Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new 15-day, guided cycling adventure in Shikoku and Kyoto in Japan, as well as announcing the 2025 and 2026 dates for its popular 12-day cycling holiday from Mount Fuji to Kyoto.
Guided road cycling holiday in Shikoku, Kyoto
Set among the stunning landscapes of Shikoku, Saddle Skedaddle’s new, 15-day guided cycling adventure leaves the standard tourist trail behind to uncover some of the hidden wonders of Japan. After arriving in Fukuyama, the trip begins with three days of riding through the islands of the Seto Inland Sea; the body of water separating three of Japan’s four major islands: Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Following a mix of scenic and quiet country lanes, as well as island hopping by ferry and suspension bridges, this section of the trip visits nine distinct islands including Mukaishima, Innoshima, Yuge, and finally Omishima. The route includes the Shimanami/Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Road, a “cyclist’s superhighway” that showcases the natural beauty of the islands and surrounding seascape. After transferring to the city of Uwajima by train, the route leaves Shikoku’s western coastline to venture into the mountains for the first challenging day in the saddle.
Another epic journey follows with the longest ride of the trip to Cape Ashizuri – the southernmost tip of Shikoku Island. With 270 degrees of visibility, it’s said you can even see the curvature of the earth. Other highlights of the 15-day holiday include exploring the landscapes along the Shimanto River, Japan’s last free-flowing crystal-clear river; visiting the city of Kochi, famous for its sake (rice wine) and seafood with Katsuono Tataki (a local specialty of slightly seared skipjack tuna); and conquering the steep climbs that surround the Oboke and Koboke Gorges in the Iya Valley, a national site of scenic beauty.
After enjoying a rest day in the Iya Valley, the last full day’s riding on Shikoku includes the longest climb of the trip – a gentle 37km ascent to the summit of Mount Tsurugi (1,400m above sea level). Along the way, riders pass through Nagoro (‘Village of Dolls’); so-called for its dozens of scarecrow-like figures created by an elderly resident in memory of deceased neighbours and those that have left the tiny rural community.
After transferring to Kyoto, Japan’s beautiful and historical cultural capital, the trip ends with a half-day tour of the city’s many attractions, including the world-famous Kyoto Station and UNESCO World Heritage Site, To-ji Temple.
About the trip
- Dates: 22 October-5 November 2025; 9-23 May 2026
- Price: from £7,595 per person. Price includes accommodation (bed and breakfast – some dinners provided), full tour service (including bilingual Japanese guide), support vehicle, luggage transfers, ferry/train journeys included in itinerary, and airport transfers. Flights and bike hire not included. Air China flies from London Gatwick to Osaka via Shanghai. Flights from £650pp. Bike hire from £610pp.
- How to book: skedaddle.com
Guided cycling holiday from Fuji to Kyoto
For people looking to experience Japan’s unique culture and traditions, Saddle Skedaddle’s 12-day cycling holiday from Mount Fuji to Kyoto takes in some of the country’s most iconic sights and experiences. Beginning with an e-bike tour of Tokyo, the next stop on the trip is Fuji Five Lakes – an area of five small lakes that sit at the base of the legendary Mount Fuji.
After cycling the coastline of Lake Saiko, the route travels through the dense Sai pine forest to a stunning panorama of the 1000 Alps mountain range, which includes some of Japan’s highest peaks. Stopping to visit the most important shrine in the Fuji area – Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha – riders follow the coastline of the Bay of Suraga to the fishing port of Numazu. Following the Kakita and Kano Rivers to Shuzenji Onsen, there’s a chance to visit its famous temple and relax in the town’s hot springs.
After enjoying another classic Japanese experience – the Bullet Train – it’s time to get back in the saddle for a flat 30km ride to Hikone and an opportunity to visit its majestic castle. Built in 1603, it’s one of the oldest original-construction castles in Japan and its now listed as a National Treasure.
Other highlights of the trip include the ancient temples, Buddhas and Kannons on the journey to Takashima; climbing Tochugoe Pass (370m) and the downhill ride to the “hidden village” of Ohara in the mountains of northern Kyoto; and cycling along the rivers of Takano and Kamo to the centre of Kyoto. The trip ends with a morning ride around Kyoto and a chance to explore some of the city’s cultural highlights, including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), Kiyomizu Temple and Gosho Palace.
About the trip
- Dates: 9-20 November 2025; 23 November-4 December 2025; 12-23 April 2026; 8-19 November 2026
- Price: from £4,995 per person. Price includes accommodation (bed and breakfast – some dinners provided), full tour service (including bilingual Japanese guide), support vehicle and luggage transfers, and Bullet Train and local train journeys. Flights, bike hire and airport transfers are not included. British Airways flies direct to Tokyo from London Heathrow (outbound). Malaysia Airlines flies from Osaka Kansai to London Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur (return). Flight prices approx £650pp. Bike hire from £270pp. E-bike hire from £455.
- How to book: skedaddle.co.uk