Japan: Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike Tour
Nine nights; nine days. Often referred to as road bikers' heaven, this route follows the Shimanami Kaido Bikeway from Onomichi, across the Seto islands to the beautiful Shikoku - the smallest and least populated of Japan's major islands.
"Your guides have always been exceptional with their attention to detail, flexibility and responsiveness." - Christine L.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- The Shimanami Kaido Bikeway from Onomichi, across the Seto islands to the beautiful Shikoku, the road bikers' heaven
- Bridges through a trail of islands.
- Oyamazumi Shrine - the largest treasure house of fighting equipment used during the age of the samurai in Japan.
- Historical temples, castles, and even Japan’s oldest bath house.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
This is a rich cultural experience that will be most appreciated by relaxed riders interested in a varied experience. There are some hills, and relaxed riders will be assisted with van support on longer climbs. The lodging may includes a ryokan (B&B) with shared bathrooms and showers. This is a genuine Japanese experience, but an upgrade may be available for those not comfortable with it. Group size is limited to eight.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions and ~2.5km walk.
- 2: Onomichi to Omishima, ~60km.
- 3: Omishima to Matsuyama, ~60km.
- 4: Matsuyama to Yanai, ~60km.
- 5: Yanai to Yamaguchi, ~80km.
- 6: Yamaguchi to Tsunoshima Island, ~90km.
- 7: Tsunoshima to Hagi, ~90km.
- 8: Hagi to Yoshika, ~80km.
- 9: Yoshika to Hiroshima (Miyajima), ~60km.
- 10: Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Shin Onomichi Station, near Hiroshima, 13:00, Day 1. Bullet trains come often from Osaka in the east or Kukuoka and Hiroshima in the west. A description of Japan’s trains can be found here.
Finish: Your hotel in Hiroshima, 09:00, Day 10. Please note that on guided trips your guide will depart the previous evening.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions and ~2.5km walk.
Start with an early afternoon pick up at Shin Onomichi Station. Onomichi is famous for being the start of Shimanami Kaido - a bikeway linking Honshu with Shikoku. Stretch your legs on the Temple walk, a beautiful 2.5 kilometer walk along the historic slopes of Onomichi.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Greenhill Hotel, Onomichi.DAY 2:
Onomichi to Omishima, ~60km.
Short ferry to start Shimanami Kaido cycling route, crossing bridges between islands of the Seto Inland Sea. On the Island of Omishima, visit Oyamazumi Shrine. There is one of Japan's best collections of Samurai Swords and other military equipment. The shrine’s Treasure House is reputed to hold 80% of Japan's cultural and national treasures.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Chaume Ryokan, Omishima.DAY 3:
Omishima to Matsuyama, ~60km.
From the end of the bike path in Imabari city, transfer 25km to Matsuyama City and Dogo Onsen, or cycle the extra distance into Matsuyama. In the evening you can take a hot spring bath at the oldest bath house in Japan.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Dormy Inn, Matsuyama.DAY 4:
Matsuyama to Yanai, ~60km.
09:40 ferry from Matsuyama to Yashiro Island. Ride 40km along the coast, then cross another bridge onto the main island of Japan, and another 10km to Yanai City, known for its Shirakabe no Machi - an area of beautiful white-walled buildings, and the site of the Well of the Willow Tree.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Kamenoi Hotel, Yanai.DAY 5:
Yanai to Yamaguchi, ~80km.
Ride into Yamaguchi Prefecture, and to Yamaguchi City - a city whose wealth originated from trade with China's Ming Dynasty. Fascinating glimpses of its past can be seen at Kozan Park, where a highlight is the five-storey pagoda at Rurikoji Temple - a world heritage site.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Matsumasa, Yamaguchi.DAY 6:
Yamaguchi to Tsunoshima Island, ~90km.
Follow quiet valleys and head inland towards Akiyoshidai, a beautiful area of limestone landscapes. Explore limestone caves, where an elevator can transport you to the plateau, where your bikes will be waiting. Descend through farmlands, back to the Japan Sea and, and if time allows, cross to the tiny island of Tsunoshima. Explore the island's pretty lanes before returning to your lodging on the mainland.
Hotel Nishi Nagato Resort, Tsunoshima.DAY 7:
Tsunoshima to Hagi, ~90km.
