Naoshima & Shinanami Kaido by E-bike (Self Guided)

With multiple route options available on most days, the distances provided are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on the choices you make.

The daily kilometres listed reflect cycling times only and do not account for stops, breaks, or visits to attractions, all of which contribute to a complete day of activity.

Arrive in Uno, the port area of Tamano City and the main gateway to the Setouchi art islands. Take some time to wander the waterfront, where you’ll encounter striking art installations, such as the giant fish sculpture, an iconic landmark of Uno, and the Goddess of Love statue at Uno Port. These works serve as a fitting introduction to the creativity that awaits on the islands.

After checking into your accommodation, unwind with a soak in the wonderful onsen, gazing out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

In the evening, you’ll find some excellent dining options nearby to round off the day.

Please note: If you would prefer to have this night in Okayama city instead, please advise at the time of booking.

Meals: None

After breakfast, take the short 20-minute ferry ride to Naoshima. Right across from the port, you’ll find the local bike shop. Pick up your wheels and set off to explore this extraordinary island.

With its sandy beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back charm, Naoshima would be appealing enough on its own. Add to that a world-class collection of contemporary art, and it becomes one of the most unique destinations anywhere in Japan. This small island in the Seto Inland Sea is bursting with installations, sculptures and museums at every turn.

Among the highlights are Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins, standing as playful symbols of the island. But these are only the beginning. A full day can easily be spent exploring the Benesse House Museum, the Art House Project, the striking Lee Ufan Museum, and the quirky I Love Yu bathhouse, all tied together by the visionary designs of Tadao Ando.

Naoshima is perfect for cycling, and riding at your own pace is one of the best ways to uncover its art, hidden corners, and sea views. Along the way, you’ll find fantastic spots for lunch, coffee, and ice cream, with dining here being a highlight in its own right.

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in multiple museums or simply cycle leisurely between installations, you’ll enjoy a day packed with art, scenery, and discovery, all framed by the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea.

Please note: Accommodation this evening will either be in Naoshima or Uno, subject to availability.

Meals: B

Today, take the ferry to Teshima Island, another jewel of the Seto Inland Sea and a must for art lovers. The island’s star attraction is the Teshima Art Museum, an elegant, otherworldly concrete structure blending into the natural landscape and designed to resemble a single water droplet resting on the hillside.

Beyond this, Teshima offers plenty more to discover: the immersive Les Archives du Cœur, where visitors can listen to recordings of heartbeats from around the world, and the bold, colorful Teshima Yokoo House, filled with the eccentric works of Tadanori Yokoo. 

The best way to explore is by e-bike, giving you the freedom to circle the island at your own pace. Along the way you’ll pass old farmhouses, rice fields, and groves of lush trees, with spectacular views out across the Inland Sea. Stop for a leisurely lunch at one of the island’s small restaurants or cafés, many of which highlight fresh local produce.

Allow at least half a day to soak up Teshima’s blend of art, scenery, and quiet island life

Please note: Accommodation this evening will either be in Naoshima or Uno, subject to availability.

Meals: B

Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding the ferry to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. From the port, it’s just a short walk to the train station, where you’ll continue your journey to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, the gateway to the iconic Shimanami Kaido cycling route.

Imabari boasts a thriving maritime industry and a rich local heritage. Though compact in size, it’s worth arriving early enough to explore its highlights – especially Imabari Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 castles. Surrounded by a seawater moat, the castle is particularly striking when illuminated at night.

Imabari is also famous for its premium towel production and a visit to the Towel Museum is highly recommended. The museum features beautifully curated seasonal gardens and is a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch.

There are also some excellent dining options near your accommodation, offering a chance to sample the local cuisine before your Shimanami adventure begins.

Please note: If you’d like to include a night in Takamatsu to explore the beautiful Ritsurin Gardens, please let us know at the time of booking.

Meals: B

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning – you’re in for a rewarding day on the bike.

Make your way to the bike centre, where you’ll receive a briefing and get fitted with your e-bike before setting off on the Shimanami Kaido.

You’ll leave Imabari and soon approach your first bridge crossing, an exciting moment that offers breathtaking views across the Seto Inland Sea. Before crossing, consider a short detour to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge – the longest suspension bridge on the route and a fantastic introduction to the series of bridges ahead. Looking over the water below, you might spot the swirling patterns of tidal currents, similar to the famous Naruto whirlpools (which are strongest in the Naruto Strait of Tokushima). From this high vantage point, the natural patterns are still fascinating to observe.

Once you reach Oshima Island, follow the scenic coastal road past quiet fishing villages, offering beautiful views back toward the bridge. If you enjoy flowers, you may like to stop in at Yoshiumi Rose Park. The park showcases rose varieties from around the world and also has a café perfect for a snack or a refreshing ice cream break.

Continuing on, you’ll pass a coastline dotted with large granite stone – Oshima is known for its high-quality stone, famously used in architecture and sculpture. There are several inviting cafés along the route, so you may like to break here for a relaxing lunch. You’ll then cross the Hakata-Oshima Bridge to Hakatajima Island, where the views continue to impress. The island offers more great photo stops, tranquil sea vistas, and additional places to pause for food, drinks or snacks.

