Shimanami Kaido LONG Explorer OCT 2026
Join the Shimanami LONG Explorer and experience the AMAZING Cycling Shimanami 2026 event ride!
You might’ve done event rides before…
but nothing comes close to the epic thrill of Cycling Shimanami.
Held just once every two years, this iconic ride is your chance to take on the full length of Japan’s breathtaking Shimanami Kaido—shoulder to shoulder with new Japanese friends,
olling as one joyful peloton across the sparkling Seto Inland Sea.
Before the big day, we’ll ride the lesser-known hidden routes of the Shimanami, soaking up
serene coastal views and discovering secret corners only the locals know. We’ll also dive into
the cultural treasure of Matsuyama, home to one of Japan’s most beautiful castle towns...
you might just feel the spirit of the samurai stir as you ride!
Then it’s game on: the Cycling Shimanami event explodes into life with colour, energy, and a
post-ride festival packed with music, dancing, Japanese street food, and FUN you’ll never forget.
If you’re chasing the rush of an unforgettable ride and the wonder of cultural immersion, this is
the ride that ticks every box. Let’s go make memories—together, as one big, happy team.
In 2026 we've teamed up with WomanTours USA
In 2026 we've teamed up with the amazing WomanTours USA to bring you some women only tours.
It' what we do best and takes us back to our roots of supporting women in a judgement free environment,
catering to different abilities and supporting your adventure. We can't wait for the cross cultural experience.
So go on, head to their website for bookings on the Shimanami Explorer 2026!
Arrive Onomichi
DAY 1
Check into your hotel and take a wander around the gorgeous seaside port of Onomichi. Tonight we have a beautiful Welcome Dinner organised to kick things off...get ready for the adventure to start!
Mukaishima and Iwashi
DAY 2
Catch the ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima and do a circuit of Mukaishima and Iwashijima. Both islands are small and picturesque and off the first taste of cycling on the Shimanami. Breathtaking shrines on the beach, small farms close to the shore and lookout points definitely worthy of photos. On the return trip we’ll visit our favourite ice cream shop Tsubuta Sank for some local flavour goodness.
Distance: 30km, 200mt elevation
Onomichi to Setoda
DAY 3
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
Sagishima Picnic
DAY 4
The very cute island of Sagishima is always a day to take things slow. With our bakery goods in hand we'll find the best possible spot with gorgeous views to have a picnic on the beach. It's a sleep little island, bamboo groves, small hills, a magnificent sakura hill in the right season and locals that stop and wave and love a chat.
Distance: 30km, 80mt elevation
Setoda to Omishima
DAY 5
We take the fun and and forested 'innoshishi path' and do a loop of the north of Omishima. You'll be drenched in the aroma of citrus groves, watch the fishing boats head to their favourite catch spots and maybe even see a pirate ruin. Oyamazumi jinja is an absolutely magnificent shrine and if you can manage a few laps of the 700 year old camphor tree the gods might grant your wishes.
Distance: 42km, 233mt elevation
Okunoshima OR Yumeshima Kaido
DAY 6
We have a choice today of heading the very cute Okunoshima to see the rabbits who inhabit the island and have become a big tourist attraction...juuxtapose this with the creepy abandoned buildings of the gasworks used in WW1 and WW11. You might even choose to have a rest day, or we can head to the fabulous Yumeshima Kaido for some hills with epic views...whatever way we go, you won't be diappointed.
Distance: 30km, 150mt elevtion (unless we head to Yumeshima...expect more km's and more elevation)
DAY 7
Omishima to Matsuyama
We have a longer ride ahead of us today...80km so it will be an early start to ensure we can stop and anjoy the scenery. The ride from Setoda to Matsuyama will be a long one as the end section is a little stop start in the traffic. But our hotel will be comfortable and we can find some great local restaurants depending on what you feel like eating...tempura, pizza, sushi, ramen! The route will take us through some amazing local areas along the waterfront, as well across the amazing 4.2km Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. It can be quite industrial in parts along this route but it is really interesting.
Distance approx: 80km, mostly flat except for bridges
Matsuyama sightseeing
A day of fun in Matsuyama. Catch the chairlift to the famous Matsuyama-jo (castle), one of the original 12 castles not rebuilt. After castle fun you might like to wander the walking streets and indulge in some pearl shopping in the `departo' (department stores)...the area is famous for pearls that supply Mikimoto. It's also famus for the Imabari towels, so be sure to check the store near the castle for some amazing design work. A must see is the amazing Dogo Onsen, Japan's first onsen dating back 1,000yrs.
Distance: your choice to walk the city or ride
DAY 8
DAY 8
Matsuyama to Imabari
We will leave Matsuyama and catch the train to Imabari (TBA). Our night in Imabari is your chance to rest before the BIG day...tomorrow we get to stretch our legs on the Cycling Shimanami event ride. It's an early start the next day, so be sure to rest up. Highly recommend some souvenire shopping for some famous Imabari towels, oh, and we'll definitely find the best pizza in town to fuel up.
Distance: 40km, 140mt elevation
DAY 9
Cycling Shimanami 2026 Event
It's time for the incredible Cycling Shimanami event ride for 2026. This bi-annual event is surely the most fun event you can possibly experience...the vibes are high, the fun is to the max and the crowds will be out to cheer you on! This is absolutely a not to be missed event. Team work is paramount, we always totally rock it with the locals...they LOVE Wheel Women!
Distance: 70km, 450mt elevation
DAY 10
Tomonoura to Yokoshima
Because we know you haven't had enough, this is our last party together...a fun day to the spirtual Abuto Kanon temple and exploration of the paths less travelled on Tajima and Yokoshima. Two islands, epic views, crazy paths nobody seems to use and maybe even a few wild pigs (we hope not!). It's all an adventure and today we wind it up a notch! It's also our last night party to farewell everyone, to remember the friends we've made and plan the next adventure together.
Distance: 70km, 450mt elevation
DAY 11
Farewell time
Time to check out and do your last bits of shopping. Checkout is 10am and you are free to stay on or head to your next destination. Do your last bits of shopping and maybe buy an extra suitcase!! you might need it!
Breakfast included. Farewell hugs included.
DAY 12
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!
