Summer 2026 Shikoku Highlights Tour: Shimanami Cycling, Ishizuchi & UFO Line

The hotels listed above are currently on tentative hold. Depending on the number of participants and overall circumstances, they may be changed to another hotel of the same standard. Thank you for your understanding.
The distances and elevation shown above are approximate. They may vary depending on road conditions, as the route may be adjusted accordingly.

Highlights

Day1 Onomichi

The journey begins in Onomichi, a charming seaside town on the Seto Inland Sea and the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido. Participants gather here for our welcome party, meet their guides, and get fitted on their E‑bikes for the days ahead. With its narrow hillside lanes, cozy cafés, and views of island‑dotted waters, Onomichi offers the perfect setting to ease into the tour. As gear is adjusted and conversations begin to flow, the relaxed atmosphere of this town sets the tone for the cycling and hiking adventures that await across Shikoku.

Day2 Shimanami-Kaido

On Day 2, we ride the world‑famous Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s most iconic cycling route. This island‑hopping road connects Honshu and Shikoku across six islands and six beautifully engineered bridges, offering sweeping summer views of the Seto Inland Sea. Thanks to dedicated cycling lanes and the support of comfortable E‑bikes, riders of all levels can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and relaxed pace of this coastal journey. The final 4‑kilometer suspension bridge marks your arrival in Shikoku, where we finish the day with an overnight stay in Imabari—the gateway to the island and the perfect place to rest before the mountain adventures ahead.

Day3 Mt. Ishizuchi

Day 3 takes us into the heart of Shikoku’s mountains with a hike up Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan and one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. After a morning transfer, we ride the ropeway to the Joju Shrine trailhead and begin our ascent. The route from this side offers a steady, rewarding climb, leading to the summit in about three hours with sweeping views that open wider as you gain elevation.
From the peak, we descend south into Kochi Prefecture, following a quieter trail that reveals a different face of the mountain. At the end of the hike, we settle into Shirasa Mountain Lodge, a peaceful retreat with clear views of the very ridgeline we climbed earlier in the day. Surrounded by cool summer air and alpine scenery, it’s the perfect place to rest before the final day’s ride along the UFO Line.

Day4 UFO Line

Our final day begins with a refreshing morning ride along the legendary UFO Line, a high‑elevation ridgeline road that stays cool even in midsummer. As we traverse the Ishizuchi mountain range, wide‑open views and crisp alpine air create one of the most exhilarating cycling experiences in Shikoku. After passing through a thrilling, pitch‑dark tunnel, the route drops into a long, flowing descent—an unforgettable downhill that carries us all the way into the town of Saijo.

Here, our journey comes to a close. Riders can unwind at a local public bath, washing off the dust of the adventure before continuing onward. From Saijo, convenient connections by train or bus make it easy to reach Matsuyama, Hiroshima or Osaka.

The cycling sections are beginner‑friendly, especially with the support of E‑bikes, making the rides accessible even for those new to cycling. Our E‑bikes are equipped with long‑lasting batteries, allowing you to use high‑power assist throughout the day without worry. A support vehicle accompanies the tour at all times, so if you feel tired, you can ride in the car and skip the climbs.

The overall difficulty is rated three stars because the itinerary includes a mountain hike on Mt. Ishizuchi. While the trail has no chains or technical rock sections, some parts feature sustained steep slopes that require steady effort.

Please note: For road bikes (non‑electric), the difficulty level remains 3 due to the lack of motor assistance.

All cycling routes are carefully chosen to avoid heavy traffic, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience throughout the journey.

Arriving in Onomichi

From Tokyo

• Take the Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station (approx. 3.5 hours)
• Transfer to a local train to Onomichi Station (approx. 20 minutes)

From Osaka/Kyoto

• Take the Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station (approx. 1 hour)
• Transfer to a local train to Onomichi Station (approx. 20 minutes)

From Hiroshima

• Take the Shinkansen to Mihara Station (approx. 30 minutes)
• Transfer to a local train to Onomichi Station (approx. 15 minutes)

Departing from Saijo

To Osaka

• Express bus to Osaka Station (approx. 4.5 hours)
  Departs Iyo-Saijō station at 16:35 — advance reservation required
  Rservation website: Japan Bus Online

To Hiroshima

• Express train to Okayama Station (approx. 2 hours)
  Departs Iyo-Saijō station at 16:28
• Then Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 40 minutes)

To Matsuyama

• Local or express train to Matsuyama Station (approx. 1 hour)

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.