku and with very few foreign tourists visiting, you’ll be sure to get a few surprised smiles from the locals! Cycling Distance: up to 65km/800m elevation gain
Day 8
Uwajima to the Pacific coast via the Shimanto river - 45km
We start the day with a scenic train journey that’s takes us from Uwajima to the beautiful Shimanto river in Kochi prefecture. The ‘Yodo line’ covers around 75km of gorgeous Shikoku scenery, crossing over dramatic bridges, through river valleys, passing by rice fields and stopping in at some adorably retro local train stations. We alight the train at Kubokawa, where we meet our support van and jump on the bikes for an afternoon of cycling along one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers, the mighty Shimanto. Finish the day in a beautiful setting with a soak in a natural hot spring and another wonderful meal. Cycling Distance: up to 45km/400m elevation gain
Day 9
Cycle Tosa-Kure to Kochi - 63km
Our final ride of tour is a great one. Pacific coast cycling at its best as we make our way north towards Kochi city. Today's ride is a challenging one with a few climbs and a real adventure, with a mixture of coastal shrines, a beautiful temple and an old forgotten highway. Our goal, Kochi city, where we’ll check-in to our riverside hotel and hit the town for a fantastic meal and, if you feel like, a sake bar to finish off a truly epic day. Cycling Distance: 63km/ elevation 400m
Day 10
Kochi to Matsuyama
After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have time to visit Kochi Castle. As one of the twelve original castles in Japan, meaning it was built before the Edo period (1603-1868), Kochi-jo has retained much of its original structure, making it fascinating to explore. After this, we will drive directly to Matsuyama city (approximately 2 hours), where you will be dropped off either at the airport, ferry port or at the central train station.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Meet Will Turner, our seasoned Adventure South Guide who leads New Zealand trips in the Summer and shifts gears to guide tours in Japan in the winter. In 2020, Will, alongside Tamie, ventures back to Japan. Leveraging their background in regional tourism development, they launched their own cycling company. With extensive global cycling experience, and a deeply rooted local knowledge, they craft meticulously planned, bespoke itineraries for small groups, infused with a sense of adventure. During your time in Japan, Tamie and Will ensure that your every need is met, offering profound insights into local culture and curating a once in a lifetime exploration of their beloved country.
Away from the main towns and cities, we stay in traditional style inns, known as ryokan. These are small, family owned and operated accommodations. Hosts are warm and welcoming, providing comfortable accommodations and fantastic, traditional meals. Sleeping arrangements are on futon mattresses laid out on tatami floors and bathrooms are shared.
Lightweight, aluminium framed, carbon forked hybrid bike which could be a Giant RX Disc or similar. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by disc brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.
Super lightweight, super comfy performance road bike which could be a Specialized Aethos or similar. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by powerful hydraulic disc brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you. Available in sizes XS-XL in limited numbers.
Available in sizes XXS-L our Giant Escape RE or Specialized Vado provide easy handling and a lightweight frame. Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains without difficulty, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. Featuring hydraulic disc brakes, wide tyres, quiet motor and sleek integrated battery they ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all levels. Please note that eBikes are limited to 25km/hr in Japan.
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The Shikoku Island Cycle is graded introductory to moderate. We cycle at a leisurely pace that allows us to explore shrines, capture viewpoints and enjoy conversations. Perfect for a recreational level cyclist who is comfortable with 4-5 hours/50-60 kms of cycling per day. There are some hills that can be challenging but we avoid the big mountain climbs. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