First stop today is the famous Motonosumi Inakari Shrine. Stroll through the sacred red Tori gates to the Shrine. Then follow the coast towards our destination, the Town of Hagi - a classic old castle town, fantastic for walking through old feudal Japan.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Mihagi Hotel & Resort, Hagi.DAY 8:
Hagi to Yoshika, ~80km.
It is 50 kilometers through rural Japan to the town of Tsuwano, remotely hidden in a valley, and known for its picturesque main street, lined with Edo-era buildings and koi ponds. Continue to Yoshika, a quiet village with rice paddies, nestled in the mountains of Shimane Prefecture.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Yurara Hotel, Yoshika. DAY 9:
Yoshika to Hiroshima (Miyajima), ~60km.
An early start to cross over the mountains and ride back towards the Inland sea. The route ends at Iwakuni City`s Kintaikyo Bridge. Ferry to Miyajima Island and the Itsukushima Shrine for a few hours of exploration on the island before transferring into Hiroshima. A final dinner at the famous Hiroshima Okonomiyaki provides a fitting conclusion to a wonderful week of immersion in rural and urban Japan. Your guide will say goodbye following dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Riga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima.DAY 10:
Farewells.
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners, full-time guiding, vehicle support, necessary transfers, hybrid bicycle rental, maps, luggage handling, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1565
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Change to Road: C 200
Change to E-bike: C 300
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is April-May and early-November.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 12 to 25 °C (55 to 77 °F) by mid May.
- Summers are hot and humid. Mid June to mid August, is normally 15 to 30 °C (60 to 85 °F).
- Autumn, late September to early November, daytimes 10 to 20 °C range (50 to 70 °F).
GET TO THE START
Most visitors to Japan fly into the Narita International Airport (originally known as New Tokyo International Airport). The primary airport serving Tokyo, Narita International Airport is 57.5 km east of Tokyo Station, and 7 km east-south east of Narita Station. After arriving at the airport, there are a number of convenient transfer options, including rail, bus and taxi.
Most of the main cities are connected by Shinkansen, the high-speed bullet train system operated by Japan Railways (JR). The Sanyo Shinkansen Line serves Hiroshima, running from Osaka, through Hiroshima and ending in Fukoka. This will be the train line stopping at Onomichi Station for the beginning of your Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike.
Hiroshima is served by Hiroshima Airport (HIJ). Domestic flights from Tokyo run regularly. From the Hiroshima Airport, bus transfers into Hiroshima and surrounding areas are available.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Visiting Japan
Comprised of an archipelago of volcanic islands, Japan is a large and extremely varied country, occupying roughly the same latitudinal zones as the eastern seaboard of the United States. Thankfully, the island nation is easily traveled by an extensive rail system.
Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike route takes you through Hiroshima, located in the southwestern part of the Japanese islands. It is rich in the natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains, with mountains, sea, rivers, valleys, plains, and basins that characterize Japan's landscape. Hiroshima can be roughly divided into four areas—Aki Area of the Southwest, Bingo Area of the Southeast, Geihoku Area of the Northwest, and Bihoku Area of the Northeast. Each of these areas has its own local culture, unique food, and climate.
For those seeking adventure, Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike experience offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and cultural immersion. Meanwhile, Tokyo—the most populous city in the world—deserves a trip in its own right. The urban sprawl that defines this megalopolis can be daunting; however, focusing on a few neighborhoods, especially leafy Nakameguro, trendy Shimokitazawa, and the museum district of Roppongi, will keep you from becoming overwhelmed. Despite its size, Tokyo remains one of the most livable cities in the world.
MORE READING
Often referred to as road bikers' heaven, Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike route follows the Shimanami Kaido Bikeway from Onomichi, across the Seto islands to the beautiful Shikoku - the smallest and least populated of Japan's major islands. All linked with beautiful bridges, the trail of islands leads you to Yashiro Island and the Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Along this route, Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike adventure will take you to the largest treasure house of fighting equipment used during the age of the samurai in Japan, Oyamazumi Shrine. You will also visit captivating limestone caves, historical temples, castles, and even Japan’s oldest bathhouse.
Hiroshima and Islands of the Seto Sea Bike experience offers not only stunning landscapes but also a deep dive into Japan’s unique culture. Japan is an interesting but culturally very different place. Food, rooms, even the side of the road: everything is different. You will sleep on futons on tatami floor mats. You will eat beautiful raw fish sushi with rice for breakfast. You may choose to bathe in onsens (communal baths). Please refer to Freewheeling’s introductory documents in order not to be surprised by some of the social graces that will be expected of you.