JAPAN - SETO INLAND SEA & SHIKOKU |
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19 to 28 April 2027 (10 days / 9 nights) | SOLD OUT (Private Group)
Shikoku Island is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s top cycling destinations, and for good reason. Renowned worldwide for its 88-temple pilgrimage, Shikoku is brimming with beautiful forests, deep river valleys, and dramatic coastlines, where history and culture can be discovered at every turn. It’s also where our Japanese team call home, and they’re looking forward to sharing it with you. Join us on this fully supported cycling tour as we delve deep into the Shikoku region, pausing to explore historic towns and villages, ancient temples, and Shinto shrines along the way. Immerse yourself in the delightful tapestry of local life, savouring wonderful Japanese cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients. All this, while enjoying some of the finest cycling that Japan has to offer! We will also have a Ride Holidays host travel with the group, but all our guides will be local. Again, we’ll team up with We Ride Japan. We’ve known Will and Tamie for a long time. Normal Ride Holidays traditions apply. It’s a holiday, not a training camp. All we need you to do is ride, rest, eat, drink and sleep. We’ll take care of everything else. Bring on Japan…. Tick tock. |
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Tour Details |
Tour Inclusions
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The Tour Price Excludes
The Tour Cost
Bike Hire
** Please note – Japan (like Europe and Australia) has a 25km / hr pedal assist restriction on e-bikes. Payment detailsThe initial deposit is $500.00 NZD per person. A 2nd deposit of $1500.00 is to be paid on 01 October 2026. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We suggest that you have travel insurance in place when paying deposits and booking flights. |
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Japan 2027 | Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 - Monday April 19Arrive in OnomichiWelcome to Onomichi! This fascinating port town is the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido Islands and Bridges Cycle Route. Easily accessed by bullet train or local train, our beautiful cycling-themed hotel is located on the wharf, just a 5-minute walk from the station. After brief introductions, we’ll help set up your bikes and ensure everything is running smoothly. Let’s pop out for a short shake-down ride. Will will introduce the team and answer any questions. My guess is that you won’t lose any weight on this trip. Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes. Many of our hotels provide buffet-style breakfasts and dinners, allowing you to try a range of local flavours. Yes, you will eat well. Let’s raise a glass (Sake) to the adventure ahead. / Accommodation: Onomichi U2/ Meals included: Dinner |
DAY 2 - Tuesday April 20Onomichi to Ikuchi Island – Shimanami Kaido CyclingAfter breakfast, we’ll jump onto our bikes and ride hotel to hotel. It’s not a massive ride at only 50km (400VM) but it’s a great way of starting our cycling holiday. A very short ferry ride gets us to the start of the Shimanami Kaido. Today is a stunning ride on one of the best cycling routes in the world! We’ll explore the islands, jumping off the beaten path to visit a local shrine and soak in the views. Our destination for the night is Ikuchi Island, famous for its citrus groves and cycling-friendly roads. After arriving, you’ll have time to unwind in the hotel’s beautiful spa before we enjoy a well-earned dinner featuring fresh local seafood and produce. / Accommodation: Ikuchi Island Hotel
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DAY 3 - Wednesday April 21Ikuchi Island to Imabari – Shimanami Kaido CyclingToday, we continue the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. A slight increase on yesterday’s mileage with 65km and 500VM being the main ride. On that note, the team will always have a plan for those wanting extra kms. Japan’s roads are smooth, well-maintained, and often have little traffic—perfect for cycling. Climbs are well-graded, downhills are fun and flowing, and drivers are very courteous. Another breath-taking ride takes us across beautifully engineered bridges, each offering spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands. We’ll also visit Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the region’s most ancient and significant shrines, steeped in samurai history. We’ll finish the ride cycling over the 4km long Kurushima suspension bridge and onto Shikoku Island. A short transfer to our accommodation, which features a rooftop hot spring—the perfect way to relax and recover while taking in mountain and sea views. / Accommodation: Imabari Hotel
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DAY 4 - Thursday April 22Imabari to UchikoCycle Distance: 40km | Elevation Gain: 300m Today's ride offers a striking contrast to the last two days as we head inland in Shikoku. Scenic, gently rolling roads lead us through the countryside surrounding Imabari. Along the way we pass Imabari Castle and one of the temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage before continuing through quiet rural landscapes. Our ride finishes in the small coastal town of Hojo, just north of Matsuyama. From here we take a short transfer into Matsuyama city where we stay in Dogo, home to Japan’s oldest hot spring spa. You will have the afternoon to explore the Dogo area, and, why not visit Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive hilltop castles. / Accommodation: Traditional houses in Uchiko
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DAY 5 - Friday April 23Matsuyama to UchikoWe start today with a short drive from Matsuyama into the mountains. Cycling on 65km of 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. / Accommodation: Traditional houses in Uchiko
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DAY 6 - Saturday April 24Uchiko - rest dayShall we call it an active rest day. There’s still a 30km coffee ride on offer. Today is all about slowing down and soaking in the charm of Uchiko. We’re staying in traditional houses within the historic district, beautifully refurbished into modern Japanese style accommodation. Think sliding paper doors, tatami mats, and a serene atmosphere— it’s the perfect place to feel at home away from home. Whether you choose to explore or simply relax and unwind, today is all about enjoying the laid-back vibe of this lovely town. There are some optional excursions which we are happy to arrange. Perhaps a visit to a historic paper mill, where they produce stunning Japanese washi paper? Early evening, we’ll regroup for a sake tasting. Sake is Japan’s iconic rice wine, and Uchiko is the perfect place to try it. You’ll then be free to head into town to dine at one of the many local restaurants. / Accommodation: Traditional houses in Uchiko
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DAY 7 - Sunday April 25Uwa to UwajimaAfter 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 65km (800VM) 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! / Accommodation: Uwajima Hotel
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DAY 8 - Monday April 26Uwajima to the Pacific coast via the Shimanto riverCycle Distance: 45km | Elevation Gain: 400m We start the day with a scenic train journey that 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 get off 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. / Accommodation: Shimanto Hotel
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Day 9 - Tuesday April 27Tosa-Kure to Kochi – Ride to Kochi CityCycle Distance: 65km | Elevation Gain: 800m Today, is our final ride of tour and it's a great one. 65km of spectacular Pacific coast all the way to Kochi City, the lively capital of Kochi Prefecture. The ride is a mix of coastal roads, rolling hills, and a few challenging climbs. Kochi City is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic castle, and delicious street food. Our goal, Kochi city, where we’ll check-in to our riverside hotel and hit the town for a fantastic farewell meal and, if you feel like, a sake bar to finish off a truly epic day. / Accommodation: Kochi Hotel
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DAY 10 - Wednesday April 28FarewellThis afternoon, we say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have time to visit Kochi Castle. As one of the twelve original castles in Japan, meaning it was built before the Edo period (1603-1868), Kochi-jo has retained much of its original structure, making it fascinating to explore. After this, we will drive directly to Matsuyama city (approximately 2 hours), where we will drop you off either at the airport, ferry port or at the central train station. On behalf of Ride Holidays and We Ride Japan – Thank you. We really appreciate your loyalty if you are a repeat offender. If this is your first RH experience, then we appreciate your trust. Safe travels home, / Meals included: Breakfast |
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