Hiroshima & Shimanami Kaido Japan Cycling Tour
Duration:
8 Days
Difficulty: Medium (ebike) Challenging (Hybrid)
From
$8799
Discover the breathtaking beauty of coastal Japan on this fully guided 8-day cycling tour along the famous Shimanami Kaido. Starting in vibrant Hiroshima and ending in scenic Imabari, this unforgettable journey blends cultural immersion, coastal charm, and delicious local cuisine.
Pedal quiet island roads, visit traditional towns like Takehara and Mitarai, and explore sacred sites such as the 2,600-year-old Oyamazumi Shrine. Enjoy unique experiences including a tea ceremony at the historic Jodo-ji Temple in Onomichi, a tour and tasting at a local winery, and a visit to an oyster farm along the Seto Inland Sea.
This cycling tour in Japan includes premium accommodation ranging from boutique Japanese inns to stylish, cyclist-friendly hotels like Hotel Cycle and WAKKA. Daily ride distances between 30–60km make it ideal for recreational riders looking for a well-paced, fully supported adventure. Most overnight accommodations include an amazing onsen experience, perfect for soothing muscles after a day on the bike.
Japan is natual hilly and whilst the cycling paths we use are relatively flat, there are some gentle hills. Ebikes are available on this tour to make life easy, or soak up the challenge and exercise on a quality hybrid-style bike. Our support van follows the group throughout the cycling day and is available should a rest be required.
With your luggage transferred each day and expert local guides sharing stories and cultural insights, this small-group tour (max 16) offers the perfect way to explore Japan on two wheels. Join us in November for mild weather, stunning autumn foliage, and a journey through one of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions.
What We Love About this Cycling Tour in Japan
- Japan is such an incredible destination to travel in, we know you will love it (if you haven't been already)
- Cycling the Shimanami Kaido is an amazing experience. This dedicated cycling path crossed bridges, islands, through towns and offers incredible views. It's a wonderful cycling experience.
- The food. Yes, yes, we've all heard it before, but the Japanese revere their food and we certainly take advantage of our tour.
- Hiroshima, with all its chequered past, is a hugely underrated destination. We learn about the past but enjoy the ambiance of this delightful city.
- You can't travel to Japan without experiencing an onsen, and the majority of our accommodations have onsens included. You will become addicted!
- We have secured some incredible accommodations on this tour, both traditional and modern, which will delight.
Optional extras
- Pre and post-night accommodation
- BYO bike or hire an E-bike
Cycling Tour in Japan Dates & Prices
This cycling tour in Japan is an exclusive special cycling holiday, as such, there are limited dates.
There are 3 x dates in 2026
2026 Cycling Tour Japan Dates
- Arrive Hiroshima Sunday 27th Sept 2026 - End Imabari Sunday 4th October 2026
- Arrive Hiroshima Sunday 25th October 2026 - End Imabari Sunday 1st November 2026
- Arrive Hiroshima Sunday 10th November 2026 - End Imabari Sunday 17th November 2026
See the calendar below for specific dates, availability & prices for this cycling tour in Japan.
Tours/Non bike related inclusions
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Welcome dinner
- Hiroshima Peace Story Tour & Museum entry
- Authentic Tea Ceremony experience
- Soy sauce production visit and tasting
- Oyster farm visit, tasting & meet the producer
- Kiro-san Mountain Observation Dec with transport (it's a big hill with spectacular views!)
What's Included in Your Cycling Tour in Japan
- 7 nights quality central accommodation, a mix of modern and traditional style, most with onsen (natural hot spring).
- Local guides and support vehicle throughout
- All luggage moves, bike maintenance and support services
- All breakfasts, a mix of western-style and traditional Japanese style available
- A traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- 7 x breakfasts
- 4 x lunches
- 5 x dinners including a special Farewell dinner on our last evening.
- Quality hybrid style bike (Ebikes available for an extra supplement) or BYO
- Enviro friendly cycling water bottle and lightweight cycling t-shirt to keep
Small Group Cycling Tour
Our cycling group is limited to 16 riders, which makes for a more intimate, personal cycling tour and gives you the ability to get up close and personal with the people and the places we visit. The average group size is around 10 riders, and you have a support crew of 2 guides and a driver (sometimes 2 drivers depending on group size.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers can be provided with prior notice, with prices on application. Transport in Japan is very efficient and often quicker than vehicle transfers, so we encourage you to investigate those options first. Transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 9pm, and an extra supplement will apply for transfers outside those times.
Please note last last-minute and/or late advice of arrival details may mean pick-up transfers are not available. Ensure you provide Tour de Vines with your arrival details as early as possible to ensure transfers can be provided if desired.
Trusted Operator
Tour de Vines has been running tours in since 2002 and has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 and is now a Hall of Fame inductee. You can be assured we are a quality operator and want nothing more than for you to have an amazing travel experience.
Tour Guides & Drivers
Our tour guides & driver support team are the best! We frequently receive amazing feedback. They are locals and it's important we use local teams as part of our commitment to giving back to the areas we travel in. Guides are trained and certified, have very good English and know the area and history very well.
What level of fitness is required for this cycling tour in Japan?
This tour is designed for recreational cyclists with a moderate level of fitness. Daily distances range from 30 to 60km, mostly on quiet roads and scenic bike paths with some gentle hills. There is full vehicle support throughout, so you can hop in the van at any time. E-bikes are also available for those who prefer a bit of extra help on the climbs.
What kind of accommodation is included?
We have personally selected a fantastic range of hotels for accommodation on this tour. A mix of modern western style properties, traditional Ryokans and the unique seaside WAKKA property in Ooshima. Please note, occasionally changes to accommodation are required. Whilst we try our best to avoid this it can happen with changes of ownership and other issues. We will advise if this happens at any stage.
For 2026 departures the specific hotels used are as follows:
- Night 1: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
- Night 2: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
- Night 3: Etajima - Hotel Etajima So
- Night 4: Kinoe Onsen Hotel Seifukan
- Night 5: Onomichi - Hotel Cycle
- Night 6: Omishima - Hotel WAKKA
- Night 7: Hotel Kowakuen Haruka (Dogo Onsen)
Can I use an e-bike on this cycling tour in Japan?
Yes! E-bikes are available and highly recommended for guests who want a more relaxed ride, especially on days with longer distances or gentle climbs. They allow you to keep pace with the group comfortably and still enjoy the stunning scenery without overexertion. Just let us know at the time of booking if you’d like to reserve an e-bike — availability is limited, so early requests are best.
The cycling tour ends in Matsuyama, how do we travel from there?
This Japan cycling tour ends in the lovely town of Matsuyma, located on the island of Shikoku. We conclude our trip in this town partly due to the transport connections avaialble.
Travelling from Matsuyama is available via
- Air: Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) offers flights to major Japanese cities, with a 21-minute bus connection available from downtown.
- Train: The JR Matsuyama Station provides easy access to Honshu via Okayama (2 hours 40 mins).
- Ferry: Options exist to cross the Seto Inland Sea, including ferries to Hiroshima and other destinations.
- Bus: Highway buses operate to major hubs like Osaka.
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