Shimanami Kaido · Dogo Onsen · Nakatsu Gorge · Iya Valley · Yoshino River Valley
Shikoku Grand Tour From the Shimanami Kaido to the Iya Valley
From the islands of the Shimanami Kaido to the remote mountains of the Iya Valley, this route explores some of the most iconic landscapes and cycling roads in Shikoku.
600Km
DISTANCE
Challenging
LEVEL
8 Days
DURATION
Road & e-Bike
BIKE TIPE
THE EXPERIENCE
8 Days · 600 km · 7,600 m+ · Challenging
Beginning on the world-famous Shimanami Kaido, this journey explores some of the most iconic landscapes of Shikoku. From the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the historic baths of Dogo Onsen to the forests of Nakatsu Gorge, the remote mountains of the Iya Valley and the scenic roads of the Yoshino River, the route showcases the remarkable diversity of Japan’s smallest main island.
Over eight days, riders experience a mix of coastal roads, mountain passes, traditional villages and historic towns, combining challenging cycling with authentic cultural experiences. Designed for experienced cyclists, this tour offers some of the finest riding in Japan, linking famous landmarks with remote regions rarely visited by international travellers.
GROUP SIZE
Minimum 2 guests
Maximum 4 guests
Private departures available on request
INCLUDED
- Fully guided tour
- All meals included (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Hybrid E-Bike rental
- Ferry crossings Daily luggage transfers
- Support vehicle
Connecting the Shimanami Kaido, Dogo Onsen, Nakatsu Gorge, the Iya Valley and the Yoshino River, this route showcases the diversity of Shikoku, from coastal islands and historic towns to deep mountain valleys and remote rural landscapes.
THE ITINERARY
Day 0 — Onomichi to Imabari (Shimanami Kaido)
Day 0 — Onomichi to Imabari (Shimanami Kaido)
75 km — 600 m elevation
Island roads, cycle paths and gentle rolling terrain.
Japan’s Most Famous Cycling Route
The adventure begins on the legendary Shimanami Kaido, a spectacular cycling route linking the islands of the Seto Inland Sea through a series of impressive suspension bridges. Starting in Onomichi, we cross several islands connected by dedicated cycling infrastructure, making this one of the most enjoyable and accessible rides in Japan.
Along the way, we pass small fishing villages, citrus orchards and quiet coastal communities while enjoying continuous views of the Seto Inland Sea. The route is famous for its engineering, scenery and cycling-friendly design, attracting riders from around the world. Our day finishes in Imabari, the gateway to Shikoku and the starting point of the main tour.
Day 1 — Imabari to Dogo Onsen
Day 1 — Imabari to Dogo Onsen
84 km — 1.100 m elevation
Rolling roads, coastal hills and urban cycling sections.
From the Shimanami Kaido to Dogo Onsen
The tour begins in Imabari, a city closely linked to the famous Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s best-known cycling route. After leaving the Seto Inland Sea behind, we ride through a landscape of citrus orchards, small farming communities and rolling countryside as we make our way towards Matsuyama.
Our destination is Dogo Onsen, considered one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with a history stretching back more than a thousand years. The historic bathhouse remains one of the symbols of Shikoku and offers the perfect opportunity to relax after the first day in the saddle.
Day 2 — Dogo Onsen to Nakatsu Gorge
Day 2 — Dogo Onsen to Nakatsu Gorge
72 KM · 1.200 M elevation
Mountain roads, sustained climbing and forested valleys
Into the Mountains of Shikoku
Leaving the coastal plain behind, today’s route enters the mountainous interior of Shikoku. Quiet roads wind through forests, river valleys and traditional villages where daily life has changed little over recent decades.
The ride gradually gains elevation as we approach Nakatsu Gorge, a beautiful valley known for its clear waters, waterfalls and dense forests. This region marks the beginning of a completely different side of Shikoku, where mountains dominate the landscape and traffic becomes increasingly scarce.
Day 3 — Nakatsu Gorge to Uwajima
Day 3 — Nakatsu Gorge to Uwajima
95 km — 2,300+m elevation
Long mountain climbs, remote roads and extended descents.
Rice Terraces and Coastal Heritage
This is the most challenging day of the tour and a true mountain stage. Deep within central Shikoku, we cross some of the island’s most remote landscapes, following winding roads through forested mountains and isolated communities.
The route features several long climbs and rewarding descents, offering panoramic views across the interior of the island. As we leave the mountains behind, a long descent leads towards Uwajima, an important coastal city with a rich maritime history and one of the main fishing ports in western Shikoku.
Day 4 — Uwajima to Yawatahama
Day 4 — Uwajima to Yawatahama
88 km — 700 m+ elevation
Rolling coastal roads and short climbs.
Along Shikoku’s Western Coast
After the demanding mountain stage, today’s ride follows the western coastline of Shikoku. The route alternates between small fishing ports, agricultural valleys and sections of road overlooking the Uwa Sea. Compared to previous days, the terrain is more forgiving, allowing riders to enjoy the coastal scenery and the slower pace of life found in this part of the island.
The region is known for its fishing industry and citrus production, particularly mikan oranges that thrive on the sunny hillsides facing the sea. The day finishes in Yawatahama, an important port town that has long served as a gateway between Shikoku and Kyushu.
Day 5 — Kochi
Day 5 — Kochi
Rest day.
Exploring Kochi
Today we transfer to Kochi, the largest city on Shikoku’s Pacific coast. This break from cycling provides an opportunity to recover while exploring one of the island’s most interesting cultural centres.
Kochi is closely associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the key figures in Japan’s modernisation during the nineteenth century. Visitors can explore Kochi Castle, one of the few original castles remaining in Japan, stroll through the city’s lively streets and sample the region’s famous bonito tuna, traditionally prepared over an open flame.
Day 6 — Kochi to Iya Valley
Day 6 — Kochi to Iya Valley
65 km — 1.400 m elevation
Mountain roads and major climbs.
Into the Heart of the Iya Valley
Leaving the Pacific coast behind, today’s route heads deep into the mountains of central Shikoku. The roads become increasingly remote as we climb towards the legendary Iya Valley, one of Japan’s most isolated and spectacular mountain regions.
For centuries, the valley remained difficult to access and developed its own distinct culture. The area is famous for its steep mountainsides, traditional villages and the historic vine bridges that span the river below. This is one of the most scenic days of the entire tour and a highlight for many visitors to Shikoku.
Day 7 — Iya Valley to Yoshino River Valley
Day 7 — Iya Valley to Yoshino River Valley
40 km — 300 m elevation
A Scenic Finish Through the Heart of Shikoku
A Scenic Finish Through the Heart of Shikoku
The final day follows the Yoshino River, one of Japan’s most important waterways and a river famous for rafting and kayaking. After several days of mountain riding, the terrain becomes gentler, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and reflect on the journey across Shikoku.
The route follows quiet roads through river valleys and rural communities before reaching the end of the tour. It provides a relaxed conclusion after a week that has combined coastal roads, historic towns, mountain passes and some of Japan’s most remote landscapes.