Shimanami Kaido & Shikoku Cycling Tour Japan

What's Included in Your Cycling Tour in Japan

• 6 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
• 1 x lunch
• 5 x dinners, including a special Farewell dinner on our last evening.
• Quality hybrid style bike or Ebikes available for an extra supplement (or BYO)
• Enviro friendly cycling water bottle and lightweight cycling t-shirt to keep

Cycling Tour in Japan Dates & Prices

This cycling tour in Japan is an exclusive special cycling holiday, as such, there are limited dates.

For 2026, there are 2 dates:

2026 Cycling Tour Japan Dates

• Arrive Ominichi 13 September 2026 - End Matsuyama morning 19th September 2026
• Arrive Ominichi 17 November 2026 - End Matsuyama morning 23rd November 2026

See the calendar below for specific dates, availability & prices for this cycling tour in Japan.

Optional extras

• Pre and post-night accommodation
• BYO bike or hire a hybrid or E-bike

How do I get to the start of the Shimanami Kaid cycling tour in Onomichi?

Getting to the start of your Shimanami Kaido cycling tour in Onomichi is straightforward. Japanese train is the easiest way — and we promise, Japan’s rail system is incredibly efficient (and a must do experience in itself!).

If you’re travelling from major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima or Nagoya, the simplest way to reach the start of your Shimanami Kaido cycling tour is by train. Services are frequent, comfortable and very reliable.

Here’s a rough guide to travel times from popular cities:

• Hiroshima → Onomichi: approx. 1 hour

• Osaka → Onomichi: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes

• Kyoto → Onomichi: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes

• Fukuoka → Onomichi: approx. 2 hours

• Tokyo → Onomichi: approx. 4 hours 20 minutes

• Kanazawa → Onomichi: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

• Sapporo → Onomichi: approx. 13 hours 30 minutes

In most cases, you’ll travel via the Shinkansen (bullet train) for most of the journey, then connect to a local train into Onomichi.

Many of our guests also choose to use a Japan Rail Pass if they’re exploring more of the country before or after the tour. For the most up-to-date train schedules, fares and connections, we recommend using the following websites:

JR West Official Rail Pass & Route Info
Useful for travellers heading to Onomichi and the Hiroshima region, with official railway guidance.
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/

Japan Rail Pass (Official Site)
Great reference if guests are considering a rail pass as part of a wider Japan trip.
https://japanrailpass.net/

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.

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. 

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 transfer, 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.

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 hills.

What kind of accommodation is included?

We stay in a mix of accommodations that enhances the local experience. This includes boutique Japanese inns, historic properties, and cyclist-friendly hotels like Hotel Cycle. All accommodations offer twin-share rooms with private facilities, and a single supplement is available for solo travellers wanting their own room.

Request an itinerary below for specific details on the accommodation used on this tour.

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 ride 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, including for step-through style frames - so early requests are best.

The cycling tour ends in Matsuyama, how do we travel from there?

This Japan cycling tour ends in Matsuyama with a transfer from Imabari

Departing from the Tour End – Matsuyama

By Air:

Matsuyama Airport offers domestic flights to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka (Itami/Kansai), and other major cities. It’s a 20-minute taxi or bus ride from the city centre.

By Ferry:

Ferries run from Matsuyama to Hiroshima, offering a scenic 1-hour boat trip across the Seto Inland Sea.

By Train:

Limited express trains connect Matsuyama with Okayama Station (via JR Shiokaze Express, ~2.5 hours), where you can board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo.