Overview
Are you ready for something slow, calm and welcoming? Immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of the Seto Inland Sea and enjoy a relaxed cycling experience, on a dedicated cycling path that is webbed with fishing villages, hillside citrus orchards and historic shrines. Welcome to the Shimanami Kaido, voted one of the āSeven Best Bike Routes in the Worldā. Explore a different side of Japan, away from the overcrowded tourist sites with our cycling and ferry tour. A perfect addition to complete your Japanese experience! WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR UNIQUE -Designed to highlight all āmust seeā spots -A mix of cycling and ferries to make it suitable in the summer heat -Free time at our main destination, to explore at your own pace -Expert Guide and native english speaker who designed the tour from years of experience -An immersive rural and cultural experience you will never forget!
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Bottled water given at the start of the day
- Cycling insurance
- Ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima, from Setoda to Onomichi
- Use of bicycle
- Light snacks such as bars and fruit
What's Not Included
- Please come to the meeting point, Onomichi station, by yourself
- You will have free time to choose your own lunch
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
The day will start in the beautiful Onomichi, where you meet your guide at JR Onomichi station, have introductions and a debrief on your day ahead. Then you will collect your bikes and head to a ferry port.
Stop 2
After a short ferry trip to Mukaishima, here you will hop on your bikes and join the Shimanami Kaido and a short ride out of town will bring you to the coast, where you will see the beautiful Seto Inland Sea for the first time. Following the coast around, you will soon see the Innoshima Bridge emerge from the horizonāa sweeping span of steel gracefully arcing across the shimmering blue waters below. A striking gateway to the next leg of your journey.
Stop 3
On Innoshima, the second island from Onomichi ābreath-inā island life as you cycle past farms and flower fields and rural towns. You'll do a short cycle/walk up Mount Shirataki to see the ā700 Buddhasā, then a slow ride to just enjoy rural life before crossing the stunning Ikuchi bridge onto Ikuchijima.
Stop 4
Ikuchijima, the āArt Islandā and known as the birthplace of lemons in Japan. Here you ride along the islandās scenic northern coast passing Citrus orchards and fishing villages, we will enjoy an ice cream at āDolceā (I recommend the Lemon and the Salt!), before arriving at the charming town of Setoda.
Stop 5
Setoda town is your main destination where you'll have your own free time to enjoy at your own pace. The guide will give you information on restaurants, cafes and sightseeing spots as well as the guide's contact in case of emergency. Enjoy a nice lunch, explore fascinatin temples, walk through hidden caves, and visit the āHill of Hopeā, a dazzling marble sculpture garden. If you want to cycle a little more, also included in your tour is an extra 18 km round trip. This is a free option, so check with your legs and meet your guide after lunch if you want to keep pedalling. If you decide to stay in Setoda town, you will have extra 1.5 hours of free time. There are so many more things to do such as walking the old shopping street or soothing your muscles in an onsen(bring spare clothes if you want to change).
Stop 6
If you want to cycle a little more, let's ride to the beautiful Sunset Beach, where you can capture stunning coastal photos. Then through citrus fields, across the Tatara Bridge, the second-longest bridge on the Shimanami Kaido (1,480m), and cross onto Omishima Island.
Stop 7
Finally, we will meet back at the bikes, drop them off and head to the Setoda port to catch the ferry (45 minutes) back to Onomichi. Once there we will walk to JR Onomichi station around 18:00pm. This tour is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, nature, art and relaxationāideal for adults and riders of all levels, and a truly special and unique way to absorb a quieter side of Japan that you will simply remember forever.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels