Shimanami Kaido: Cycle Across the Sea

Onomichi, Japan 5D4N Beginner-friendly
Onomichi, Japan
5D4N Beginner-friendly

Highlights

#CoreMemories

Why we love this experience

Nature
70%
Relax
50%
Culture
40%
City
30%

An Original Sotravel Experience

Handcrafted adventures uniquely designed and led by our experienced community leaders.

Cycle into a Spirited Away Adventure

Cycle 70km across 6 islands and 7 iconic bridges, then unwind at Dogo Onsen, the real-life inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

6 Islands, Endless Coastal Views

Explore 6 beautiful islands, savor Setoda's famous lemon gelato and fresh seafood, and take in breathtaking views along the legendary Shimanami Kaido.

Made for a crew, mixed fitness welcome

Choose between a cross bike or battery-assisted bicycle, then enjoy a self-guided ride with luggage forwarding guidance.

Ready to experience Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto? Cycle 70km across the breathtaking Shimanami Kaido, crossing six beautiful islands and seven iconic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. Stop by charming seaside towns, enjoy local island flavours, and end your adventure in Matsuyama with a stay just steps away from the historic Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs!

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What's included

transporttransport

Luggage transfer from the cycling route to your hotel is included in the package. Howeve..Luggage transfer from the cycling route to ..

lodginglodging

4 nights accommodation (Onomichi, Setoda, Matsuyama 2x).4 nights accommodation (Onomichi, Setoda, M..

instructorinstructor

Our group leader will help with navigation during the cycling experience.Our group leader will help with navigation ..

group leader servicesgroup leader

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..

foodfood

Meals not included — eat your way through lemon gelato, octopus and Onomichi ramen.Meals not included — eat your way through l..

equipmentequipment

Bike rental is not included in the package. We will help you secure your preferred bike ..Bike rental is not included in the package...

activityactivity

Activities are optional and not included in the package price. If you wish to visit attr..Activities are optional and not included in..

More details

Itinerary

Additional Information

Other requirements

You should be comfortable cycling 30–40km per day. Cross bikes and battery-assisted bicycles are available for rent at your own expense, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your riding style and fitness level.

About the weather

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the best cycling conditions, with mild temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cooler but generally suitable for cycling.

How does accommodation & rooming work?

By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.

Trip confirmation & minimum participants

Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.

Is flight included?

Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.

Cancellation & refund policy

Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.

Physical level

Beginner-friendly. Suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness who is comfortable cycling 30–40km per day at a relaxed pace.

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Why choose to travel with us?

Guides & leaders you can trust

Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.

Can't do alone adventures

We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.

Just show up and enjoy yourself

Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!

Have questions?

Contact us on Telegram to chat with us! If you are looking for an instant reply, try searching for a quick answer here.

From SGD 399/ pax

Day 1

Arrive in Onomichi, A Real-Life Ghibli Town

Arrive in Osaka (KIX) and take the train to the charming port town of Onomichi
Check in and spend the afternoon soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of this hillside town
Ride the Senkoji Ropeway for panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea
Wander through Cat Alley, explore hidden lanes and discover why Onomichi feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film
End the day with a comforting bowl of the famous Onomichi Ramen before resting up for tomorrow's cycling adventure

Accommodation: 2 or 3 star hotel

Image for Sunset over Onomichi channel from Senko-ji temple, hillside-temple town.

Sunset over Onomichi channel from Senko-ji temple, hillside-temple town.

Day 2

Island Hop Across Japan's Most Scenic Cycling Route (35km)

Check out, forward your luggage and collect your rental bike at Onomichi Station Rental Cycle Terminal
Take the short ferry from Onomichi Port to Mukaishima, where your cycling adventure begins
Follow the iconic Blue Line as you cycle across Mukaishima, Innoshima and Ikuchijima
Cross scenic bridges connecting each island while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea
Take a break at cosy cafés and try Setoda's famous lemon treats along the way
Visit Kosanji Temple and the striking white marble Hill of Hope
Celebrate reaching Setoda with its famous lemon gelato before settling in for the night

Accommodation: Setoda (Ikuchijima)

Not included: Ferry ticket & bicycle rental (Paid on the spot)

Image for Kick off your cycling adventure with peaceful coastal roads and charming seaside scenery.

Kick off your cycling adventure with peaceful coastal roads and charming seaside scenery.

