These days, even people overseas are now aware of Japan’s famed Shimanami Kaido in the Setouchi region. This route jumps from island to island and connects Hiroshima’s Onomichi on Honshu with Shikoku via the city of Imabari.
The Setouchi region is starting to attract more travellers who are interested in cycling in other parts of the nine prefectures in the region.
Setouchi Vélo, an organization with the goal of establishing a lasting brand image for Setouchi as a cycling destination, held a trial of a new potential route in Kagawa Prefecture’s capital city of Takamatsu. The course made use of electronically assisted bicycles as a means to cater more towards hobbyists and saw the attendance of the governor of the prefecture. The trial comes on the back of a refresher of Setouchi Vélo’s website and app, which help cyclists discover and follow new routes.
Thus far, Setouchi Vélo has officially added two new routes to the mix in the first year since its founding. The recent additions bring the total number of registered cycling routes in the region to 82 (with a total length of 7,612 km). The newly registered routes include the Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Course in Ehime and a 1,000 km route that encircles Shikoku.
While cycling has always had a niche appeal and audience, the Setouchi region is hoping to draw more international travellers of all ability levels. Thanks to the availability of motor-assisted bikes, those of almost all fitness levels can enjoy exploring Setouchi by bicycle. These can be rented at many places all over the region’s nine prefectures and are extremely affordable for what they provide.
Especially when it comes to slow travel and getting off of the beaten path, bicycles enable a means of travel in Setouchi that would otherwise only be possible via a rental car. Moreover, travel by bicycle allows for international visitors to savour what life is like around Japan’s Seto Inland Sea in a way that no other means of transportation can really compete with.
While spots like Kosan-ji and the Hill of Hope are icons of the Shimanami Kaido, there are a plethora of hidden gems in the Setouchi region that are also best visited via bicycle. For example, the Townscape of Mitarai (an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings) on Osaki-Shimojima that’s seen above is one of the highlights along the Tobishima Kaido. While this cycling route is not for the faint of heart, it is but one of many in Setouchi.
Of course, even within the confines of major cities within the region, having access to your own set of wheels can be a great boon. While many spots can indeed be reached via bus, this means that travellers are largely beholden to their schedules and not free to move about as they please. Especially in the more rural regions of Setouchi, this is a godsend.
While Setouchi Vélo’s most recent test route in Takamatsu was more of a full-on cycling course, motor-assisted bicycles are also a great way to explore the city too. For example, the charming Ritsurin Garden is located 2 kilometres from the station area, meaning that access to even a normal bicycle greatly expedites the trip.
Additionally, having your own bicycle (and especially one that is motor-assisted) enables one to travel to further out locales in Takamatsu such as Yashima Temple with its stunning views and Shikoku Mura, where visitors can learn all about life on Japan’s smallest main island. Normally, these spots would be a bit too inconvenient for most travellers, but this isn’t the case with a bicycle.
In October of 2023, Japan saw more inbound visitors than it did prior to the pandemic, with over 2.5 million people entering the country. Already back then, Japan was setting a new high-water mark every year. Suffice to say, many of the tourists who are again flocking to Japan are not here on their first visit and are looking for something a little different.
Setouchi’s Shimanami Kaido aside, renting a bike is a great way of exploring the more rural sides of Japan. Additionally, thanks to the country’s existing infrastructure for shipping luggage around from hotel to hotel, travellers can bike around to their hearts’ content without worrying about needing to take their suitcases around too.
Seeing as most people don’t bring their own bicycle to Japan, it is important to close with the fact that there are places to rent all over Japan. In the case of e-bikes, Tabinrin has listed up all of the places that offer rental services in Japan here. The site has links to local vendors who provide the service.
By the way, if you ever find yourself cycling around the island of Shikoku, be sure to check out some of the spots listed in the following sample itineraries. While not made specifically for cyclists, the spots introduced are must-visits for all travellers in the area!
Discover Shikoku’s Rich History and Culture on this Four-Day Itinerary
