Shikoku Seto Inland Sea
(Shimanami Kaido)
Fully Guided Japan Cycling Tour

Accommodation：Hotel

Room style：Room with toilet & shower

Meals：Dinner

Explore the historic gateway to Japan’s cycling heritage

Welcome to Sakai, Osaka—a city where innovation and tradition coexist. Easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and central Osaka, Sakai is the perfect starting point for your cycling adventure. Once a bustling merchant port, it’s now famous for its world-class craftsmanship, including traditional knives and tea culture.

We recommend arriving a day early to wander through its charming old streets, visit artisan knife workshops, and unwind in serene Japanese gardens. Don’t miss the Shimano Bicycle Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating preview of Japan’s cycling legacy.

In the afternoon, we’ll meet at your hotel for introductions and a professional bike fitting. With everything ready, your unforgettable journey through Japan begins.

Access to Sakai, Osaka Convenient connections from major cities in Japan

Whether you’re arriving from nearby Osaka or traveling from Tokyo or Kyoto, getting to Sakai is simple and hassle-free. From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Approx. 45 minutes Take the Nankai Airport Line directly to Sakai Station (no transfers required). From central Osaka (Namba): Approx. 10–15 minutes Hop on the Nankai Main Line to Sakai Station—quick and direct. From Kyoto: Approx. 1 hour Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka Station. From there, transfer to the Nankai Line to reach Sakai. From Tokyo: Approx. 3.5 hours total Ride the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. Then transfer to the Osaka Metro and continue on the Nankai Line to Sakai Station.

Tip: Sakai Station is the ideal base for exploring the region and starting your cycling journey smoothly.

Cycle distance：65km

Ascent：400m

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan / Ocean view

Ride through samurai heritage, fishing villages, and spiritual shores

Our cycling adventure truly begins today. We set out from Sakai, pedaling south along quiet roads steeped in history toward Kishiwada—a city famous for its high-energy Danjiri Festival and proud samurai past. At the heart of the old castle town stands Kishiwada Castle, a striking reminder of Japan’s feudal era.

From there, we head to the coast. The landscape transforms as we pass through peaceful fishing villages, with views of the sea expanding around every bend. Along the way, we stop at the mysterious Awashima Shrine, where thousands of dolls are displayed in an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan—spiritual, surreal, and unforgettable.

Our destination is Kada, a tranquil seaside town known for its slow-paced lifestyle and natural beauty. Tonight, we stay at a seaside ryokan with sweeping ocean views, soothing hot springs, and a seafood dinner sourced fresh from local waters. With the salty breeze at your back and the sound of waves nearby, this day gently sets the pace for the journey ahead.

Cycle distance：70km

Ascent：400m

Accommodation：Hotel

Meals：Breakfast

From ferry views to riverside rides and timeless craft traditions

We begin the morning with a peaceful coastal ride, enjoying sea breezes and open skies as we head toward the ferry terminal. There, we board a boat bound for Shikoku, crossing the scenic Seto Inland Sea. As the ferry glides past islands and open waters, you'll get a unique perspective on Japan’s inland archipelago.

Landing in Tokushima, we begin our ride along the Yoshino River—renowned for its clarity and deep historical significance. With the Shikoku Mountains in the background, the route winds past rice fields, wooden houses, and quiet farming villages.

In the afternoon, we visit a traditional indigo dyeing studio, where Tokushima’s centuries-old aizome technique is still practiced. Surrounded by deep blue hues and natural dyes, you'll learn the delicate process behind one of Japan’s most iconic textiles.

Today’s journey offers a perfect balance of movement and stillness—an immersive introduction to Shikoku’s soulful landscapes and living traditions.

Cycle distance：70km

Ascent：1,000m

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan along the gorge

Meals：Breakfast, Dinner

Hidden bridges, Edo-era towns, and the legendary gorges of Shikoku

We begin today’s ride along a scenic river route, gradually climbing into the mountainous interior of Shikoku. Our first stop is Wakimachi, a charming town once prospering with trade. It’s famous for its udatsu-roofed townhouses—a unique architectural feature that symbolized wealth in the Edo period.

