2027 Japan Sea to Summit
October 2 to October 11, 2027
Japan Sea to Summit – Discover a side of Japan few travellers ever experience on this extraordinary cycling journey across the island of Shikoku. From the island bridges of the Shimanami Kaido to the high alpine roads of the Shikoku Mountains, this tour blends iconic cycling with the culture, landscapes and traditions that make Japan so unique.
The adventure begins on one of the world’s most famous cycling routes, the Shimanami Kaido, where a chain of spectacular bridges links a series of islands across the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. From here the journey heads deep into the mountains of Shikoku, tackling legendary roads such as the breathtaking UFO Line and the sweeping plateau of the Shikoku Karst.
Along the way you will ride quiet rural roads through terraced rice fields, traditional villages and dramatic coastal landscapes, discovering a side of Japan rarely seen by visitors.
Off the bike, the experience is just as memorable. Relax in traditional onsen inns, explore historic castle towns, enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine and experience the warm hospitality that defines rural Japan.
From sea level to high mountain passes, this is a journey that captures the beauty, culture and spirit of cycling in Japan.
Key Details
- 10 Days (9 Nights)
- Social to Experienced
- Multiple Breakfasts, Multiple Dinners and Culture Experiences
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Hotels
- Support Vehicles
- Mechanical Assiatance
- Navigational Guidance
Twin Share AUD $TBC
Single supplement Available on requestTour Gallery
Secure Your Spot for the 2027 Japan Sea to Summit Tour – 100% Risk Free
Following the huge success of our 2026 Japan Sea to Summit tour, which sold out within days of release, we have opened early pre bookings for the 2027 tour. This gives you the opportunity to secure a place on this unique sea to summit cycling adventure through Shikoku.
The full day by day itinerary is currently being finalised and will be released soon. Tour pricing will be confirmed in January 2027 once hotel contracts and rates have been finalised. Pre booking allows you to hold your place while we complete the final details.
Why Pre Book with Bikestyle Tours?
- Priority access when the full Japan Sea to Summit itinerary is released
- Pricing confirmed in January 2027 once hotel rates are finalised
- 10 days to confirm or cancel once the detailed itinerary and pricing are available
- Fully refundable deposit if the tour is not right for you
- No risk, just first access to a limited number of places
Once you review the final itinerary and pricing and confirm your booking, our standard reservation terms will apply.
Secure your place early and be among the first to experience this spectacular sea to summit cycling journey in Japan.
Arrival Information
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📍 Start city: Osaka, Japan
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📅 Arrival day: Saturday 2 October 2026
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⏰ Collection: Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan
Departure
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📍 Finish city: Osaka, Japan
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📅 Departure day: Monday 11th October 2026
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⏰ Tour Ends: Osaka, Japan
Group Size: 14 guests (4 staff)
Riding: Japan is a dream destination for cyclists, with smooth tarmac, quiet rural roads, and drivers who are exceptionally respectful of riders. Daily rides typically range from 70km to 120km, adjusted to suit elevation and conditions. On bigger climbing days, distances may be shorter. Shorter ride options are always available, along with full vehicle support.
Challenge Rating: This tour is designed for riders who enjoy a challenge and want to experience Japan’s most memorable climbs and stunning ocean roads. Expect sustained ascents, scenic mountain roads, and rewarding descents. Optional ride extensions are offered on select days for those looking to add extra distance or elevation.
Accommodation: We stay in a carefully selected mix of modern hotels, traditional ryokan, and unique regional stays that reflect the character of each location. Comfortable rooms, excellent hospitality, and memorable settings are a key part of the experience, with several nights offering onsen and exceptional local dining.
Rides: This tour is created for experienced to intermediate level cyclists. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, we provide flexible daily ride options tailored to meet different fitness levels. Stronger riders can opt for route extensions to add more distance and elevation, while those seeking a gentler pace or rest day can explore non-cycling activities or enjoy our easier ride options. Each day brings a new choice, allowing everyone to personalise their experience and enjoy the journey.
Challenge Rating: Combination of flat and climbing
- Buffet breakfast as details in itinerary
- 9 Lunches and evening meals on 9 nights
- Cultural Tour
- Overnight Ferry to Osaka
- Drinks at welcome and farewell dinners
- Professional and experienced cycling guides
- Travel in air-conditioned vehicles
- 10 nights accommodation in modern hotels and traditional ryokan and overnight Ferry Cabin
- Transfers from designated collection and drop-off locations
- All meals (as listed on itineraries)
- Mechanical assistance with your bike
- Ride nutrition (including drinking water, sports powders, bars/muffins, and fruit)
- Bikestyle Tours Guest pack
- Ride files and detailed tour itinerary
- Ride Japan’s Most Scenic Roads – From the famous Shimanami Kaido to the dramatic UFO Line and the sweeping Shikoku Karst plateau, this tour showcases some of the most beautiful and rewarding cycling routes in Japan.