Depending on your timing and energy, you may like to take a detour up to Hirakiyama Park, a popular viewpoint with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding islands – especially stunning in spring and autumn.

From here, you’ll cross a short bridge to Omishima Island and cycle through to your accommodation for the evening.

Meals: B, D

Enjoy breakfast with a view across the Seto Inland Sea as you prepare for another rewarding day on the Shimanami Kaido.

This morning, you’ll cycle around the coastline of Omishima, the largest island on the route. The ride takes you through peaceful scenery, passing through groves of mandarins and oranges for which the island is well known.

As you continue along the coast, you’ll come across a couple of art and architecture museums, both worth a visit if time permits and you’re interested in creative inspiration along the way.

From here, turn inland to visit the Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to Oyamazumi-no-Kami, the elder brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu, he is revered as the god of mountains, the sea, and warriors. The shrine also holds the largest collection of samurai armor and weaponry in Japan, once worn by some of the country’s most legendary warriors.

After exploring the shrine, cross the impressive Tatara Bridge, which marks the border between Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures, and arrive on Ikuchijima, an island renowned for producing some of Japan’s best lemons.

Here, you can choose between cycling the full loop around Ikuchijima, taking in more coastal views or the shorter route directly to the charming port town of Setoda.

Setoda offers a variety of fantastic dining options, so unwind this evening with a delicious local meal, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Meals: B

Setoda is a charming small town that invites you to slow down and explore at your own pace. Famous for its lemons, which are used in everything from refreshing drinks, cakes, ice-cream and other sweet treats, it’s easy to see why Setoda has become synonymous with lemons

Take a stroll down the retro Shiomachi Shopping Street, lined with cozy cafés and shops. Don’t miss the spectacular Kosanji Temple, renowned for its vividly colored architecture and elaborate grounds. Just above it lies the Hill of Hope, a dazzling marble terrace offering panoramic views, an unforgettable highlight of Setoda. Exploring at an unhurried pace makes it all the more rewarding.

Art lovers may also want to visit the nearby Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, showcasing the breathtaking works of one of Japan’s most celebrated Nihonga painters. As you wander through Setoda, you’ll come across outdoor sculptures at every turn. With 17 works scattered throughout the town, Setoda itself feels like an open-air island museum

For a rewarding adventure, hike up Mt. Choonzan to Kojoji Temple, where the striking three-storied pagoda towers above Setoda Harbour. Built in the 1400s, the pagoda’s vivid vermilion design blends Japanese and Western influences, earning it recognition as a National Treasure. The climb itself is part of the experience, with forest trails and sweeping panoramas. 

If you’re up for more exploring by bike, cross the bridge to circumnavigate nearby Koneshima Island. Or, if the weather is warm, take a short ride down to Sunset Beach for a refreshing swim and a chance to relax by the sea.

Meals: B

Back on the bike this morning, enjoy the relaxed ride from Setoda across the Ikuchibashi Bridge to Innoshima Island, the next leg of your Shimanami Kaido journey. Take in the expansive sea views as you pedal toward new discoveries.

Innoshima offers several worthwhile detours, depending on your interests and energy. For sweeping views, consider a ride up to Innoshima Park, a favourite spot in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom – though be prepared for some hill climbing to reach the top. Alternatively, head inland to explore Innoshima Suigun Castle, a small museum that tells the story of the Murakami Suigun, a powerful maritime clan who ruled these waters between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Innoshima Flower Center makes for a peaceful stop to wander among seasonal blooms and enjoy its well-kept gardens. It’s also a great option for a relaxed lunch break.

If you’re up for more adventure after lunch, hike up to the Mt. Shirataki Observation Deck. Along the trail, you’ll encounter around 700 stone Buddha statues in a variety of poses and expressions. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire route.

From here, cross the final bridge of your island-hopping journey to Mukaishima Island. Once across, pause at Tachibana Seaside Park to look back at the last bridge and reflect on the incredible ride you’ve just completed.

Continue cycling through Mukaishimacho, from where a short ferry ride will take you across to your final destination – the quaint and welcoming port city of Onomichi.

On arrival, drop off your bike and check in to your accommodation. After a full day of scenic cycling and memorable stops, treat yourself to a well-earned dinner and celebrate the successful completion of your Shimanami Kaido adventure.

Meals: B

Your trip concludes after breakfast this morning. If time allows, you may wish to extend your stay and explore more of Onomichi – a city known for its charming laneways, hillside temples, and artistic flair. Otherwise, depart when ready, travelling by train to your next destination.

Meals: B

• 8-nights twin-share accommodation
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• 6-days e-bike hire
• RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive navigation app
• Local and Australian emergency contacts
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted

• Single supplement – please ask for a quote
• Local bus, train and ferry tickets
• Luggage transfers (details will be provided)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to local sites
• Expenses and items of a personal nature
• Flights
• Travel insurance