Shimanami Kaido Cycling Tour & Local Workshop Experience

【OUTLINE】

In the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, a sacred place for cyclists, enjoy the charm of this region: the beautiful scenery of the islands and the relaxed island life! This is a special 7-hour guided cycling tour for cycling lovers. This tour is designed to make most of attractions of Ikuchijima and Omishima.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• This cycling route will take you across two islands on the Shimanami Kaido, a popular cycling course.
• Explore the island at leisure on a Brompton, a folding bicycle from the UK.
• Visit workshops and enjoy interacting with local shopkeepers in the Shiomachi shopping district.
• Take in the unique art that blends into the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Enjoy the spectacular view of the lush Seto Inland Sea during the day and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea turning red at sunset.

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00] Meet at the Setouchi Guide House Tabitasu store where we'll prepare the rental bikes and go over the course. Choose one of the colorful Brompton bikes from the selection.

[10:30] Interact with the locals while touring Shiomachi shopping street. Stop at popular tourist facilities in Setoda like the Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art and the shipyard (entrance fees not included). Enjoy your own lunch at the shopping street.

[13:30] Enjoy the scenery on Shimanami as you ride along the coastline toward Omishima Island! Many seaside artworks unique to the island are waiting for you.

[15:00] Cross the Tatara Bridge by bicycle. Once we arrive on Omishima Island, we will visit a sacred monument for cyclists, Oyamazumi Shrine, with its giant tree Ikiki no Mikado. You can even choose to check out a citrus aroma oil workshop or an accessory workshop that uses wild boar leather. In the winter, there's also an orange harvesting activity.

[16:30] Take the free shuttle from Omishima to Setouchi Guide House Tabitasu Honpo where we will conclude the tour.

【DETAILS】

The Shimanami Kaido, with its white bridges connecting islands, is world-famous among cyclists. But this tour is not just about enjoying the beautiful scenery of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Led by a local guide, you can also learn the fascinating daily life of the residents of two islands you visit.

The first: Ikuchijima. Stop by the Shiomachi shopping street that has a nostalgic atmosphere. There you will meet lively local shopkeepers. For lunch, you can also enjoy some of the local delicacies that can only be found here. After lunch, go cycling again! Enjoy the artworks along the coast, side by side with the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

Enjoy the exhilaration of riding through lemon groves and eventually cross the Tatara Bridge to the next island, Omishima. The tour takes you to an organic aroma oil workshop and an accessory workshop using wild boar skins. The unique story of the couple who run the workshop will be sure to have you interested. You can experience handcrafting at either workshop (*reservations required). Also, the island's sacred monument for cyclists, the Oyamazumi Shrine and the Ikju no Gomon, are power spots and definitely photo-worthy!

And at the end of the cycle ride, witness the spectacular sunset. The beautiful islands at sunset and the red sky make for an unforgettable sight.

*Comments from tour guide Mr. Watanabe*

"Experience island time at a leisurely pace amidst the stunning scenery of the archipelago's beauty and the blue sea. "

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：7 hours
• Meeting point：Setouchi Guide House Tabitasu Branch
  231-4 Setoda-cho Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima, 722-2411
• Access：
  To Setoda by boat:
  Approx. 40 mins from Onomichi Port or
  Approx. 35 mins from Mihara Port.
  Upon arrival, it is approx a 3 min walk from Setoda Port to the shop.
  If using the Shinkansen, Mihara Station is conveniently located next to the port.
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：Guide fee, bicycle rental
• Excluded：Entrance fee of tourists' facilities, foods and beverages, insurance
  
• Items to bring：Hats, beverages, towels, sunscreen
• Clothes：Please refrain from wearing skirts, heels, sandals, etc. for the tour.
• Participation requirements：
  ・At least 140 cm tall and less than 100 kg.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  
• Special support：
  ・Luggage storage is available.
  ・We carry a simple aid kit in case of injuries due to falls.
  ・In case of a serious injury, we will arrange an ambulance or take you to a medical facility as soon as possible.
  
• Free ｗi-fi：No
  
• Toilet：No

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Face masks required for travelers in public areas
・Face masks required for guides in public areas
・Face masks provided for travelers as needed
・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
・Gear/equipment sanitized between uses
・Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
・Guides required to regularly wash hands
・Regular temperature checks for staff
・Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.