- Discover a Side of Japan Few Travellers See – Cycle through quiet mountain villages, terraced rice fields, historic castle towns and spectacular coastlines, experiencing the authentic rhythm of rural Japan.
- Expertly Designed Cycling Itinerary – Our routes are carefully crafted to combine iconic climbs, quiet backroads and unforgettable landscapes, supported by experienced Bikestyle Tours guides.
- Authentic Japanese Cultural Experiences – Stay in traditional inns, relax in natural onsen hot springs, enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine and explore historic sites including Matsuyama Castle and ancient temples.
- Ride with Complete Support – Enjoy full support throughout the tour including experienced guides, mechanical assistance, vehicle support and carefully selected accommodation.
- Small Groups, Premium Experience – With small groups and a personalised approach, Bikestyle Tours delivers a relaxed, friendly and immersive cycling experience from start to finish.
Pricing Details:
- Price: AUD $TBC per person (based on twin share)
- Single Supplement: Limited single rooms available on request
Please note: All prices are per person and exclude airfare. Rates are based on double occupancy. Solo travellers will be paired with a roommate unless a single room is preferred, in which case the single supplement applies.
Note: It is a requirement for Bikestyle Tours that you have travel insurance for your trip.
Many guests enjoy the convenience of renting one of our professionally prepared, high-quality bikes.
- Rent a bike to avoid the hassle of transporting your own on a longer overseas holiday.
- Renting helps prevent potential damage or delays that can come with international bike transit.
Bike Hire Charges
Bike Hire: Enquire for details
Please note: As a renter, you are responsible for any damages to your rental bike during the hire period, so we ask that you handle it as if it were your own. Each bike is customised to your measurements before arrival and fully serviced by our professional mechanic to ensure top performance.
Japan Sea to Summit is a standout cycling journey through the heart of Shikoku, designed for riders who want more than just great roads. This carefully crafted tour blends iconic Japanese riding with remote mountain climbs, coastal scenery, and deep cultural experiences, all in a small group, fully supported setting.
Across ten days, you’ll ride some of Japan’s most celebrated and least travelled roads, from the island hopping bridges of the Shimanami Kaido to the dramatic climbs of the UFO Line and the high altitude roads of the Shikoku Karst. Expect smooth tarmac, quiet countryside, big elevation days, and long, rewarding descents, with distances tailored to suit the terrain and optional extensions for those chasing more.
Off the bike, the experience is equally memorable. Stay in a mix of modern hotels, traditional ryokan, and unique regional accommodation, enjoy exceptional local food, soak in onsen after big days in the saddle, and slow the pace with a dedicated culture day in Matsuyama. With expert Bikestyle Tours support throughout, Japan Sea to Summit delivers an unforgettable sea to summit cycling experience, combining challenge, comfort, and the true spirit of Japan by bike.
Your Itinerary
Arrival in Osaka – Gateway to the Shimanami Kaido
Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Osaka where you meet your Bikestyle Tours guides and prepare for the adventure ahead. Known as Japan’s culinary capital, Osaka buzzes with energy, colour and incredible street food.
After handing over your bikes for transfer, we travel by train to the charming harbour town of Onomichi. Perched above the Seto Inland Sea, this historic town of hillside temples and narrow streets is the perfect gateway to the legendary Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
In the evening we gather for a welcome dinner, meeting fellow riders and previewing the spectacular riding that awaits across the island of Shikoku.
- Meet your Bikestyle Tours guides and fellow riders
- Experience the vibrant culture and food scene of Osaka
- Arrive in Onomichi, the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido
- Meet your Bikestyle Tours guides and fellow riders
- Experience the vibrant culture and food scene of Osaka
- Arrive in Onomichi, the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido – Japan’s Most Iconic Ride
Today you ride one of the most celebrated cycling routes in the world. The Shimanami Kaido connects Honshu and Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea via a remarkable series of bridges and quiet island roads designed with cyclists in mind.
The route flows across six islands linked by sweeping suspension bridges that rise high above the turquoise waters below. Along the way we tackle rewarding climbs including Shirataki and the famous Kirosan Observatory, where sweeping views reveal the beauty of the scattered island chain.
It is a spectacular introduction to cycling in Japan before finishing in the coastal city of Imabari.
