Guest Interview: Shikoku Sunshine Cycling Tour in March 2026
Fumiya
As the winter winds of early March swept across the island, our "Shikoku Sunshine Cycling Tour" came to a successful close. This tour was a unique journey through the quiet, crisp landscapes of Shikoku, followed by the ultimate reward of a steaming hot spring. We sat down with three wonderful guests from Australia to hear about their experiences, from the "luxury" of the onsen to the heartwarming encounters with locals in hidden villages.
Contents
- 1 How was the combination of winter cycling and hot spring (onsen) stays?
- 2 Which hotel was your favorite, and what made it stand out?
- 3 Did you have any memorable interactions with local people?
- 4 Why would you recommend Shikoku Adventure for a cycling tour?
- 5 Check Out Our Tour!
How was the combination of winter cycling and hot spring (onsen) stays?
It was the perfect combination. We had a very, very cold week for our tour, and after a fairly long day on the bike, the onsen was particularly welcome. Where we live in Australia, we don’t have onsen, so it felt like an incredible luxury and a special reward after making a big effort in the cold.
For me, getting to the hotel was the best part of every day. A hot onsen is like an invitation to just relax. We were also blown away by the hotels—they were beautiful and luxurious beyond our imaginings, with a level of comfort and 'deliciousness' we didn't expect.
I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour so much.
In Japan, there’s a unique rhythm to bicycle travel: ride hard, then unwind in a soothing onsen. This tour was designed around that very idea, so it means a lot to know that the experience resonated with you.
Winter in Shikoku can certainly be cold, but it’s also a season of clear skies, bright sunshine, and beautifully crisp scenery—a wonderful time for cycling. And of course, the warmth of the onsen feels even more rewarding after a chilly ride.
Which hotel was your favorite, and what made it stand out?
I loved NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town. My room felt like my own small house. It was so beautifully warm on a freezing day, with the sun streaming through the windows of the authentic wooden room. Looking out at the Japanese garden and the flowering cherry tree from the window was just stunning.
It’s too hard to choose! Each hotel was so unique and different. The hotel at the beach was a favorite, but then the scattered hotel (in Ozu) was also amazing. Every place was brilliant in its own way.
My favorite was Sennen-matsu. The view over the Inland Sea was breathtaking—you could just sit and stare at it. The onsen, the food, the service, and especially the dining room were all brilliant. I also have to mention the Green Hill Hotel; it was a great 'landing spot' with a fantastic breakfast.
This itinerary is designed so that half of the nights are spent in lively castle towns or port towns, while the other half take you to quiet coastal or mountain‑side retreats. Experiencing this contrast is one of the unique pleasures of traveling through Shikoku by bike.
Each hotel has its own personality—location, food, architecture, and atmosphere all vary—so I’m glad you were able to appreciate those differences.
NIPPONIA Hotel Ozu Castle Town, in particular, is a special place. The buildings are beautifully restored from historic townhouses, keeping their retro exterior while offering a modern, comfortable interior. The way the rooms are scattered throughout the old town makes the stay feel wonderfully immersive and unique.
And Sennen‑matsu truly has one of the best ocean views among all the hotels we use. Being able to look out over the calm Inland Sea from your room creates a sense of peace that’s perfect after a day of riding.
Did you have any memorable interactions with local people?
So many! The 'boat guy' and the owner of the pizza shop had such lovely smiles. At Sen Matsu, the woman who served our meals was so sweet—she even shared her own story of having lived in Tokyo.
One of the best moments was a man near the Green Hill Hotel who called me over to show me his car. And while riding through a village, a lady shouted, 'You got this!' to us. In Australia, tourists don't usually get that kind of greeting, but in Japan, people are so friendly that you find yourself wanting to say hello to everyone.
The children we met in the old town were also a highlight. They were fascinated by us, so engaging, and really funny. It was a joy to interact with them.
People in Shikoku are truly friendly, and even a small conversation or a simple exchange of smiles often becomes an unforgettable memory for travelers. With the long history of Buddhist pilgrimage in the region, locals are very accustomed to welcoming those who are on a journey. These everyday encounters are, I believe, one of the great charms of traveling through Shikoku.
Why would you recommend Shikoku Adventure for a cycling tour?
It is the best way to have a truly authentic experience of Japan—what we call the 'road less traveled.' These are hidden gems that we could never have found on our own. We were almost the only Europeans everywhere we went—hotels, restaurants, and roads—which made it feel like a whole world of experience you wouldn't get elsewhere.
Also, at a time when you hear so much about overtourism in Japan, this tour allows you to avoid the crush. You see the beautiful parts of the country, eat amazing food, and have one of the most special experiences of your life without the crowds.
Finally, the guides are absolutely amazing. They looked after us so well and brought a sense of peacefulness to the trip. They never seemed stressed or irritated, and that energy allowed us to truly unwind and relax.
Hearing our guests describe Shikoku as a "hidden gem" and their interactions with locals as "heartwarming" reminds us why we love what we do. Whether it's the steam of a winter onsen or a cheering voice from a roadside garden, we strive to create connections that go beyond the bike.
Check Out Our Tour!
Bike tour
1-Week Shikoku Island Cycling Tour
Explore Shikoku on a 6‑ to 8‑night cycling journey through one of Japan’s most nature‑rich and culturally distinctive regions. Starting from Honshu or Shikoku, the route may include the Shimanami Kaido, coastal roads, mountain valleys, and historic towns. Ride through quiet countryside and dramatic mountain scenery while experiencing warm local hospitality. A varied, immersive island adventure offering new landscapes, traditions, and flavors each day
Date: Spring 2026
May 6th-14th G)
May 26th-Jun 1st (G)
Autumn 2026
Sep 24th-Oct 1st
Nov 6th-14th (G)
Nov 17th-25th
Nov 28th-Dec 6th
Spring 2027
Apr 19th-27th
May 9th-17th
Level: ★★☆☆☆
Kyushu Coast-to-Volcano Cycling Tour
Kyushu Coast‑to‑Volcano Cycling Tour is a multi‑day ride linking Kyushu’s coastlines, islands, historic port towns, and volcanic highlands. The journey moves from seaside roads and quiet countryside to the open grasslands and crater rims of Aso, finishing in the hot‑spring town of Yufuin. It’s a compact but varied adventure that blends culture, scenery, and warm local hospitality at a cyclist’s pace.
Date: Autumn 2026
Oct 12th-18th (G)
Level: ★★★☆☆
Cherry Blossom Cycling Tour
Experience the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms as you cycle through Shikoku’s tranquil countryside—past sakura‑lined rivers, hilltop temples, and quiet village paths on an intimate spring journey far from the crowds.
Date: Spring 2026
Mar 30st - Apr 7th(G)
Spring 2027
Mar 23th -30th
Mar 31st -Apr 7th
Level: ★★☆☆☆
Shikoku Sunshine Cycling Tour
Pedal through crisp winter air and clear blue skies as Shikoku’s serene landscapes unfold around you. Each ride ends at a carefully selected inn, where soothing onsen baths restore body and spirit. A quiet, revitalizing winter journey that turns cycling into a ritual of renewal.
Date: Winter 2026-7
Dec 14th - 22nd, 2026
Mar 3rd - 11th, 2027
Level: ★★☆☆☆
(G): Guaranteed departure
(S): Sold out
Multi-Activity Tour
Shikoku Cycling & Hiking Highlights Tour: Shimanami Cycling, Ishizuchi & UFO Line
Ride the island‑to‑island beauty of the Shimanami Kaido, hike Mt. Ishizuchi for sweeping alpine views, and cycle the dramatic ridgelines of the legendary UFO Line. This compact multi‑day journey blends cycling, hiking, culture, and unforgettable scenery—capturing Shikoku’s most iconic highlights in one seamless adventure.
Date: Summer 2026
Jul 13th - 16th
Aug 31st - Sep 3rd
Spring 2027
Apr 12th - 15th
May 24th -27th
Level: ★★★☆☆
Multi-Activity Tour across Shikoku's Ancient Roads: Bike, Hike and Kayak
Embark on a cross‑Shikoku journey that blends cycling, trekking, and kayaking through scenic valleys, sacred peaks, and tranquil rivers. Follow routes once used by pilgrims and villagers, discovering layers of tradition, resilience, and natural beauty across mountain passes and coastal towns. A varied, immersive adventure revealing the deeper soul of Shikoku.
Date: Spring, 2026
May 17th - 25th
Autumn 2026
Sep 11th - 19th
Level: ★★★☆☆
(G): Guaranteed departure
(S): Sold out
Other Tours
Shikoku Pilgrimage Highlights Walking Tour– Selected Sections
Shikoku Pilgrimage Highlights Walking Tour offers a short, approachable introduction to the Shikoku pilgrimage. You walk selected scenic sections in Tokushima and Kochi, visiting a few temples, learning simple customs, and enjoying quiet forest and coastal paths. A gentle, meaningful way to experience the spirit of the pilgrimage.
Date: Winter 2026-7
Dec 2nd-9th, 2026
Mar 12th-19th, 2027
Level: ★★☆☆☆
Private Tour
Create Your Own Shikoku Adventure
Our private tours are fully customizable—designed around your interests, schedule, and group size. Whether you're drawn to mountain hikes, cultural encounters, local cuisine, or spiritual journeys, we’ll craft a unique itinerary just for you. Combine your favorite activities and destinations across Japan, from serene temples to vibrant cities, and experience travel that’s truly personal.
