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Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle

Name: Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: JSCW
Rating: 5.00 (4 reviews)

Cycle through southern Japan from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, riding coastal islands, mountain roads and volcanic landscapes.

Japan

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4 reviews

10 Days from

$5240 USD

Trip Code: JSCW

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hybrid / Cross Bike Hire

$270 USD

Carbon Road Bike Hire

$700 USD

E-Bike Hire

$700 USD

Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour - Single Supplement

$800 USD

Duration

10 Days

Activities

7 days cycling

Style

In Comfort Adventures

Accommodation

9 nights western hotel or traditional Japanese Inn (ryokan)

Meals

8 Dinners
9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

56kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(445kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Ride the Shimanami Kaido, a world-class island-hopping cycle route across the Seto Inland Sea
Ride across bridges and islands of the Seto Inland Sea
Explore traditional towns including Mitarai and Uchiko
Experience Japanese onsen culture in Beppu and Unzen
Ride through the volcanic landscapes of Mt Aso and the Aso Caldera
Cycle quiet rural roads, mountain passes and coastal routes of Southern Japan
Stay in traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation

Overview

This guided cycling journey links the iconic Shimanami Kaido with the quieter mountain and coastal roads of Shikoku and Kyushu. Ride across spectacular sea bridges, through fishing villages, citrus orchards, volcanic landscapes and remote rural communities rarely visited by travellers. Cultural experiences including traditional ryokan stays, local cuisine, viewing washi paper making and visits to historic towns provide a deeper connection to southern Japan. With experienced guides, vehicle support and carefully selected accommodation, this is an immersive cycling journey through Japan beyond the major tourist routes.

Itinerary

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Join the trip in Hiroshima and make your own way to the hotel near Hiroshima Station. In the afternoon, meet the guides and fellow riders for a trip briefing and bike fitting session. Pick-up from the station can be arranged if required. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Hiroshima’s local speciality, okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: D

After a short transfer out of Hiroshima to Kure, begin cycling along the Tobishima Kaido, a network of bridges and coastal roads linking islands across the Seto Inland Sea. The route follows quiet seaside roads through small fishing villages and island communities with views across the Inland Sea. We stop in the historic port town of Mitarai for lunch and time to explore its preserved Edo-period streetscape before continuing to Oyamazumi Shrine, known for its collection of samurai swords and armour. Finish the day on Ikuchi Island overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Elevation Gain: approx. 400m / 1312ft Accommodation: Hotel or Ryokan

Meals: B,D

Today follows the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan’s best-known cycling routes, linking islands across the Seto Inland Sea via a series of large suspension bridges. The route combines coastal riding with panoramic views over the islands and shipping channels below. There is the option to climb Mt Kiro for sweeping 360-degree views across the Inland Sea before continuing over the Kurushima Bridge onto Shikoku Island. Elevation Gain: approx. 600m / 1968ft Accommodation: Hotel or Ryokan

Meals: B,D

Ride beneath Mt Ishizuchi, western Japan’s highest mountain, along the scenic UFO Line, regarded as one of Shikoku’s most spectacular mountain roads. The route climbs through forested ranges with expansive views extending toward the Pacific coast. After descending through Omogo Gorge and emerald river valleys, arrive in Uchiko, a preserved historic town known for its traditional architecture and heritage streetscape. Elevation Gain: approx. 1450m / 4757ft Accommodation: Hotel or Ryokan

Meals: B,D

Today is free to relax or participate in optional activities. Ride options are available, along with cultural experiences including a visit to a traditional washi paper workshop and a kimono fitting experience. These activities provide insight into regional Japanese culture and traditional crafts. In the evening, regroup for dinner at a local izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub. Accommodation: Hotel or Ryokan

Meals: B,D

Today combines cycling and ferry travel as the journey continues from Shikoku to Kyushu Island. Ride through rural farmland and along the Hiji River toward the coastal port town of Yawatahama. Terraced orange orchards line the surrounding hillsides. Board the ferry across the Inland Sea to Beppu, one of Japan’s best-known hot spring towns. On arrival, there is time to relax in the hotel onsen. Elevation Gain: approx. 300m / 984ft Accommodation: Hotel or Ryokan

Meals: B,D

After a short transfer out of Beppu, cycle through Yufuin and onto the Kuju Plateau, riding through volcanic highlands and open mountain landscapes. Stop for lunch at a local farmhouse before beginning the ascent of Makinoto Pass, a sustained 12km climb to the day’s high point. From the pass, descend into the Aso Caldera, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, surrounded by grasslands and volcanic peaks. Overnight is in a traditional ryokan. Elevation Gain: approx. 2000m / 6562ft Accommodation: Ryokan

Meals: B,D

Begin with a gradual warm-up ride before climbing Mt Aso, a 12km ascent to viewpoints overlooking the active volcanic landscape. Stop at Aso Café before descending toward lunch. There is the option to continue over Jizo Pass along “Kenny Road,” named after motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts. Arrive in Kumamoto with views toward Kumamoto Castle and time to explore the old town. Diiner is your own choice this evening. Elevation Gain: approx. 1500m / 4921ft Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B

Take a short ferry crossing to the Nagasaki Peninsula beneath Mt Unzen, a volcanic peak rising dramatically above the coastline. Stronger riders may choose to climb to the Unzen Onsen area while others transfer by vehicle and explore the geothermal “Unzen Hells,” where steam vents emerge from the ground. Later, regroup for the Nitta Pass loop, a scenic mountain road with expansive views across the peninsula and surrounding bays. Finish with a descent through terraced rice fields and traditional villages before transferring to Nagasaki for a farewell dinner. Elevation Gain: approx. 400m / 1312ft to 1100m / 3609ft Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast in Nagasaki. Guides will be available during the morning to assist with onward travel arrangements if required.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

9 breakfasts and 8 dinners
3 ferry trips
9 nights in comfortable hotels and high-quality traditional Japanese ryokan on a twin or double share basis
Support vehicle throughout the trip
2–4 local guides depending on group size
Printed maps
GPX files for each day
Drinks, snacks and refreshments during cycling days

Not included

International flights
Domestic flights
Airport and departure taxes
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not listed as included
Bike and helmet hire
Personal expenses such as phone calls, internet, laundry and shopping
Sightseeing and entry fees not listed as included
Optional activities
Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Meet Will Turner, our seasoned 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, ventured back to Japan and with their deeply rooted local knowledge, lead meticulously planned 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.