- Ride the legendary Shimanami Kaido across six islands
- Cross spectacular bridges over the Seto Inland Sea
- Panoramic views from Kirosan Observatory
- Ride the legendary Shimanami Kaido across six islands
- Cross spectacular bridges over the Seto Inland Sea
- Panoramic views from Kirosan Observatory
UFO Line – Riding the Roof of Shikoku
After a short shuttle to the start, today delivers one of the most extraordinary rides in Japan. The famous UFO Line winds along the spine of the Shikoku Mountains for more than 40 kilometres, delivering breathtaking alpine scenery and endless views.
The road traces the mountain crest through rolling moorland and dramatic ridgelines, often drifting through low cloud that gives the route its otherworldly name.
After soaking in the incredible scenery, we descend toward the quiet mountain village of Kuma where a traditional pilgrim inn awaits.
- Ride the spectacular UFO Line ridge road
- Experience panoramic views across the Shikoku Mountains
- Discover the peaceful mountain villages of rural Japan
- Ride the spectacular UFO Line ridge road
- Experience panoramic views across the Shikoku Mountains
- Discover the peaceful mountain villages of rural Japan
Shikoku Karst – Climbing to the High Plateau
The day begins with a quiet visit to one of Shikoku’s historic temples, offering a moment of calm before the climbing begins.
From here the road rises steadily toward the Shikoku Karst, one of the island’s most distinctive landscapes. Sitting high above the surrounding valleys, the plateau opens into sweeping grasslands scattered with dramatic limestone formations.
Tonight we stay high on the plateau at Hoshifuru Village, a remote mountain lodge famous for its incredible night skies and peaceful setting.
- Visit a historic temple along the Shikoku pilgrimage route
- Ride to the spectacular Shikoku Karst plateau
- Stargaze from one of Japan’s most remote mountain lodges
- Visit a historic temple along the Shikoku pilgrimage route
- Ride to the spectacular Shikoku Karst plateau
- Stargaze from one of Japan’s most remote mountain lodges
Ozu – Cycling into Historic Japan
The morning begins with a thrilling descent from the Karst plateau before the road winds through quiet countryside toward the historic town of Ozu.
Often described as the “Little Kyoto of Ehime”, Ozu is beautifully preserved with traditional wooden townhouses and a striking castle overlooking the Hiji River.
Tonight we stay at the elegant Nipponia Hotel Ozu, a carefully restored heritage property that blends traditional architecture with modern comfort
- Enjoy a spectacular descent from the Shikoku Karst
- Explore the historic castle town of Ozu
- Stay in a beautifully restored heritage hotel
- Enjoy a spectacular descent from the Shikoku Karst
- Explore the historic castle town of Ozu
- Stay in a beautifully restored heritage hotel
Hijikawa Valley – The Heart of Rural Shikoku
Today’s ride follows the tranquil Hijikawa River through one of the most picturesque valleys in Ehime.
Quiet country roads wind alongside clear flowing water, passing traditional villages, terraced fields and forested hillsides. It is a ride that perfectly captures the peaceful rhythm of rural Japan.
This evening we will arrive in Kihoku where a soothing onsen provides the perfect recovery after a rewarding day in the saddle.
- Ride through the scenic Hijikawa River valley
- Experience the peaceful beauty of rural Shikoku
- Relax in a traditional Japanese onsen
- Ride through the scenic Hijikawa River valley
- Experience the peaceful beauty of rural Shikoku
- Relax in a traditional Japanese onsen
Ainan to Uwajima – A Hidden Cycling Gem
Today delivers one of the most memorable rides of the tour. After a short shuttle to the coast, the road climbs into dramatic terrain dotted with towering wind turbines.
The reward is an unforgettable descent to the coast where one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes unfolds. Terraced rice fields cascade in brilliant green layers down toward the sea, creating a scene that feels timeless.
It is a ride that perfectly captures the raw beauty of Shikoku before arriving in the coastal town of Uwajima.
- Ride through dramatic mountain landscapes
- Discover Japan’s spectacular terraced rice fields
- Experience one of the most memorable rides in the country
- Ride through dramatic mountain landscapes
- Discover Japan’s spectacular terraced rice fields
- Experience one of the most memorable rides in the country
Cape Sada – Riding to the Edge of Shikoku
Our final ride follows the beautiful Futami Coast as the road curves gently along the shoreline toward Matsuyama.
With fishing villages, quiet seaside roads and endless ocean views, it is a memorable final day in the saddle.
Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku and home to the famous Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated hot spring bathhouses.
- Ride the scenic Futami coastal road
- Arrive in the vibrant city of Matsuyama
- Visit the historic Dogo Onsen district
- Ride the scenic Futami coastal road
- Arrive in the vibrant city of Matsuyama
- Visit the historic Dogo Onsen district
Matsuyama – Culture and Farewell
Your final day celebrates the rich culture and history of Japan. We explore the impressive Matsuyama Castle, one of the country’s twelve original castles, before visiting a traditional temple and experiencing a Japanese tea ceremony.
