People Cycling Rides

Japan Cycle Pilgrimage 2026 -- Seto Inland Sea & Shikoku.

This is a Approved Ride
Moderate
Ride Info
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Ride Leader
Thomas Ryan
Tour Dates
3/27/2026–4/4/2026
Start Location
Onomichi (KIX, Osaka Int Airport)
End Location
Matsuyama (MYJ) or Kochi City (KCZ)
Cost (est.)
$3700 (USD + $150.00 ride fee)
Deposit
$1000 (USD
Payment Due
12/15/2025
Tour Company
We Ride Japan
Avg. Distance
35 mi / 56 km
Avg. Elevation
1749 ft / 533 m
Ride Description

Introduction

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's major islands, encircled by a 1,200 Km, 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage route (henro) honoring the 9th-century monk, Ku Kai, is clearly recognized as the home of Japan's most famous and visually stunning bike route, highlighted by the Shimanami Kaido, crossing six islands and many quaint seaside towns, the famous Kosanji Temple, the feudal Matsuyama Castle, the Dogo Osen, one of Japan's earliest known hot-spring spas, and following the Seto Inland Sea, laced with great hiking trails and white water rapids along with miles of great cycling. Our adventure begins on the afternoon of Friday March 27th in Onomichi city, gateway to the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route. We recommend flying into Osaka Kansai International Aiport (KIX) and taking the bullet train to Onomichi (approx. 2.5hours). 


The tour finishes up in Matsuyama City (MYJ) on April 4th. This tour links seamlessly with the People Cycling South Korean 4 Rivers Cycle Ride, beginning on April 5th, with direct flights departing daily from Matsuyama (MYJ) and Kochi City (KCZ) to Seoul (ICN). Or for those keen to experience more of Japan the possibility of a group hiking tour along some of the 88 Temple route is possible but note that this is the height of the Cherry Blossom Season and demand is high. There is also a new Japan tour in development. Please reach o… (Join People Cycling to read more)

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People Cycling's Ride Rating

People Cycling has four categories for our rides – Easy, Moderate, Difficult, and Challenging. It should be somewhat obvious what these categories mean, but please become familiar with the elevations and distances that define them:

Easy
Easy rides are under 30mi/48km in average distance and 1600ft/500m in average elevation
Moderate
Moderate rides are over the Easy rating but under 50mi/80km and 2460ft/750m
Difficult
Difficult rides are as over the Moderate rating but under 75mi/120km and 3280/1000m
Challenging
Anything over the Difficult rating

NOTE: This is not a strict guideline. There could be rides that have a day or two where the average elevation or distance exceeds the values given above. These anomalies should be outlined in the ride description. It is recommended that you read it carefully.

About People Cycling

People Cycling is a bicycle touring club, which you can join for free. We offer Domestic and International Cycling Tours which are led by volunteer Ride Leaders. Our tours are made up of a small group of participants (typically 15-20 or so) who want to ride an average of 30 to 55 miles a day over a one or two week period in interesting regions of the world. Our tours range in price from frugal getaways to luxurious adventures. We travel road, gravel, or mountain bike styles, and all bicycle types – including e-bikes, recumbents, and tandems are typically allowed.

Our ride leaders are volunteers and do not financially profit on tours they lead. They are also given broad discretion on how to lead their tours, and we consider them our greatest asset.

People Cycling tours are operated at cost or at lower cost (as negotiated by our ride leaders) than individuals can obtain on commercial tours. Within the cost of a tour, there is a nominal fee to support club operations and provide tools to ride leaders to manage their rides.

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