Blue Seas, Onsen Dreams
...a Setouchi Island Journey
A journey through the many faces of Setouchi and Ehime, combining spectacular island cycling with culture, history and relaxation. Ride quiet coastal roads, explore the sacred landscapes of Omishima, soak in the atmosphere of Matsuyama's glorious castle and famous Dōgo Onsen, discover the charm of Setoda's citrus-lined streets.
With a blend of cycling, local culture and restorative moments, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence in one of Japan's most beautiful regions.
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.
DAY 1
Arrive Onomichi
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)
DAY 2
Mukaishima and Iwashi
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.
DAY 3
Onomichi to Setoda
We leave the U2 Cycle Hotel and start on our first day on the Shimanami Kaido. We will head to beautiful Setoda via Shiratakiyama...the legendary ‘impossible’ climb of the Shimanami. We will have a support car on hand because the views and the shrine at the top are spectacular. Over 700 ‘kami’ (gods) statues line the mountain top as a sentry. It is like entering the realm of the gods and really a breathtaking experience! We then cycle on to Tatara Cyclist Sanctuary for some lunch before stopping in at our accommodation. Don’t eat too much, the barbecue dinner is sublime.
Distance: 45km, 214mt elevation
DAY 4
Omishima
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.
DAY 5
Matsuyama
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 Imabari, often called the ‘end’ of the Shimanami Kaido cycling course as it is the usual finish point for most cyclists. Imabari sits in Ehime Prefecture and we cycle from there taking the coastal route to Matsuyama…it’s a longer day in the saddle but worth the gorgeous views along the way. As we arrive in the ‘big city’ of Matsuyama you will see the castle looming above the town in it’s majesty.
DAY 6
Matsuyama
A day off the bike or time for some short exploration rides on your own. We will head to Matsuyama Castle, one of the seven original castles in Japan that has not been rebuilt due to destruction during the war or from fire. It really is a beautiful sight and it’s grandeur is quite breathtaking as it watches over the city. You can climb to the top and see fabulous views over Matsuyama. Try some shopping in town and we can direct you to a great 2nd hand kimono store (if it is still open), or head to the famous Dogo Onsen, the oldest onsen in Japan possibly dating back 3,000 years!
DAY 7
Ikuchijima
Time to head back to the Shimanami area…let’s catch the train from Matsuyama while our bikes are transported from the hotel back to Imabari. From Imabari we ride across the famous Kurushima Kaikyo 4.2km long bridge, then we head to a 3km climb to beautiful Kirosan. It’s a tougher climb but on the e-bikes it’s all easy going. At the summit you will be treated to the fabulous lookout designed by architect Kengo Kuma, who some call a ‘living treasure’ of Japan. The views are breathtaking, spanning across the Kaido, as the Kurushima Kaikyo stretches out below you. It’s definitely worth the climb!
DAY 8
Ikuchijima
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 can do a short ride to Sagishima and Koneshima if the legs are in need of more riding. Or, you can relax in Setoda and enjoy Kosanji temple and the 5 story pagod on the hill.
DAY 9
Onomichi
Time to head back to our start point. We’ll follow the traditional route of the Shimanami Kaido on ‘the blue line’…this is the one the rest of the world takes! It means ice cream stops, daifuku tasting (if open) and enjoying waving at passing cyclists. It’s just a 30km hop back to Onomichi but we know the best places to stop for the views and the Instagram shots! It’s a chance to take it slowly today as we just enjoy the seaside course.
DAY 10
Tomonoura
Our final day of cycling…we knew you needed more so how could we forget a visit to beautiful old town of Tomonoura. Intact, historical, traditional…full of history and beauty, the town was also the inspiration for famous and ward winning anime director Miyazaki’s Ponyo movie. You will find all kinds of old-world treasures in Tomonoura so pack a small backpack. On our return course we will stop at beautiful Abuto Kanon, a fitting place for our final ride as it is a women’s ‘power spot’…dedicated to fertility, good childbirth and for those suffering from breast cancer or other ‘women’s illnesses’ the power spot is said to provide strength and good outcomes for women. It’s a perfect spot for us all to feel the gratitude of spending time together.
NOTE: Please note that itineraries may change between now and the departure date due to accommodation changes, weather, natural disasters and sometimes if we find something EVEN better!
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!
The Yumeshima Kaido is remote and beautiful, combining short climbs with seaside views
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
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
• Guaranteed event entry
* 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!
