Shikoku Island - Remote Roads and Wild Rivers
Ride Buddhist pilgrim trails, past ancient temples, through mountains, along the wild Pacific coast, past age-old remote villages and pristine mountain streams.
Shikoku provides a rare window into ancient Japan. Here, away from the crowds, we cycle along ancient Samurai paths that wind over mountain passes and along crystal clear mountain streams.
Life appears to stand still in these remote valleys as we ride through historical villages on narrow roads built for horses, where gabled roof rural houses stand sentinel to the passing of time. The riding is smooth, hot mix bitumen, mostly on secondary roads that see little traffic.
En route, the sweet chanting of pilgrims, our fellow travellers on this island of Buddhist devotion, can be heard as we pass temples and pagodas. In Shikoku, those looking for enlightenment in the modern world walk the ancient paths once trodden by the great Buddhist saint, Kobo Daishi. Here the 'ohenro' or pilgrims smile and wave as they visit the 88 temples of "the Daishi" in their pursuit of spiritual awakening.
Our ride takes us from the spectacular Iya Gorge, the deepest gorge in Japan, with its thatch roof houses and old vine bridges, through the spectacular mountains around Mt. Ishizuchi, Shikoku and Western Japan's highest mountain.
We explore the Pacific coast with its beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle before travelling along Japan's last great pure river, the Shimanto.
Most nights we stay in superb Japanese Inns, where you can relax in a hot tub or soothe your bones in a natural outdoor hot spring bath before enjoying your Japanese feast.
Our Shikoku - Remote Roads and Wild Rivers bike tour is part of Cycle Japan’s Samurai Collection. Along with our Honshu - Kumano Kodo & The Alps - and fall Mount Fuji tours, these are stunning standalone trips, exploring the spectacular history, culture and landscape of three distinct parts of Japan. The complimentary dates mean the tours can be combined to create a longer multi-stage trip.
Cycle Shikoku's delights include Homemade ice cream
“Thank you for a truly wonderful experience and for introducing me to the remarkable country that is Japan. Absolutely the best cycling experience ever!”
“Thanks again for a great tour. We had a fantastic time, in large part due to your planning and guidance.”
Shikoku - Remote Roads and Wild Rivers Tour Highlights
The Shimanami Kaido a dedicated cycleway across the islands and bridges of the inland sea that connects the large islands of Shikoku with Honshu.
Cycle from 50 km (31 miles) to 110 km (68 miles) per day and explore from the high mountains to the sea at Cape Ashizuri.
Cycle along Japan's last pure waterway, the magnificent Shimanto River.
Soak up culture and history as you ride past ancient temples, Buddhist pilgrims and old villages.
Stay in Japanese Inns and eat delicious Japanese food.
Bilingual tour leader, support vehicle and mechanic.
The roads are mostly smooth and narrow. Most of the riding on the old samurai roads see very little vehicle traffic.
Shikoku - Remote Roads and Wild Rivers - 11 days
Price: $7,040 USD per person. (Based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room, then a supplement will apply.)
2025 Tour Dates
Spring 2025 - 20th to 30th May
Fall 2025 - 19th to 29th October
2026 Tour Dates
Spring 2026 - Dates TBC
Fall 2026 - Dates TBC
Private Groups: This guided departure is available for private groups and can be modified to suit group rider needs. Contact us to arrange a private departure.
Accommodation: We use a range of accommodations, including 3 luxury nights, standard mountain inns & some western-style Hotels. See our accommodation page for more details.
Rider Numbers: 8-16 riders.
Grade: Level 1 (moderate to strenuous). See our grade page for more details.
How to book: Fill in the Booking Form, and we will send you a confirmation and details of how to pay the deposit. Our tours are priced in US dollars, but we also accept payments in AUD, EUR & GBP.