Cherry Blossom Cycling Tour

Highlights

Day1 Hiroshima

Setting the Tone for Adventure
The journey begins in Hiroshima, where participants meet and prepare for the week ahead. This vibrant city in western Japan serves as the perfect backdrop for assembling gear and bonding over a lively welcome party. With bikes adjusted and stories exchanged, a sense of camaraderie begins to form, setting the stage for the unforgettable landscapes and cultural encounters to come.

Day2 Tobishima-Kaidō

Islands in the Breeze
After departing Hiroshima, the group sets off on a route that includes a short ferry ride into the serene Seto Inland Sea. Riding along the Tobishima Kaidō, you’ll pass through quiet island villages and along coastlines that shimmer under wide blue skies. This lesser-known cycling route offers an intimate glimpse of rural island life, where the sea breeze and slower rhythm of local culture invite you to breathe and take it all in.

Day3 Shimanami-Kaidō

Bridges to Awe
Today’s ride is nothing short of iconic. After wrapping up the Tobishima route, a ferry leads to the start of the Shimanami Kaidō—a cycling dream stretching across island bridges. The journey across the vast Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, nearly 4 km long, offers stunning views that seem to stretch forever. By day’s end, you’ll set foot on Shikoku, having crossed some of Japan’s most breathtaking ocean passages.

Day4 Shikoku Karst

Climbing into the Clouds
From foothills to open skies, today’s ride is a challenge and a reward. The path climbs toward Shikoku Karst, a majestic expanse of limestone hills and sweeping meadows. Here, grazing cattle and windblown grasslands accompany your ascent. The panoramic views, paired with a quiet sense of accomplishment, make this one of the most memorable days of the tour.

Day5 Yusuhara

Breathing in the Stillness
A gentle pause in motion. Yusuhara, tucked deep in the mountains, welcomes you with its quiet charm and striking architecture. Though small in population, the town surprises with buildings designed by famed Japanese architects and a strong presence of traditional culture. It’s a chance to wander, reflect, and simply enjoy the rural stillness that defines this unique corner of Japan.

Day6 Niyodo River

Petals Along the Purest Stream
Trace the banks of the Niyodo River, celebrated across Japan for its crystal-clear waters. As you ride, cherry blossoms flutter overhead, forming a pink veil that dances in the sunlight. The blend of river, forested hills, and seasonal blooms creates an exquisite portrait of spring—where every turn of the wheel deepens the connection to nature’s quiet elegance.

Day7 Sameura Lake

Reflections in the Mountains
Today you venture inward, into Shikoku’s mountainous heart. Remote villages, layered rice terraces, and winding roads guide your journey to Lake Sameura—a mirror-like reservoir nestled among peaks. The scenery here feels untouched and sacred, with reflections so still they seem suspended in time. It’s a day of depth, discovery, and serenity.

Day8 Kōchi

A Joyful Descent and Flavorful Farewell
After a week of climbing and coasting through Japan’s most scenic routes, the final day brings an exhilarating descent into Kochi. The vibrant city pulses with cheerful energy and a rich food culture shaped by sake and celebration. The tour concludes with a festive dinner, where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and every bite feels like a tribute to the road behind you.

Day9 Deperture

Farewell
From Kochi Station or Kochi Airport, guests will head off to their next destinations. The nearest Shinkansen station, Okayama, is about two and a half hours away by express train. Direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka take approximately one and a half hours.

Arriving in Hiroshima

From Tokyo

• Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 4.0 hours)

From Osaka/Kyoto

• Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 1.5 hour)

Departing from Kōchi

To Tokyo

• Flight from Kōchi Airport to Haneda Airport (approx. 1.5 hours)

To Osaka

• Flight from Kōchi Airport to Itami Airport (approx. 50 minutes)

To Hiroshima

• Express train to Okayama Station (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Then Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 40 minutes)

We provide domestic insurance coverage for basic adventure tours within Japan. However, please note that any medical expenses incurred outside of Japan—such as treatment for injuries discovered after returning to your home country—are not covered. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in your home country that includes adventure tour coverage.