Western Japan Adventure October 2025
Adventure and Immersion in Every Turn
The Western Japan Adventure is a multi day tour that takes you into Japan's 'inaka', or deep country exploring the roads less travelled by tourists. We'll cross river valleys, wind our way through farmland, immerse in the fields of tea and explore cliff side mountain trails with views across the Seto Inland Sea. Add to that some truly unique experiences of shibori, wagashi sweet making and tea tasting,
this is the tour for those with adventure in their soul.
LOCATION & AREA
Travelling from Fukuoka in Kyushu Prefecture we head to the Asakura and Yame areas following rivers.
From Fukuoka to Hiroshima and Ehime Prefectures, we explore the Shimanami Kaido and Yumeshima Kaido on the Seto Inland Sea. We take the less 'touristy' routes.
DURATION & LEVEL
11 days, 12 nights
Able to cycle for 3-5 hours, up to 70km per day and up to 800mt of climbing. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness.
It's not a race but we do expect riders are able to ride at a minimum of 25kmphr for extended periods on the flat.
WHAT BIKE?
Bicycles available will be Specialized Vado SL flat bar
lightweight e-bikes.
Other bikes available on special request, however we reserve the right to provide bikes based on fitness and experience of riders.
ACCOMMODATION
All our hotels are at least 4 star
if not more and are bicycle friendly
We carefully select hotels based on them being locally operated and supporting locals. We have great relationships with the hotels we use and we love supporting local.
PRICING
At this stage prices
To Be Confirmed.
We are still finalising our itinerary and receiving information daily so please be patient with us.
PRIORITY BOOKING will secure your place with a $200 fully refundable deposit...if you are super keen, please go HERE!
HOTELS & Bikes
BOOK NOW BEFORE FEBRUARY 21st TO SECURE BEST PRICES
TOUR OVERVIEW
Western Japan holds so many surprises. Moving away from the 'golden tourist route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, we immerse in the 'inaka' and the paths less travelled by tourists. Starting in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu, we collect our bikes and then head to the Asakura area south of Fukuoka city. Staying in a glorious onsen we get to relax in hot springs and feast every night. The cycling will take us through tea fields, along river courses and up hills! We then head via shinkansen to the opposite side of Honshu to the Seto Inland Sea where will explore the less known routes of the Shimanami and follow it up with the quiet and more remote Yumeshima Kaido. Accommodation is at luxury level and the food...well, hey, it's Japan!
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive Fukuoka
You can fly into Fukuoka International airport or catch a shinkansen. Settle into your hotel in the afternoon and then explore the city a little. Dinner will be a 'yatai' street market experience tonight, or at leisure.
Day 2
Asakura Cycling
We collect our bikes and then start exploring the quiet countryside of the Asakura area. We'll visit the Harazuru onsen area and see the deep blue pools and visit Akizuki Castle ruins. Expect forest courses and following rivers.
55km, 500mt
Day 9
Setoda Rest day
Your choice to sit back and relax and explore beautiful Setoda, enjoy a wagashi sweet making workshop or head out for some more exploring on neighbouring Takaneshima, citrus groves and lazy stops on the beach.
20km, 100mt
Day 10
Back to Onomichi
It's time to head back along the Shimanami Kaido to Onomichi, or you can catch a ferry to have a little more time in Onomichi for the afternoon of shopping and exploring the alleyways, temples and ramen shops.
35km, 100mt
Day 5
Fukuoka to Onomichi
Time for the shinkansen experience, grab a bento and a beer and watch the countryside whoosh by. Landing in Onomichi we stay we grab new bikes and head Peak Observatory for the sunset views on Senkoji.
15km, 300mt
Day 6
Innoshima Suigun Skyline
Stretching around the cliffs of Innoshima we follow the Suigun Skyline roads for epic views across the inland sea. You may have done a WW tour before, but you won't have done this! A first this year, so get your legs on!
55km, 500mt
Day 3
Yame Cycling
From Harazuru Onsen we will head to the Yame tea area and cycle through the glorious fields of green tea. Small villages of white washed walls, machiya and quiet roads. We'll taste the tea and explore the local aizome dyeing.
55km, 300mt
Day 4
Shikanoshima Cycling
Back to Fukouka and we'll head via ferry to Shikanshima for some island touring. Enjoy the azure waters as we cycle along the coast roads. The narrow strip of land leading to Shikanoshima is definitely Instaworthy!
40km, 70mt
Day 11
Tajima & Yokoshima
Our last day of cycling and we head across the 'curvy bridge' to the twin islands of Tajima and Yokoshima. Through the jungle like paths and past hidden shacks in the bush, this is a seriously fun route...look out for the innoshishi!
70km, 350mt
Day 12
Finish
Time to say goodbye and check out...we hope you'll be back for the next adventure!
Day 7
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
We'll head to the incredible Kurushima Kakyo bridge to explore the tail end of the Shimanami Kaido. Our return course takes us on a magnificent ferry ride before we start the quiet hills back to our accommodation.
53km, 470mt
Day 8
Yumeshima Kaido Cycling
The Yueshima Kaido is picturesque and definitely 'off-the-beaten' track as far as cycling in the area. Quiet roads and small villages with epic views of the Seto Inland Sea...not to mention the extraordinary bridges to cross!
55km, 640mt
Shikanoshima cycling in Fukuoka. Video courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Yumeshima Kaido cycling
TOUR GALLERY
Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
These wheels have been listed as a national historical treasure Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
Photo courtesy of © Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
We use and recommend Specialized bikes. Our bikes for the tour are Specialized Vado SL flat bar e-bikes when possible.
The food at Wakka is a true delight...fresh produce sourced locally. In the evening it is their legendary barbecue.
We take the less travelled routes...take the hills!
The Yumeshima Kaido is remote and beautiful, combining short climbs with seaside views
Part of our course takes us acrss the Shimanami to some very special locations, including Oyamazumi jinja with the 2,600 year old camphor tree
We find the best spots for lunch!
Our accommodation provides the best views of sunset and sunrise across the Tatara bridge
We make a visit to the amazing 4.2km Kurushima Kaikyo bridge...a cyclists dream!
We can't resist...every time we have to get silly at the sculpture!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• An exclusive tour jersey
• Accommodation at minimum 4 star
• All transfers between locations
• Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Onomichi
• Luggage transfers between hotels
• 6 dinners, all breakfasts
• Bicycle hire of Specialized e-bike
• Japanese speaking guide with local knowledge
• Support vehicle in Fukuoka
• Support vehicle in Setouchi area*
• Final dinner with drinks at U2 Cycle Hotel
• Route maps and daily ride guide
• Rider pack including folding backpack, bidon and other goodies
* Support vehicle is available at all times, however is user pays on the day
NOT INCLUDED
• Airfares and transfers to/from start/finish
• Lodging before and after tour
• Personal items purchased during the tour
• Alcohol, refreshments, lunches
• Travel insurance...this is mandatory for all riders
• Dinner and lunches not listed in schedule
• Other cycling kit required for tour
• Luggage storage
• Cycling computers and mounts
We are always happy to assist you to work out the best way to arrive at your destination, how to book shinkansen and advise on which routes/transfers are the easiest. We are local experts!