Overview
Your one-day, family-friendly tour is a ferry and bike tour that starts and ends with a relaxing ferry trip through the inland sea and is for anyone who wants to ride shorter distances, making it a great choice for anyone with kids or for people who just want a relaxing day at a slow pace. A peaceful island-hopping guided tour and the perfect addition to your Japanese experience! WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR UNIQUE -The only Shimanami tour suitable for people of all ages -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 what you want, at your own pace -Expert Guide and native english speaker who also designed the tour from years of experience -An immersive rural and cultural experience you will never forget -Best suited to travellers, families with children, adventure seekers and people who want to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Japan, with limited time!
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Bottled water given at the start of the day
- Cycling insurance(accidents, Injury and liability)
- Bike & helmet rental (Cross Bikes, City Bikes, Battery Assisted Bikes & Battery Assisted Bikes with a child seat. An E-Bike [More powerful and longer range] is an extra cost.)
- Light snacks such as bars and fruit
- Ferry from Onomichi to Innoshima, from Setoda to Onomichi
What's Not Included
- Lunch, other snacks and drinks are not included. You will have free time to choose your own lunch
- Transportation to/from Onomichi
- Entrance fees for optional sites (e.g. Kosanji Temple ā visit is not part of the tour)
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 board the ferry to sail out into the inland sea.
Stop 2
On Innoshima, you will start a relaxing ride to just enjoy and ābreath-inā island life as you cycle past farms, flower fields and rural towns, before crossing the stunning Ikuchi bridge onto Ikuchijima.
Stop 3
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, enjoy a Lemon or Salt ice cream , before arriving at the charming town of Setoda.
Stop 4
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. Enjoy a nice lunch, explore fascinating 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 an 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 5
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 6
Finally, we will meet back in Setoda, drop off the bikes and head to the Setoda port to catch the ferry (45 minutes) back to Onomichi. This tour is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, nature, art and relaxation. Ideal for 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