MEDIA FACT SHEET
Shikoku's Historic Towns
Beyond the Shimanami Kaido Into Pilgrimage Country
A 9-day guided cycling journey beginning in Onomichi and crossing the island bridges of the Shimanami Kaido before continuing through Shikoku to Takamatsu. The route combines Seto Inland Sea scenery with castle towns, hot springs, sacred mountains, pilgrimage sites, regional food and traditional Japanese lodging.
Main riding days range from 30 to 60 km, with a shorter sightseeing ride in Kagawa. Roads are paved and generally quiet, with several longer climbs in the 4 to 7% range and a support van available for luggage and lifts.
Fast Facts
Destination: Shikoku & Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Activity: Guided bicycle touring
Duration: 9 days
Start: Onomichi
Finish: Takamatsu
Main riding: 30-60 km per day
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Coastal roads, rolling countryside & several longer climbs
Roads: Paved, generally quiet rural roads
Season: March to November
Lodging: Boutique hotels, ryokan & temple lodging
Support: Guide team + support van
Price: From $7395
What Makes the Journey Different
The Shimanami Kaido is the opening act rather than the whole story. After crossing the celebrated bridges and islands of the Seto Inland Sea, the route continues into Shikoku itself, where cycling connects Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen with the sacred mountain traditions of Ishizuchi, pilgrimage temples in Kagawa and the gardens of Takamatsu.
The cultural details are woven into the riding days: a seasonal farm visit on Omishima, maritime history connected to the Murakami Kaizoku, roadside food stops, a temple stay, an udon-making session and nights in ryokan where regional meals and bathing traditions are part of the journey.
Editorial Angles
Beyond the Shimanami Kaido
Japan's famous island bikeway serves as a gateway to a broader Shikoku story. The trip continues from the Inland Sea into castle towns, mountain country, pilgrimage landscapes and regional communities that many riders never reach.
Pilgrimage Country by Bicycle
Shikoku is closely associated with sacred mountains and its historic temple pilgrimage. The route encounters Ishizuchi Shrine, Kanonji, Kotohira Shrine and Zentsuji, where the group stays in simple temple lodging before the final ride to Takamatsu.
Udon, Ryokan and the Inland Sea
Food and lodging provide a second route through the region: Setouchi seafood, Sanuki udon, local snacks, a hands-on udon-making session, traditional ryokan, Dogo Onsen and small inns shaped by island and pilgrimage culture.
Across the Inland Sea and Shikoku
- Onomichi to Omishima - 40 km: Cross the Shimanami Kaido's island bridges, visit Kosanji Temple and take part in a seasonal farm experience before a traditional ryokan dinner.
- Omishima to Imabari - 40 km: Continue across the Inland Sea, explore the maritime history of the Murakami Kaizoku and cross the Kurushima Kaikyo bridges into Shikoku.
- Imabari to Matsuyama - 50 km: Follow the coast toward Matsuyama Castle and the historic Dogo Onsen district.
- Ishizuchi region - 50-60 km: Turn inland toward forests, mountain villages and Ishizuchi Shrine, entering the spiritual landscape around one of Shikoku's sacred peaks.
- Kagawa pilgrimage country - 15-30 km: Link Kanonji, Takaya Shrine, Chichibugahama, Kotohira Shrine, Sanuki udon culture and the historic Kanamaruza Kabuki theater.
- To Takamatsu - 35 km: Begin with a temple ritual at Zentsuji, ride the coast and finish among the ponds, pavilions and paths of Ritsurin Garden.
How Pedalers Runs the Trip
Guides: Bilingual Pedalers guides ride with the group, handle navigation and translation, and help connect the cycling with the cultural details of rural Japan.
Bicycles: Top-quality bicycles are included for the journey.
Support: A support van carries luggage and provides convenient lifts. GPS tracks and detailed route information add another layer of navigation support.
Accommodation: The trip mixes boutique hotels with traditional ryokan and a night of temple lodging, including stays beside the Shimanami Kaido, in Dogo Onsen and in smaller Shikoku communities.
Food: Regional meals are central to the trip, with Setouchi seafood, Japanese inn dinners, local snacks and a hands-on Sanuki udon-making experience.
About Pedalers
Pedalers has operated small-group active journeys since 1987, specializing in cycling, walking and canoe trips built around local knowledge, thoughtfully designed routes, regional food and distinctive accommodations.
The company focuses on destinations its team knows firsthand rather than maintaining a large global catalog.