Shimanami Kaido & Shikoku Cycling Tour Japan
Duration:
7 Days
Difficulty: Medium (ebike); Med to Hard (Hybrid)
From
$5849
Embark on an unforgettable Japan cycling tour that takes you far from the crowds and deep into the soul of the Setouchi and Shikoku regions. This 7-day guided journey showcases the best of rural Japan — from charming seaside towns to quiet river valleys, all viewed from the saddle of your premium rental bike. The highlight? Cycling the iconic Shimanami Kaido, a world-famous 70-kilometre route that links Honshu and Shikoku across a chain of islands via stunning suspension bridges, offering sea views at every turn.
This immersive cycling tour through Japan balances active travel with cultural depth. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a traditional onsen, stay in beautifully restored Japanese townhouses, and experience hands-on traditions like washi paper making. Whether you’re exploring Matsuyama’s historic castle district or pedalling through the temple-lined hills of Uchiko, every day offers a fresh, authentic connection with Japanese life.
Designed for small groups, this Japan cycling tour includes bilingual guides, vehicle support, carefully selected accommodations, and delicious local cuisine. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, challenge, and cultural exploration — a unique way to experience Japan from the inside out.
Join our Japan Cycling Tour and ride through a side of Japan few tourists ever see.
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)
- Riding the legendary Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s most scenic island-hopping cycling route. This dedicated cycling path crosses bridges, islands, through towns and offers incredible views. It's a wonderful cycling experience.
- Exploring historic towns, including Matsuyama, Setoda, and Uchiko, rich in tradition and charm
- Relaxing in authentic Japanese onsens — including the famous Dōgo Onsen
- Staying in beautifully restored traditional townhouses in Uchiko’s heritage district
- Discovering cultural Japan with hands-on experiences like washi paper making
- Travelling with like-minded travellers and our amazing local guides, making new friends and the social atmosphere of a Tour de Vines trip.
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
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
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.
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