Island Symphony: Cycling Through Japan's Shikoku and Beyond

Option for a pre-tour and post-tour extension, details listed below the tour itinerary.

Day 1: Onomichi - Shimanami Kaido Route - Setoda (26 miles/42 km)
The group will meet at Green Hill Hotel at a relaxed 9:30 am. Getting there is straightforward – simply board the Shinkansen or Bullet Train from Kansai International Airport or Itami International Airport in Osaka. (Please be aware that an overnight stay in Onomichi is not included in the tour price. We highly recommend booking an extra night so that you are ready to begin cycling.) As you embark on this adventure, you'll cycle through cool bamboo forests before reaching the impressive Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route with its stunning coastal views. The terrain has some hills but is entirely manageable. You will spend the night at a cozy Ryokan, and dinner awaits at a nearby local establishment.

Day 2: Setoda - Matsuyama (40 miles/65 km)
Commence your day with a coffee at a nearby bike cafe The route initiates with an ascent to the hilltop in the middle of Ikuchi Island, where you ride past the well-known citrus farms. Continue over several bridges, each offering stunning views of the blue Seto Sea, with islands dotting the horizon as far as the eye can see.

As you roll into the town of Imabari, you have officially traversed the Shimanami and arrived on Shikoku. There are four prefectures here, and you will be riding through Ehima and Kochi. An hour-long train ride transports to Matsuyama, the largest city in the prefecture, characterized by colorful orange trams trundling along the main streets and temples and castles sitting atop the surrounding hills.

After checking into your modern hotel, make your way on foot to tonight's dinner for some traditional Japanese fare. While the food holds significance, the highlight will be tastings of Japan's most famous drink - sake. You will be trying a variety of sakes, from dry to sweet and everything in between. Your guide will provide you with insights into sake's unique place in Japanese history, ensuring that after tonight, you will be well-versed in choosing the perfect sake to accompany all your meals!

Day 3: Unomachi - Yusuhara (39 miles/ 63 km)
Embark on another comfortable and punctual one-hour train journey to the beginning of the first inland ride. Following the Hijikawa River, you will pedal along tranquil roads that gracefully trace the contours of the valley. Upon reaching its headwaters, the route ascends out of the valley to the delightful village of Yusuhara. The internationally renowned architect, Kengo Kuma, has designed and sponsored several buildings and public structures. The style is called "satoyama architecture," which combines modern and traditional elements with a focus on using local cedar wood.

Day 4: Washi paper making and Yusuhara loop ride (16 miles/25 km)
This morning, you have the opportunity to bike to Kamikoya to a homestead known for its dedication to the art of Washi Papermaking. A local artisan, who has devoted his life to perfecting this craft, will guide you through a family-run workshop. Set against a mountain backdrop with panoramic views of the valley, this hands-on experience promises to be memorable. After creating your own handmade paper, the family will dry it for you, ready for collection at the end of the tour. Additionally, you'll delve into the history of Washi Paper and its significance in ancient Japan's imperial business throughout the morning.

The return ride to Yusuhara is a descent, so you will cruise into town by lunchtime. The afternoon is yours to wander and relax until you convene for dinner in a small eatery near the hotel.

Day 5: Yusuhara - Kure Bay (45 miles/73 km)
You leave your lovely mountain village to journey through the Shimanto region to the Pacific Coast. The ride promises another delightful day of lush green valleys, nearly deserted roads in excellent condition, and bubbling creeks and rivers. There is a sustained climb late morning that is particularly beautiful in the Fall, with autumn colors at the top that are visually stunning. Lunch today is at a wellness retreat followed by a ride along a plateau. A final descent completes your ride where you capture your first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.

After settling into your clifftop property, a dip in the excellent natural onsen will soothe your muscles. The views spread out over rocky outcrops towards the dark blue ocean landscape. A traditional meal is served tonight, and you can retire to a comfortable Japanese futon-style room for a sound night’s sleep.

Day 6: Kayaking and Kure loop ride (32 miles/51 km)
Today, there is an off-the-bike activity planned, weather permitting. After a transfer from the hotel, you meet local kayaking enthusiasts who've researched nearby sheltered coves and bays. You paddle some of the best spots to view the topography from the water, featuring rocky outcrops, distant mountains, and, if you are fortunate, ocean life sightings. In the afternoon, it is back on the bikes heading south to visit Iwamoto Temple, the 37th stop on the Henro Pilgrimage route. Situated on a wooded hillside outside the town of Kubokawa, the temple boasts ornate paintings on the ceiling of its main prayer hall. Your ride will then continue to the Shimanto River, a significant fishery and the largest river in the area, before returning to the overnight lodging via a different route.

Day 7: Kure Bay - Kochi (41 miles/66 km)
You ride along a solitary road with ocean views, pass through Susaki, and climb to a nature reserve for more stunning scenes. Lunch break near the Blue Dragon temple, and the final stretch leads to Kochi. It's the last night together, so savor it with a progressive dinner and maybe a visit to a sake bar (or two).

Day 8: Kochi
Explore the old town, check out a Japanese castle, and say your goodbyes at the hotel by 5 pm. If you're feeling adventurous, perhaps consider extending your stay for more fun!

Option for a pre-tour and post-tour extension, details listed below.

Extensions

• Explore Hiroshima
• Explore Kyoto