Shikoku – Remote Roads and Wild Rivers

This is a standalone tour, however there is an additional Shikoku Tour that links with additional stages in Honshu and Kyushu, and forms part of the Samurai Epic Tour.

Here we will cycle through the magnificent Iya Gorge and tackle Mt Ishizuchi, Western Japan’s highest peak at 1982m (6503ft). Enjoy thrilling descents, pass terraced rice paddies, traditional thatched-roof houses, and ancient villages clinging to the mountainsides.

The tour culminates with the spectacular Shimanami Kaido, a series of suspension bridges that connect small islands, offering stunning views of the inland sea and linking Shikoku back to Honshu.

Shikoku is also famous for its pilgrimage of the 88 temples associated with the Buddhist priest Kuka, known as Kobo-Daishi. Modern-day pilgrims, called ‘Henro’ by the locals, still tackle the 1200-kilometre route, many of them sporting traditional white clothing, sedge hats and kongō-zue walking sticks.

Highlights – Explore the ancient Samurai roads and learn about this fascinating period in history. – Indulge yourself in the natural hot springs offered by most of our accommodations. – Discover the unique tastes of Japanese cuisine that are distinct and varied across the islands. – Experience the delights of Japanese style inns that offer a very different hotel experience to what you might be used to. – Share your route with pilgrims travelling in homage to the Buddhist saint, Kobo Daishi and visit some of the 88 temples that make up this 1,200-year-old pilgrimage. – Climb over the highest mountain in Western Japan – Mt Ishizuchi (1982m / 6502ft) – Cycle along Japan’s last pure waterway, the stunning crystal clear Shimanto River. – Traverse the amazing 60km+ long Shimanami Kaido bikeway, a series of suspension bridges and six small islands that link Shikoku with the main island, Honshu.

Longer routes are available throughout the tour for those wanting more daily riding and elevation.