Cycle Shikoku

Ride Buddhist pilgrim trails, past ancient temples, through mountains, along the wild pacific coast, past age old remote villages and pristine mountain streams.

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.

Some nights we stay in superb Japanese Inns where you can relax in a hot tub or on some nights, soothe your bones in a hot spring bath before enjoying your Japanese feast.

Highlights

• Shimanami Kaido, a dedicated cycle way across the islands and bridges of the inland sea.
• Cycle from 50 km (31 m) to 110 km (68 m) 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 some Japanese Inns and eat delicious Japanese food.

The roads are mostly smooth and narrow. The bulk of the riding on the old samurai roads see very little vehicle traffic.