Shikoku & the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Tour

The tour starts in Onomichi, a city in Hiroshima prefecture. You will need to arrive here by the afternoon of day 1 of the tour. Onomichi is on the shinkansen (bullet train) line, 1.5 hours from Osaka. In the afternoon, we’ll meet our guides and fellow guests at 4pm in our hotel in Onomichi, near to the railway station. After a tour briefing and bike setup we’ll explore the fascinating Onomichi city, famous for its Temple Walk where narrow alley ways and lanes connect 25 temples built into the hill-side. Later we head out for an evening meal where we get to know each other and sample some great local food. Cycling Distance: Nil

Meals:  D

After breakfast we jump onto our bikes and cycle right from our accommodation. A very short ferry ride gets us to the start of the Shimanami Kaido. Today is a stunning cycle on one of the best cycling routes in the world! We explore the islands, jumping off the beaten path and visit a local shrine to pay our respects and wish for a safe journey ahead. We finish up the days cycle at our beautiful accommodation in the small town of Setoda. You will have time to explore the town and relax in the hotel's spa, before we get back together for a delicious dinner. Cycling Distance: up to 45km/250m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

Another day of fantastic cycling as we complete the Shimanami Kaido route enjoying Mt. Kiro lookout, en route for some panoramic views. Today, we also get off the beaten track to explore some of the islands in depth. We visit one of the oldest and most prestigious shrines in the region, known for its incredible ancient camphor trees. We then ride over Kurushima bridge, a spectacular 4km suspension bridge which takes us onto Shikoku Island. Here we have lunch and take a short drive to Matsuyama city, where we stay in Dogo, home to the oldest hot spring spa in Japan. Cycling Distance: up to 55km/400m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

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 60km/400m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

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 have been 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 a sake tasting and enjoy an evening meal at a local ‘Izakaya’ – a Japanese style pub. Cycling Distance: up to 45km/300m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

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 58km/800m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

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. We 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

Meals:  B,D

Our final ride of the 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: up to 63km/800m elevation gain

Meals:  B,D

Today, we drive to Matsuyama, stopping enroute at a stunning gorge for a short walk and lunch. We will arrive in Matsuyama around 4pm, where you can be dropped at the train station (city centre), airport or ferry terminal depending on your onward travel. Cycling Distance: Nil

Meals:  B