Guest Interview: Cycling Through Highlights of Shikoku in October 2025
Fumiya
As October came to a close, so did the busy season of our autumn cycling tours.
This year’s Shikoku Highlights Tour welcomed many wonderful guests and was filled with unforgettable moments. From mountain trails to riverside paths, each journey brought its own stories. We share reflections from three guest groups who joined us—each offering a unique glimpse into their experience, along with insights from our guides.
Contents
- 1 What motivated you to join this particular tour?
- 2 Why do you enjoy cycle tours?(How is it different from cycling solo or organizing your own trip?)
- 3 What was the most memorable part of this tour route?
- 4 How would you rate the difficulty level of the route?
- 5 What aspects of Shikoku’s food left a strong impression on you?
- 6 What aspects of Shikoku’s culture left a strong impression on you?
- 7 How was the guide’s service during the tour?
- 8 How was the equipment provided for the tour?
- 9 What were your expectations before the tour, and how did the actual experience compare?
- 10 Do you have a message for those considering joining this tour?
- 11 Check Out Our Tour!
What motivated you to join this particular tour?
Mainly to bike the Shiminani Kaido but a bonus to see Shikoku Island
It is run by local (Japanese) guides. I wanted to explore Shikoku, starting off with Shimanami Kaido.
We really wanted to cycle South Japan
The Shimanami Kaido is Japan’s most famous cycling route.
On the first day of our journey from Honshu to Shikoku, we crossed six islands and six bridges along this scenic route. With perfect weather and gentle terrain, it was an ideal day to enjoy stunning views and a smooth ride.
Why do you enjoy cycle tours?
(How is it different from cycling solo or organizing your own trip?)
Tours in a foreign country are more enjoyable especially because of the language barrier and knowing where the places of interest are. Riding the back streets is a great way to see a country
I trust a route created by a local tour company. I enjoy meeting and cycling with the people who participate in the tour from different part of the world.
Meeting new people with cycling background
Shikoku is full of small local roads and hidden paths used by residents.
At ShikokuAdventure, we carefully design our routes to avoid major highways—less than 10% of our course uses main roads. Instead, we prefer quiet backroads where guests can glimpse local industries, landscapes, and native plants. Riding through these areas offers not only a peaceful cycling experience, but also a chance to learn about Shikoku’s unique culture and natural environment.
What was the most memorable part of this tour route?
Biking on good paths, interesting routes and great food
Iya valley
There are too many to mention but cycling in Nakatosa was particularly stunning
Iya is one of Japan’s hottest travel destinations right now.
Tucked deep in the mountains, it preserves the untouched beauty of Japan’s traditional landscape. Guests visit iconic spots like the vine-made bridge (Kazura-bashi) and the dramatic Valley (Hinoji-keikoku), then enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride through the scenery. Many have told us they felt they had truly experienced the “authentic Japan.”
Nakatosa is located in southern Shikoku.
On this day, the route featured a long downhill ride from the inland mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The winding descent offered an exciting experience for cyclists. After enjoying fresh seafood in a local fishing town, the tour continued along the peninsula. The coastal scenery was beautiful, and the moderate ups and downs made the course both enjoyable and satisfying for riders.
How would you rate the difficulty level of the route?
Moderate especially on an e bike
The distance and the vents (climbing difficulty) were not too challenging, which was perfect for me this time, as I didn't have much chance to train this year with other commitments in my life.
Challenging climbs. The rest was doable without e-bike
Our courses are designed primarily with e-bikes in mind, so some climbs may be challenging for road cyclists.
However, a support vehicle is always on hand—ready to provide rest stops, snacks, drinks, and full backup throughout the ride.
What aspects of Shikoku’s food left a strong impression on you?
The fish dishes and traditional Japanese food
Fresh seafood (particularly, sashimi and Katsuo Tataki) and yummy grilled beef (Yakiniku).
The unique flavours in each region of Shikoku especially Udon
Shikoku is home to many delicious local foods, with two of the most famous being katsuo no tataki and udon.
Katsuo no tataki—lightly seared bonito with a raw center—is especially flavorful in Shikoku, far surpassing what you might find in other regions of Japan. Its smoky aroma and sashimi-like texture make it a unique culinary experience.
Udon in Shikoku features thick, chewy noodles and is a beloved everyday dish found throughout the island. It’s deeply rooted in local food culture and widely available.
If you visit Shikoku, these two dishes are must-tries.
What aspects of Shikoku’s culture left a strong impression on you?
Politeness, cleanliness, farming and shrines
Friendly people, dense green mountains and quiet hidden spots.
All of the unique features and cultural elements were fascinating
This cycling tour passed through rich agricultural areas, with views of local fruits like lemons and kiwis, as well as rice fields.
During harvest season, guests saw ripe rice plants, terraced paddies, and farmers at work. In spring, the scenery shifts to rice planting and cherry blossoms.
Shikoku locals are known for their warm hospitality.
Thanks to the island’s history as a pilgrimage destination, people here are used to welcoming travelers. They often strike up friendly conversations and share local stories. Fortunately, These make our tours memorable!
How was the guide’s service during the tour?
Tour guides were excellent and fun and as someone said "not bossy"
They were excellent; always tried their best to answer our questions, sharing their local knowledge and very helpful.
Most excellent!
Thank you everyone! It was a wonderful and memorable tour for us too.
How was the equipment provided for the tour?
The e bike was great and fitted for the individual rider
I knew I would be provided wth an entrance-level road bike, so it was ok.
The Yamaha e-bikes were perfect and ideal for the steep climbing
We use Yamaha CrossCore e-bikes, which offer high power and a battery range of up to 100 km.
With wide 42C tires and built-in suspension, they minimize hand fatigue and provide excellent stability—especially on downhills.
They’re a bit heavy, so lifting them in and out of the support vehicle can be a challenge... but the ride comfort more than makes up for it.
What were your expectations before the tour, and how did the actual experience compare?
Expectations were to be safe, have good weather, comfortable accommodation and great riding which was what we enjoyed
The experience was much greater than my expectations. I guess we were lucky to have the tour members of the fun and challenging spirit.
The experience went far beyond our expectations!
All nine guests were adventurous and amazing—thank you so much for joining us!
Do you have a message for those considering joining this tour?
A great time to travel in October and the tour was so well guided with plenty of rest stops, great sightseeing and an overall Japanese experience. I would recommend this tour
The tour is strongly recommended for those who like to enjoy moderate but challenging enough bike riding to explore hidden Shikoku destinations. Meeting and spending time with the local guides gives more depth in your experience.
Rent e-bikes! Be sure to sample all food and drinks
Shikoku is one of the best places in Japan to explore by bicycle. With its easy-to-navigate roads, abundance of scenic and cultural spots, and flexible route options, it’s a cyclist’s dream. Our tours are designed for small groups, making it easy for guests to connect with each other and enjoy authentic local experiences. If you're curious, we invite you to check out our tours—and don’t miss our article about the joys of cycling in Shikoku!
Top Reasons to Go Cycling in Shikoku Japan
Ride through Japan’s best-kept secret. Shikoku offers epic cycling routes, authentic local charm, and the freedom to explore off the beaten path.
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