Image for Take a moment to pause, recharge, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Take a moment to pause, recharge, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Day 3

Complete the Shimanami Kaido and Reward Yourself with an Onsen (35km)

Continue cycling across the remaining islands towards Imabari
Cross the breathtaking Tatara Bridge and Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the grand finale of the Shimanami Kaido
Celebrate completing one of Japan's most scenic cycling routes before returning your bike at Imabari Station Rental Cycle Terminal
Arrive in Matsuyama and check in to your hotel in the city centre before enjoying a relaxing evening

Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Not included: Train fare from Imabari Station to Matsuyama Station

Image for The Tatara Bridge — the iconic photo of the Shimanami Kaido.

The Tatara Bridge — the iconic photo of the Shimanami Kaido.

Image for Take a break and admire the breathtaking views from one of Shimanami Kaido's iconic bridges.

Take a break and admire the breathtaking views from one of Shimanami Kaido's iconic bridges.

Day 4

Relax, Recharge and Explore the Charm of Matsuyama

Visit the iconic Matsuyama Castle and enjoy panoramic views over the city from one of Japan's best-preserved original castles.
Explore the elegant Bansuisō, a beautiful French-style historic villa located at the foot of the castle.
Stroll through Okaido Shopping Street, browse local boutiques and cafés, and sample regional favourites like Tai Meshi, Botchan Dango, and Ehime's famous citrus treats.
Hop on the Iyotetsu Tram to the historic Dogo Onsen area and unwind with a relaxing soak at one of Japan's oldest hot springs.
If time permits, visit Ishite-ji Temple, one of the 88 sacred temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located just a short walk from Dogo Onsen.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in the charming Dogo Onsen area before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Not included: Attraction entrance fees and transportation (including Iyotetsu Tram fares)

Image for Dogo Onsen Honkan — the inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

Dogo Onsen Honkan — the inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

Image for Explore one of Japan's few original castles and enjoy sweeping views over Matsuyama City.

Explore one of Japan's few original castles and enjoy sweeping views over Matsuyama City.

Image for Step into the elegant Bansuisō, a French-style historic villa blending European architecture with Japanese history.

Step into the elegant Bansuisō, a French-style historic villa blending European architecture with Japanese history.

Image for Unwind after your hot spring experience by wandering through Dogo Shopping Street, discovering local delicacies, unique souvenirs, and the charming atmosphere of this historic hot spring town.

Unwind after your hot spring experience by wandering through Dogo Shopping Street, discovering local delicacies, unique souvenirs, and the charming atmosphere of this historic hot spring town.

Day 5

Matsuyama to home

Enjoy a slow morning before heading home
Grab one last coffee, revisit Dogo Onsen or take a final stroll through the shopping arcade
Travel back towards Osaka (KIX) by train via Okayama
Fly home with unforgettable memories of cycling across Japan's most scenic island route
Image for Bid farewell to Matsuyama with one final stroll through the charming Dogo Onsen district.

Bid farewell to Matsuyama with one final stroll through the charming Dogo Onsen district.

Please note

The itinerary is subject to change in order to provide an adventure that best suits your needs, weather and operating conditions. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to interrupt your participation at any time if your medical condition is deemed unfit or you are deemed a danger to yourself or those around you.

What's included

transport

Luggage transfer from the cycling route to your hotel is included in the package. However, transportation between destinations is not included. This includes train tickets from Imabari Station to Matsuyama Station, ferry tickets, Iyotetsu Tram fares within Matsuyama, and any other transportation tickets or fares. All transportation costs will be at your own expense.

lodging

4 nights accommodation (Onomichi, Setoda, Matsuyama 2x).

instructor

Our group leader will help with navigation during the cycling experience.

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience authentically, keep the trip running smoothly, and help you make the most of every moment.

food

Meals not included — eat your way through lemon gelato, octopus and Onomichi ramen.

equipment

Bike rental is not included in the package. We will help you secure your preferred bike type (Cross Bike or battery-assisted bike) in advance, and you can pay directly at the reception counter when collecting your bike.

activity

Activities are optional and not included in the package price. If you wish to visit attractions such as Matsuyama Castle, Bansuisō, Dogo Onsen, or Ishite-ji Temple, admission fees will be at your own expense.

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.

miscellaneous

Depending on the activity and location, locals may sometimes ask you to pay fees such as tourist taxes or park fees.

All photos

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