This 7-day journey is designed for travelers who want to experience Japan at the pace of a bicycle. Beginning and ending in Osaka, the itinerary follows the Shimanami Kaido — a celebrated cycling route that links a chain of islands across the Seto Inland Sea — and pairs active days in the saddle with comfortable stays and unhurried sightseeing.

From Onomichi’s hillside temple lanes, you will ride across landmark bridges to Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima and Oshima, stopping at the Innoshima Suigun Castle museum of the Seto Inland Sea pirates, the ornate Kosanji Temple and its hilltop of white marble, and the ancient Oyamazumi Shrine. The route builds toward the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the first triple suspension bridge in the world, before finishing in Imabari beside its rare seaside castle.

With a dedicated guide riding alongside you, quality bicycles fitted to your size, and two nights in traditional ryokan accommodation with kaiseki dinners, this tour offers a seamless and well-supported way to cycle one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal routes — ideal for reasonably fit travelers who want scenery, culture and comfort in equal measure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Ride the full Shimanami Kaido, widely regarded as one of the finest cycling routes in the world.
• Cross seven island bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, including the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.
• Travel with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who rides with you throughout the route.
• A perfect choice for active travelers who want island scenery, local cuisine and traditional ryokan stays in a single week.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Osaka

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 2 | Onomichi

• Bullet train and local train from Osaka to Onomichi
• Visit Senkoji Temple Park (e.g. hilltop views over the Onomichi Channel and the Shimanami islands)
• Explore the Onomichi Temple Walk (e.g. hillside lanes linking historic temples above the old port town)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Onomichi

Day 3 | Setoda, Ikuchijima Island

• Ferry to Mukaishima Island, then cycle via Innoshima Island to Ikuchijima Island (approx. 75 km)
• Visit Innoshima Suigun Castle (e.g. museum of the pirates of the Seto Inland Sea)
• Visit Kosanji Temple and Miraishin no Oka

Hotel: Ryokan in Setoda, Ikuchijima Island

Day 4 | Oshima Island

• Cycle from Ikuchijima Island to Oshima Island via Omishima and Hakatajima (approx. 80 km)
• Visit Oyamazumi Shrine (e.g. ancient shrine housing historic samurai armour)
• Stop at Michi-no-Eki Hakata S.C. Park (e.g. roadside station famed for Hakata sea salt)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Oshima Island

Day 5 | Imabari

• Cycle the Oshima Island loop and ride into Imabari City (approx. 55 km)
• Visit Kirosan Observatory Park (e.g. panoramic views over the Kurushima Kaikyo Strait)
• Cross the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge (e.g. the first triple suspension bridge in the world)

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Imabari

Day 6 | Osaka

• Visit Imabari Castle (e.g. rare seaside castle with a tidal moat)
• Bullet train from Imabari to Osaka
• Free time in Osaka

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 7 | Osaka

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide
• 7 days itinerary
• 6 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation
• Breakfast everyday
• Lunch at local restaurants as specified in the itinerary
• Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan as specified in the itinerary
• Bicycle rental including fitting and a test ride
• Helmet and basic cycling support equipment
• Public transportation
• Ferry crossing and all bridge cycling road tolls
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
• Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

This itinerary involves three full days of cycling, covering approximately 60 to 80 km per day on generally gentle terrain with a small number of bridge approach slopes. A basic level of fitness and confidence riding a bicycle is required. E-bikes are available on request and are recommended for those who would like additional support on the longer sections.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 7-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.