Soon after, we cross a chinka-bashi, a rare submersible bridge without railings. Built to survive seasonal floods, these quiet structures offer a rare look at countryside resilience and simplicity.

By late afternoon, we arrive in the fabled Iya Valley, one of Japan’s most remote and enigmatic regions. Surrounded by steep cliffs, vine bridges, and deep gorges, this is where legends say the defeated Heike clan once sought refuge.

Tonight’s stay is in a secluded hot spring inn with views over the valley. Soak in the healing thermal waters and let the modern world fade into the misty mountain air.

Cycle distance：55km (Extra option: 25km)

Ascent：1,000m

Accommodation：Hotel with Lake View

Meals：Breakfast

From the heights of Iya to the heart of Kochi Prefecture

We begin with a thrilling descent from the highlands of Iya, winding through lush forests and mountain switchbacks. As we rejoin the Yoshino River, the ride opens into broader valleys with rice fields, forest shrines, and quiet rural scenes.

Crossing into Tosa, the traditional name for modern-day Kochi Prefecture, we enter one of Japan’s most peaceful and least-traveled cycling regions. Today’s road is tranquil and traffic-free—ideal for enjoying the scenery at your own pace.

By evening, we arrive at Lake Sameura, a vast reservoir surrounded by forested hills. Our lakeside retreat offers calm, comfort, and starlit skies reflected in still waters—a perfect close to a varied and meaningful day.

Cycle distance：60km

Ascent：900m

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan / River view

Meals：Breakfast, Dinner

Crystal waters, hidden trails, and flavors of Kochi

Today’s ride follows the legendary Niyodo River, home to the famed Niyodo Blue—a radiant turquoise hue born of unparalleled water clarity. This route is gentle and immersive, tracing forest paths and quiet villages alongside the shimmering current.

A short detour takes us to Yasui Gorge, where mossy rocks, emerald pools, and waterfalls create a dreamlike scene. Short hikes offer chances to explore hidden paths and photograph moments of true natural beauty.

Throughout the day, we also enjoy Kochi’s mountain cuisine—from freshly grilled river fish to citrus-flavored local dishes and wild vegetables. Every flavor tells a story, making this day a feast for the senses.

Cycle distance：75km

Ascent：1200m

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan Hotel

Meals：Breakfast

Porcelain traditions and timeless hot springs

We continue riding along the luminous Niyodo River, following tranquil roads through countryside scenes dotted with bamboo groves and traditional farmhouses.

Midway, we stop in Tobe, home of Tobe-yaki ceramics. Known for elegant white porcelain with cobalt blue motifs, the town offers a chance to visit a working kiln and meet local artisans.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring town in Japan. Narrow lanes, rickshaws, and traditional inns set the tone. Dinner features sea bream, a local specialty prepared as tai-meshi (rice cooked with fish) or grilled.

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan Hotel

Meals：Breakfast

Soak, stroll, and slow down in Shikoku’s cultural heart

After cycling through rivers, mountains, and remote villages, today is your well-earned day to rest and rediscover. The historic hot spring town of Dogo Onsen and the castle city of Matsuyama offer the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Cycle distance：65km

Ascent：800m

Accommodation：Ryokan / Ocean view

Meals：Breakfast, Dinner

A gentle shift into island time, where art and ocean meet

Today marks the beginning of our journey into the Seto Inland Sea, as we ride from the peaceful valleys of Shikoku toward the celebrated Shimanami Kaido. The road winds through golden rice fields and quiet hillsides, setting a calm and welcoming tone for the days ahead.

Our first destination is Imabari, a coastal city famous for its high-quality towels. At a local workshop, we take a behind-the-scenes tour and discover the remarkable softness and care woven into every piece. The minimalist beauty of these towels reflects the spirit of the region—refined, understated, and deeply intentional.

From here, the scenery transforms as we pedal onto the grand Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the first and longest span of the Shimanami Kaido. Stretching across vivid blue waters, it offers breathtaking views of islands scattered across the sea, their green silhouettes rising gently from the waves.

