Japan E-Bike Tour: Across the Seto Inland Sea

Day 1: Nestled on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the port town of Onomichi charms with its mix of temples, narrow hillside paths, and stunning water views. After checking into our starting hotel, we’ll gather for introductions and a welcome. We’ll enjoy our first taste of Japanese hospitality at dinner together and then get a good night’s rest— our adventure begins tomorrow!

Day 2: Today, we get our e-bikes delivered and fitted before hopping on a 10-minute ferry across the Onomichi Strait to Mukaishima Island. We’ll warm up with a scenic loop around Mukaishima and Iwashi, two charming islands linked by quiet coastal roads. We’ll stop to visit a beachside shrine with a striking red torii gate standing in the sea. We’ll sample artisan ice cream and marvel at the peaceful views and cliffside vistas. Dinner tonight is on your own – perhaps some famous Onomichi ramen? 23 miles ±755’.

Day 3: Today, we ride from Onomichi toward Omishima, following the Flower Line bike trail to Shiratakiyama. This sacred mountaintop is home to more than 700 stone Buddhas created more than 1,000 years ago. When Christianity was outlawed in Japan, it’s believed that hidden Christians found this place so holy that they secretly carved crosses into some of the Buddhas overlooking the sea and prayed here.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and sweeping views from the summit before heading to our lodging for the next two nights. Dinner will be a traditional barbecue featuring the local produce. 28 miles ±1187’.

Day 4: We begin the day with a stunning ride across the 2.5-mile Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Japan’s longest suspension bridge, offering unforgettable views of the swirling Seto Sea below. Those up for a challenge can tackle the optional 1.8-mile climb to Kirosan Observatory, one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the entire Shimanami Kaido. 23 miles ±1640’.

Day 5: Today we head toward Munakata Port, passing the distinctive Toyo Ito Museum along the way and then boarding a ferry to Imabari.

From Imabari, we follow the coastal route toward Matsuyama. It's a longer day in the saddle, but we’re rewarded with gorgeous sea views along the way. As we approach the city, the majestic Matsuyama Castle rises above the horizon, a magnificent reminder of the region's rich history. 50 miles ±2428’.

Day 6: We start the day with a visit to the 17th-century Matsuyama Castle, one of the few original castles in Japan that has never had to be rebuilt from a war or fire. Climb to the top of the tower for sweeping views over the city. In the afternoon, there will be time for exploring, shopping, and relaxing. Seek out the kimono shop and then visit the famous Dogo Onsen, believed to be the oldest hot springs in Japan, possibly dating back 3,000 years. Dinner is on your own tonight. 0 miles.

Day 7: After a morning train trip to return to Imabari, we'll get back on our bikes, cycle across the beautiful Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge again and then onto the Shimanami Kaido trail. We'll traverse Oshima and Omishima Islands, skirt Setonaikai National Park and end our day in Setoda.

If you have energy left, spend the afternoon wandering this sleepy town. Enjoy an espresso while watching ferries come and go from the harbor, browse a shop featuring cycling gear unique to the Shimanami Kaido, and visit the colorful and slightly quirky Kosanji Temple. Dinner tonight is a local favorite: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki served at a small, family-run restaurant. 56 miles ±1312’.

Day 8: Our day begins with a special cultural experience. Under the guidance of Takata-san, whose family has been making traditional wagashi sweets for more than 400 years, we'll learn the art of crafting these beautiful seasonal confections. The experience concludes with a mini tea ceremony as Takata-san carefully prepares matcha and shares the rituals that have accompanied Japanese tea culture for centuries. 

Afterward, those looking for a little more time on the bike may enjoy a short excursion to the nearby islands of Sagishima and Koneshima. 13 miles ±984’.

Day 9: Today, we return to Onomichi by following the last bit of the Shimanami Kaido. We'll take our time enjoying this seaside ride, stopping for ice cream, sampling a daifuku, a traditional mochi sweet, and waving to passing cyclists. ITake it all in as dinner is on your own tonight. 19 miles ±820’.

Day 10: For our final day of cycling, we head to the historic town of Tomonoura. Rich in history and traditional charm, its preserved streets are filled with old-world treasures waiting to be discovered.

On our return, we stop at Abuto Kanon, a place deeply meaningful to women. Dedicated to fertility, childbirth, and those facing breast cancer and other women's illnesses, it is considered a place of strength and healing. It should be a fitting final stop as we reflect on the journey we've shared during the past ten days. We'll celebrate our accomplishments at our final dinner together. 31 miles ±825’.

Day 11: Savor a final Japanese breakfast, grab any last souvenirs, and take time for goodbye hugs before heading off to your next destination. Whether it’s onward travel in Japan or the journey home, we’ll send you on your way with full hearts and wheels still spinning from the experience. 0 miles.