Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Your tour begins at 10am when you meet your fellow cyclists at Green Hill Hotel Onomichi – easily reached by bullet train from Osaka or Kyoto. After collecting your electronic bike, or ‘e-bike’, you’ll hop aboard the ferry for a short journey across the water. Disembark at Mukaishima Island for the start of your spectacular Shimanami Kaido cycling voyage.
Your day is spent weaving through secluded bamboo forests on your way to the dazzling coast. With the use of your e-bike, riding is comfortable and easy, even on uphill climbs. Later, arrive in Setoda, famed for its historic salt industry and coveted lemon harvest. Check in at your ryokan stay – a traditional inn and bathhouse where you can soak in the region’s serene hot springs. Tonight, don your ‘yukata’ gown and sit down to a warming dinner at a local eatery.
Greet the day with a cup of coffee at a nearby bike cafe, then hit the road as you climb past Ikuchi Island’s renowned citrus farms. Carry across numerous bridges with astounding views of the many islands in the glittering blue Seto Sea.
After a day of idyllic island-hopping, you’ll reach Shikoku and the town of Imabari. Roll through the mesmerising natural beauty of Ehima and Kochi prefectures, then board your train transfer to Matsuyama – the region’s largest city, known for its abundant hot springs and elaborate castle dating back over 400 years.
Between colourful trams and cradling hills, your evening is spent dining on traditional Japanese fare with a special sake tasting. Experience the varied flavours of Japan’s most beloved drink, from dry to sweet and everything in between. Listen as your guide stirs up the unique history of sake through the ages.
Set off for an scenic one-hour train journey this morning and disembark amid the verdant valleys of inland Shikoku. Follow the curvature of the Hijikawa River to its headwaters, where you’ll climb out of the valley to the charming village of Yusuhara.
A quiet mountain town, Yusuhara caught the attention of globally renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Contributing several eye-catching structures, Kuma also designed the striking Community Library, a wooden masterpiece undoubtedly in contention for Japan’s most beautiful bookhouse.
Dine at a local neighbourhood restaurant tonight, then retire to your hotel.
This morning, set a course for the homestead of Kamikoya, where founder Rogier has dedicated his life to understanding and perfecting the art of Washi papermaking. Against the magnificent mountain backdrop, join his family for a hands-on workshop as you learn about the paper mulberry plant and the imperial history of this practice, all while making the elegant paper yourself. Once you’ve finished, your handmade paper will be dried and sent on for collection at the end of your tour.
Return to Yusuhara with an easy descent to town for a well-earned lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring this charming town. In the evening, reconvene for another local dinner.
Today, it’s time to leave the mysterious mountains and travel through the Shimanto region to the spectacular Pacific Coast. Across lush green valleys, crossing burbling creeks, you’ll take a peaceful series of roads to your dazzling destination. Take an invigorating, steady climb late this morning through beautiful woods. For those cycling in the autumn, there’s the chance to admire the flaming autumnal foliage of Japan’s forests.
Gather your energy over lunch at a riverside wellness retreat, then push on across the plateau to your final descent, glimpsing the endless Pacific before you. Settle into your clifftop stay and take a dip in the therapeutic natural springs after your active day. Gaze out at the blue depths, then close the day with a flavourful dinner and a restful evening in a traditional Japanese room with futon.
Set your bike aside and pick up a paddle – this morning you’ll be meeting with local kayaking enthusiasts (weather permitting). Follow your hosts to their favourite spots, from sheltered coves to secluded bays. View the rocky outcrops and distant mountains from a new vantage point, and keep your eyes peeled for the region’s plentiful wildlife.
After returning to shore to refuel with lunch, you’ll return to your trusty two-wheel transport. Ride south to the historic Iwamoto Temple (Temple 37) along the sprawling Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage – notable for its ornate, painted ceiling. Continue on your way to the fish-filled Shimanto River before returning to your traditional lodgings for the evening.
The journey may be nearing its end, but the riding only gets better. Today, travel along a deserted cliffside road and stop to capture the jaw-dropping view of the crashing waves spraying bright blue against the black rocks below.
Pass through the town of Susaki and climb to the nature reserve atop the ridge. With an ideal gradient and plentiful birdlife, this rewarding stretch welcomes you on your way to Shoryu-ji (Temple 36), or the Green Dragon Temple. Watch for pilgrims along the walking route and take a moment to appreciate the tranquil beauty of this scenic site.
Conclude the day with a pleasant descent to Kochi, travelling along the river and into the city centre. For your final evening, toast to your cycling adventure and put your sake-tasting skills to work as you join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
For your final morning, take a walk through the old town and visit one of Japan’s 12 ‘original castles’, which have survived since the feudal age. Formerly the seat of the Yamauchi rulers, this 17th-century architectural marvel houses approximately 67,000 historic treasures local to the region.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before taking your taxi to the train station. Here, bid farewell to your biking buddies and board the train bound for Kyoto. In the second leg of your scenic four-hour journey, you’ll shoot across the landscape from Okayama to Kyoto aboard Japan’s famous shinkansen or ‘bullet train’. Upon arrival in Kyoto, your adventure finishes.