By evening, we arrive on Oshima Island, where our seaside inn welcomes us with open views and ocean air. Dinner features the day's fresh catch, prepared simply to highlight its natural flavors. As the sun sets and the coastal breeze settles in, we ease into the rhythm of Setouchi island life.

Cycle distance：60km (Extra option: 30km)

Ascent：600m

Accommodation：Onsen Ryokan / Ocean view

Meals：Breakfast, Dinner

A day of bridges, sea breezes, and island serenity

We begin the day by continuing our ride across the celebrated Shimanami Kaido. The route flows effortlessly from island to island, linking together beautifully engineered bridges and quiet coastal roads. With every pedal stroke, the scenery unfolds—lush green hills, open skies, and the glittering Seto Inland Sea stretching endlessly around us.

As the afternoon light softens, we reach the final segment of the Kaido. From there, we board a small ferry and drift across calm waters to Osaki Kamijima, a peaceful island where time seems to slow. The short ride offers a quiet pause—a chance to take in the journey so far, and shift into a deeper rhythm of reflection.

Tonight’s stay is in an inn with ocean-view hot springs, nestled between sea and sky. Dinner features locally caught seafood and seasonal island dishes, served with gentle care. As night falls and waves lap softly at the shore, the outside world fades, leaving only the stillness of island life and the sense that something special is drawing to a close.

Cycle distance：70km

Ascent：600m

Accommodation：Hotel

Meals：Breakfast, Dinner

The last ride, and the quiet joy of arrival

Our final day of cycling begins with a short ferry ride that sets the tone for what’s to come—a serene and meaningful last leg of the journey. As we return to the Shimanami Kaido, the road unfolds across elegant bridges, through citrus groves, past tiny fishing harbors and friendly island bakeries. Life along the Seto Inland Sea moves gently beside us, in rhythm with each turn of the wheel.

We pause at Oyamazumi Shrine, a sacred site nestled among ancient camphor trees. Long visited by warriors and travelers, it’s a place of calm and reverence. Cyclists often stop here to receive a helmet-shaped omamori—a small charm said to offer protection on the road.

As the sun rises higher, we may treat ourselves to Setouchi lemon gelato or salted ice cream, refreshing rewards that pair perfectly with the sea breeze and golden light.

By late afternoon, we roll into Onomichi, a historic port town known for its hillside temples, literary roots, and nostalgic charm. Arriving here by bicycle is a moment of quiet triumph—the destination is beautiful, but the road that brought us here is what makes it unforgettable.

Tonight, we gather for a final dinner, raising our glasses to celebrate the miles we’ve shared, the stories we’ve created, and the journey that will live on in our memories long after the ride ends.

Meals：Breakfas

A quiet closing chapter, and the beginning of something lasting

Our final morning begins gently, with a relaxed breakfast shared among new friends. The pace is slow, the conversations easy—no schedule to keep, only the soft awareness that this journey has come full circle.

Though we part ways today, the memories we’ve made together will continue to travel with us: the rhythm of the road, the stillness of mountain mornings, the laughter over shared meals, and the people who made every mile meaningful.

Thank you for cycling across Japan with us. May the spirit of this adventure stay with you, wherever the road ahead may lead.

Access from Onomichi

Getting home or onward with ease from the end of your journey

After your adventure concludes in Onomichi, returning to major cities across Japan is simple and efficient. Here are the recommended routes from Onomichi Station:

To Osaka

Approx. 1 hr 30 min

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Fukuyama Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen bound for Shin-Osaka.

To Kyoto

Approx. 1 hr 40 min

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Fukuyama, then continue on the Tokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen to Kyoto Station.

To Tokyo

Approx. 3.5 hrs total

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Fukuyama, then board the Tokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen all the way to Tokyo Station.

To Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Approx. 2.5 hrs

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Fukuyama, connect to the Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then transfer to the JR Haruka Express for Kansai Airport.

Tip: All routes are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.