Wheel Women Cycling Club

Beyond the well-known cycling routes, this relaxed island-hopping journey uncovers the quieter corners of Setouchi: coastal roads, fishing villages, citrus groves, cliff-top onsens and authentic local communities. With two-night stays throughout, the pace is slower than the operator's other Japan tours, leaving time to properly settle into each place before moving on. Highlights include cliff-top onsens, kaiseki dinners and a genuine taste of everyday Japan.

For 2027, Wheel Women has again partnered with WomanTours USA, having run the tour together in 2026. It's a women-only cycling adventure built around supportive, judgement-free riding, letting participants explore at their own pace. The route runs from Onomichi through Mukaishima, Setoda, Omishima and the remote island of Osakikamijima, mixing Shimanami Kaido cycling, ferry hops and cultural stops including a wagashi-making workshop, before finishing back in Onomichi.

Highlights:

• Ride quiet, lesser-known sections of the Shimanami Kaido, including a climb to Kirosan and the Kurushima Kaikyo bridge crossing
• Visit Shiratakiyama, home to hundreds of stone Buddhas, via the "flower line" climb
• Stay two nights on the remote, time-warp island of Osakikamijima, with a cliff-top onsen and kaiseki dinner
• Explore the preserved old town of Takehara and the port town of Setoda, including Kosanji temple
• Take part in a traditional wagashi sweet-making workshop and mini tea ceremony with a fourth-generation maker
• Onsen soaks, local izakaya-style dinners (including Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki) and a final celebration dinner in Onomichi

Surface and terrain: There are several notable climbs, including a short, sharp forest climb to Takamiyama, a roughly 2 km climb up Shiratakiyama (partly walked), and a legendary 3 km climb to Kirosan. Riding otherwise follows quiet coastal roads and the Shimanami Kaido's dedicated cycle paths and bridges, with ferry transfers linking some sections (Osakikamijima and Takehara). Specialized e-bikes are used throughout. No daily distances, surface type (sealed/unsealed) or total elevation figures are given.

Weather: Not stated on the page.

Suitable for: Moderately fit people looking for a "relaxed" trip prioritising slower travel, culture and onsen time over distance, though it includes several genuine climbs.

This unique and exciting cycling adventure explores the creative heart of Japan's Setouchi region. From the historic and traditional villages nestled into the streets of Tomonoura and Kurashiki to the world-renowned art island of Naoshima, we'll ride through rice fields, along quiet coastal roads and hidden island backways, tackling rewarding climbs and discovering places few visitors ever see. Along the way, we'll ride the lesser known sections of the legendary Shimanami Kaido, one of the world's most celebrated cycling routes. ​ Staying in beautifully designed accommodation that blends the best of tradition with modern, we'll uncover the stories behind the places that have transformed Setouchi into one of Japan's most exciting cycling and creative destinations. Blending adventure, culture, architecture and a little secret local knowledge and connection, this is an unforgettable journey through one of Japan's most inspiring regions.

Highlights:

• Cycle the islands and coastal roads of the Seto Inland Sea, including the Shimanami Kaido
• Visit the art island of Naoshima, with works by Tadao Ando, Yayoi Kusama and Lee Ufan
• Explore design-focused towns including Tomonoura, Kurashiki and Saijo, plus a traditional wagashi-making workshop
• Ride to the foothills of Mount Ishizuchi and take the Ishizuchi ropeway
• Stay in a mix of restored heritage buildings and contemporary architecture, including a Kengo Kuma-designed hotel

Surface and terrain:

Riding is on coastal roads, rice-field lanes and island backroads, including sections of the Shimanami Kaido and its bridges. Most riding days include notable climbing, with elevation gains ranging from around 230m to 700m. Riders should expect "some uphill" crossing the region's many bridges. Daily distances range from about 25 km to 75 km.

Suitable for:

Riders comfortable holding 24-26 km/h on flat ground for extended periods, with pre-tour training recommended. Average daily distance is around 50 km, with a longest day of 75 km and regular hill/bridge climbing. This is a women's tour.
Just because we're called Wheel Women doesn't mean men aren't welcome. We love it when guests bring their partner, whether male or female, and we warmly welcome couples of all kinds.

A journey through the many faces of Setouchi and Ehime, combining spectacular island cycling with culture, history and relaxation. Riders take in quiet coastal roads, the sacred landscapes of Omishima, the atmosphere of Matsuyama's castle and its famous Dōgo Onsen, and the citrus-lined streets of Setoda and Ikuchijima. With a blend of cycling, local culture and restorative stops, the tour aims for a balance of adventure and indulgence across one of Japan's most beautiful regions, from Onomichi out to Matsuyama and back via Ikuchijima and the historic port town of Tomonoura.

For 2027, Wheel Women has again partnered with WomanTours USA, having run the tour together in 2026. It's a women-only cycling adventure built around supportive, judgement-free riding at each person's own pace, taking in a wagashi-making workshop, onsen soaks and a finish at Abuto Kanon, a women's "power spot" on the coast near Onomichi.

Highlights:

• Ride quiet coastal roads across the Shimanami Kaido, including the Kurushima Kaikyo bridge and the Kirosan climb (twice, on the outward and return legs)
• Visit Shiratakiyama's 700 stone Buddha statues and Oyamazumi Shrine's 2,600-year-old camphor tree on Omishima
• A rest and exploration day in Matsuyama, taking in Matsuyama Castle and the historic Dōgo Onsen
• A traditional wagashi-making workshop and tea ceremony with a fourth-generation maker on Ikuchijima
• Explore the historic old town of Tomonoura, the inspiration for Miyazaki's Ponyo, finishing at the women's "power spot" of Abuto Kanon
• Guaranteed entry to the Cycling Shimanami event

Surface and terrain:

Riding follows quiet coastal roads, the Shimanami Kaido's dedicated cycle paths and bridges, and a stretch of coastal riding into Matsuyama. Notable climbs include Shiratakiyama (Day 3, part of a 45 km, 214m day), the roughly 3 km Kirosan climb (ridden on both the outward and return legs), and the Kurushima Kaikyo bridge crossing. Specialized e-bikes are used throughout, with one full rest/free day in Matsuyama. Distances are only stated for two of the ten days (45 km and 30 km); the rest, and total elevation, aren't published.

Suitable for:

Strong riders who can ride a genuine mix of longer riding days (Day 5 into Matsuyama is described as "a longer day in the saddle"), repeated significant climbs, and a built-in rest day, plus optional shorter/rest options on Day 8.