In the evening we transfer to the port and board the overnight ferry back to Osaka. Once on board you will be able to relax and enjoy a comfortable sleep in your cabin as the ferry makes its way across the Seto Inland Sea. The ferry arrives in Osaka early the following morning.
As the journey draws to a close, you’ll reflect on an unforgettable cycling adventure across Shikoku. From sea level island riding to high mountain roads, this tour reveals a side of Japan few travellers ever experience.
- Visit the historic Matsuyama Castle
- Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Overnight ferry journey across the Seto Inland Sea
- Visit the historic Matsuyama Castle
- Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Overnight ferry journey across the Seto Inland Sea
Osaka – Departure Day
In the early morning the ferry arrives into Osaka at approximately 6:00 am, marking the conclusion of your Sea to Summit cycling journey across Japan.
After disembarking, we will offer a single transfer to Osaka International Airport. If you are staying on in Osaka, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, from historic temples and vibrant shopping districts to the famous street food scene that has made Osaka Japan’s culinary capital.
For those travelling home, convenient train connections and airport transfers are available to Kansai International Airport for your departing flight.
After an unforgettable journey across the mountains and coastlines of Shikoku, we say farewell and thank you for joining Bikestyle Tours on this remarkable cycling adventure.
Why Choose Us?
Experience
- With 29 years of experience, we offer an unforgettable cycling tour of France in 2025 with top-tier services.
Luxury Travel
- Travel in luxury on our tours and enjoy premium accommodations, 3-course meals, and comfortable transportation.
Tailored Itineraries
- We customise itineraries for every rider, offering scenic routes, luxury travel experiences, and flexible ride options.
Access Locations
- With us, you will have unforgettable access to iconic race events and scenic locations.
Bike hire available
Worried about travelling with your own bike? We have basic and premium options available.
- One of the largest private fleets of carbon bicycles available to our guests
- We service bikes after every hire, and set them up to your measurement before your arrive
- Just bring your own helmet and pedals
Experience Bikestyle Tours
Guaranteed Departures
- We won’t leave you stranded
- We do not cancel trips due to insufficient numbers
- If you book on a trip it is guaranteed to run
Personalised Service
- We have unparalleled commitment to guest service
- Experience cycling, culture, food and travel at its best
- An experience of a life time
Diversity
All trips have:
- Native language speaker
- Experienced tour leader
- Experienced bicycle mechanic
Many trips have:
- Ex-professional cyclists
- A female guide
Reliability
- Our accumulated experience and know-how delivers quality trips, every time.
- Our attention to detail allows you to ride, cheer, eat and sleep without hassle.
Travel like a Pro
- Our comfortable fleet of vehicles are the best in the business.
- We use custom trailers to carry your bike safely, protecting your bike from the elements.
Integrity
- We’re proud to have long standing relationships with hotels, professional cycling teams, guests, staff and suppliers.
- We enhance our offering through these relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining our 2025 Tour de France cycling tours is easy! Explore our tour options, select the one that fits you best, and click the Book Now button to reserve your spot. Unsure which tour is suitable for you? Contact us for personalised recommendations!
Each stage of the Tour de France varies in length, with our tours designed to accommodate different preferences and experiences.
The 2025 Tour de France promises a fresh experience, starting in Lille with a Spring Classics vibe. There are more mountain-top finishes, ensuring plenty of thrilling action!
During our 2025 Tour de France tours, we offer ride options ranging from 2 to 5 hours daily, allowing guests to choose their pace based on how they feel.
Every stage of the 2025 Tour de France offers an unforgettable experience. Our tours allow spectators to enjoy critical moments, from stage starts and mountain-top finishes to sprint finishes and feed zones, ensuring you capture the full essence of the Tour!
We recommend thoroughly reading the cancellation policies before making any decisions. Cancellations made within 90 days of the 2025 Giro d’Italia tour departure will result in a total loss of payment. It is strongly recommended to secure travel insurance upon booking.
Our Giro d’Italia tour covers the final two weeks of the race. Due to the locations it visits, it’s not practical to attend the race for just a day or two. Based on our experience, a two-week duration provides the best Giro experience.
The official route for the 2025 Giro race will be released in early November. However, our tour will cover the final two weeks of racing and will finish on the 2nd of June.
Yes, the 2025 Giro d’Italia is generally more challenging than a Tour de France cycling tour. It has steeper climbs, and the weather can be cooler, with many mountain passes still covered in snow, but it offers breathtaking views on every ride.
