Beyond The Blue Line
Island Hopping on The Setouchi
Venture beyond the well-known cycling routes and discover the hidden islands of Setouchi. This relaxed island-hopping journey explores quiet coastal roads, fishing villages, citrus groves, cliff-top onsens and authentic local communities. With two-night stays throughout, there's time to slow down, connect with local life and experience a side of Japan few visitors ever see.
Experience the 'real Japan' with onsens, kaiseki meals and local fun.
In 2027 we've teamed up with WomanTours USA
We had so much fun with WomanTours USA in 2026 that we just had to do it all again in 2027!
Together we're bringing you another women-only cycling adventure, combining our shared passion for creating supportive, judgement-free experiences where women can ride, explore and challenge themselves at their own pace. We can't wait for another unforgettable cross-cultural journey through Japan.
Arrive Onomichi
DAY 1
Arrive in coastal and nostalgic village of Onomichi, gateway to the Shimanami Kaido island cycling course. Arrive in the afternoon and after check-in explore Onomichi on a short walking tour. Explore the hillside town and take the cable car to Peak to take in the spectacular views across the Shimanami Kaido. Our return course is walking via Cat Alley and the amazing hillside temples of Senkoji and Tenneji Temple. (Tour available to those who arrive by 3pm)
Mukaishima and Iwashi
DAY 2
Our first day of cycling and we test out our bikes after delivery in the morning. Our first course is to explore one of the prettiest courses in the area but not on the tourist radar. A lap of Mukaishima and Iwashijima with a short but sharp climb through the forest to Takamiyama. You will be treated to incredible views back to Onomichi and feel that sense of achievement. Ride back down the hill and experience the whoosh, before continue the circuit course and take a stop on gorgeous Iwashi to admire the hidden tori gate on the beach pointing to Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.
Onomichi to Setoda
DAY 3
From Onomichi we head to the very esoteric Shiratakiyama, home to over 700 stone Buddhas. It is said in the early days that even Christian’s found the place so holy they carved crosses in the Buddha’s when their own religion was outlawed, secretly they prayed on the mountain top. We take the ‘flower line’ course which provides a steady climb to the top over about 2km, before we walk the last section. Discover what the early monks created over 1,000 years ago and immerse in the tranquility and zen.
Omishima and Kurushima Kaikyo with Kirosan
DAY 4
From Wakka we can take an out and back course to the incredible Kurushima Kaikyo bridge spaning 4.2km across the Seto Inland Sea. The views are stunning and the best part, we have a dedicated bike path to keep us safe, just like all the bridges on the Kaido. Once we have experience the extraordinary engineering of the bridge we head to Kirosan…the legendary climb of the Shimanami. It’s 3km long and is worth the climb. At the top you will be treated to views of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands that reach on forever.
Osakikamijima
DAY 5
From Omishima we take the north loop and head towards the ‘Toyo Ito’ course (he’s one of Japan’s most eminent architects and has a small museum sitting in a remote location)! From there we head to Munakata port and catch a ferry across to Osakikamijima. This is the place that feels like it was left in a time warp…quiet, slow, old wooden buildings, abandonded factories from another era and an onsen hotel from another era. It’s a secret place of ours and when we discovered it we wondered why more people don’t visit. This is your chance for the full ‘Japan experience’…traditional rooms, a full kaiseki dinner, an outdoor onsen perched high on the cliff that looks across the Seto Inland Sea. You’ll never want to leave!
DAY 6
A loop around Osakikamijima is like an immersion into the land time forgot…abandoned buildings, life moving slowly, traditional old houses and temples from another era. It’s a gorgeous loop and we end up at the port to take a ferry back to the mainland to visit the old town of Takehara, so intact and like a movie set. You can explore, find old kimono, enjoy the local crafts and find local treats for lunch. We then head back to the ferry and return to the Seifukan onsen hotel where you can relax in the outdoor spring fed onsen overlooking the ocean.
Osakikamijima
DAY 7
Setoda, Ikuchijima
We catch the ferry back to Munakata port and take the course back to Setoda. Our hotel awaits and after arrival we can take the time to wander around gorgeous Setoda, have a ‘real’ esperesso coffee watching the ferries come in and out of port, or visit the slightly quirky Kosanji temple. Setoda is a place guests always ask us for more time it…it’s relaxing, interesting, old world and so very peaceful. You’ll also find some great cycling gear specific to the Shimanami! Dinner tonight is not to be missed…a traditional Hiroshima style okonomiyaki in a small family run restaurant. It’s always fun!
We’ll start the day with a little zen experience…a wagashi traditional sweet making workshop. Our teacher Takata san moves with precision and focus…his family have been involved in wagashi making for over 400 years! The sweets are seasonal, beautiful and fun to make…but what tops it off is watching as Takata san prepares a mini tea ceremony for us. The quiet of the ‘chasen’ as he whisks the tea, the way the beautiful cups are turned…it’s an amazing experience and Takata san is always so lovely to spend time with. After our wagashi, we head back to Onomichi for our final night celebration.
DAY 8
Setoda to Onomichi
We use and recommend Specialized bikes. Our bikes for the tour are Specialized Vado SL flat bar e-bikes when possible.
The food at Wakka is a true delight...fresh produce sourced locally. In the evening it is their legendary barbecue.
We take the less travelled routes...take the hills!
Part of our course takes us acrss the Shimanami to some very special locations, including Oyamazumi jinja with the 2,600 year old camphor tree
We find the best spots for lunch!
Time to check out and say goodbye...we'll misss you. Today you are on your own to take on your next adventure!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• An exclusive tour jersey
• Accommodation at minimum 4 star
• All transfers between locations
• Luggage transfers between hotels
• Dinners where listed, all breakfasts
• Bicycle hire of Specialized e-bike
• Japanese speaking guide with local knowledge
• Support vehicle in Setouchi area*
• Final dinner with drinks at U2 Cycle Hotel
• Route maps and daily ride guide
• Rider pack including folding backpack, other goodies
* Support vehicle is available at all times, however is user pays on the day
NOT INCLUDED
• Airfares and transfers to/from start/finish
• Lodging before and after tour
• Personal items during the tour
• Alcohol, refreshments, lunches
• Travel insurance...this is mandatory
• Dinner and lunches not listed in schedule
• Other cycling kit required for tour
• Luggage storage
• Cycling computers and mounts
We are always happy to assist you to work out the best way to arrive at your destination, how to book shinkansen and advise on which routes/transfers are the easiest. We are local experts!
