Coastal Japan: San-In Explorer
E-Bike hire - US $650 (limited availability)
Hybrid bike hire - US $400
Single room surcharge - US $525
Minimum group size 4
Overview
San-in is one of Japan’s least populated and urbanized regions, making it ideal for an off-the-beaten track cycling adventure! The geography is diverse with rugged coastlines, dramatic volcanic landscapes, numerous forests and expansive farmland. You’ll encounter quaint fishing villages, bustling towns, timeless shrines and temples, as well as grand Samurai castles. Soothe your muscles in hot springs, stay in cozy accommodation, and sample an outstanding variety of local delicacies.
After meeting in Tottori City, begin with an easy warm up ride to Japan’s largest and most visually striking sand dunes. The next day cycle to Mount Mitoku and hike up to the fabled Buddhist temple of Nageiredo, perched precariously on a cliff. Then descend back towards the coastline and ride along the slopes of Mount Daisen, an extinct volcano that towers over the region. From Sakaiminato City, ride to a stunning inland sea before catching a ferry to the Oki Islands where you’ll spend two days cycling and island hopping in a remote part of offshore Japan, discovering the stunning Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima and the rural heart of Dogo-jima. Back on the mainland, visit the intricate Miho Shrine before continuing along scenic roads to the historic city of Matsue, your base for two nights. Explore the majestic “Black Castle” and also visit one of Japan’s prettiest zen gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art. The tour concludes with a picturesque ride to Izumo Taisha, another of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. Your final night is in the city of Izumo from where you can easily continue your travels in Japan.
You'll cycle on good quality tarmac roads with little traffic. Total distance over the nine cycling days is approx. 453 km (expect hilly terrain but no technical ability is required). Although there are no rest days, generally you will have free time in the afternoons and evenings. A support vehicle will accompany the group on the mainland but not in the remote Oki Islands (Days 5 and 6). At Mount Mitoku (Day 2) and the Kuniga Coast (Day 5) there are 1-2 hour hikes on offer, both with some steep sections. At the beginning and end of the tour there will be short train rides to avoid busy city streets. Three ferry rides are included for the excursion to the Oki Islands. Your local guide will keep you informed of each day's schedule and will also supply water and refreshments along the way.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Quintessential roots of Japanese culture, rich in mythology, temples and shrines.
Nature: Beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches, pine forests, sand dunes and renowned natural hot springs
Activity: Soak in a local Onsen ( Hot Spring). A visit to the immaculate zen gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art
Culinary: Matsuba crab
Souvenir: Chopsticks
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Tottori City
Please make your own way to Tottori City, the gateway to the San-in region. At 1pm the group will get together at the hotel for a bike fitting followed by an easy 25 km warmup ride to the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest and most visually striking of their kind in Japan. You'll also visit the Sand Museum with its impressive sand sculptures. In the evening there will be a tour briefing and welcome dinner at a local izakaya restaurant.
Cycling Distance: 25km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Tottori
Tottori City to Mount Mitoku to Misasa Onsen
After a 25 minute train journey along the San-in line to the outskirts of Tottori City, you'll begin your ride and soon be greeted by vistas of the majestic Sea of Japan. Continuing along a coastal route you'll pass sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages nestled between scenic headlands. After 15 km you'll turn inland where the landscape transforms into a tapestry of farmland and forested hills. Soon you'll reach Lake Togo and follow a picturesque 10km loop around its shores where the lush countryside becomes decidedly more mountainous - you'll have some climbing to do! Today's destination is Mount Mitoku, home to the fabled Buddhist temple of Nageiredo. Precariously perched on the mountain's cliffs, it can only be accessed by a steep hike which takes about 1 hour each way. Then you'll continue cycling to Misasa Onsen, your home for the night. This evening why not relax in the healing waters of the various hot springs in town.
Cycling Distance: 52km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Misasa Onsen
Misasa Onsen to Kaike Onsen
We follow the Tenjin River for about 20 km back to the coast before veering west where the route then alternates between coastal and inland stretches through pear farms and rice fields. Eventually you'll catch glimpses of the towering Mount Daisen, a dormant volcano once referred to as the “Mountain of the Great God” which also resembles the more well-known Mount Fuji. As you continue along undulating roads on the lower and middle slopes of the volcano, be sure to stop regularly to appreciate the area's natural beauty. There will be a mixture of easy climbs and steeper uphill bursts with the reward being a well earned descent. Tonight's destination is the seaside town of Kaike, known for its onsens and seafood. Make sure you catch the sunset at the sandy Kaike Onsen Beach
Cycling Distance: 73km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kaike Onsen
Kaike Onsen to Nishinoshima
This morning you depart Kaike by following a very pleasant, newly built coastal cycle path to Sakaiminato. The city and its surrounding area is sandwiched between the Sea of Japan to the east and the Nakaumi Inland Sea to the west. From here, cross the famous Eshima Bridge to the islands of Eshima and then Daikonshima for a stop at the Yuushien Gardens. Take a stroll around these beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens before looping back to the coast via a scenic road that seemingly floats on the Nakaumi Inland Sea and then continues to hug the edge of the Sakaiminato Strait. Today's ride finishes with a high-arched bridge crossing to the harbour where the bikes will be loaded onto the ferry. After a 2hr 50 min boat ride to the volcanic island of Nishinoshima, you'll be transferred to your ryokan for a delicious seafood dinner. You are now in a truly remote part of Japan!!
Cycling Distance: 46km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan in Nishinoshima
Nishinoshima to Dogojima
You begin the day with a quick transfer back to the port where your bikes will be waiting. You'll cycle across the island on flat, paved roads for 10 km to the spectacular Kuniga Coast, characterised by rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and unique rock formations. Stretch your legs with a walk along a coastal trail to the top of the Matengai Cliffs and experience the breathtaking views of the sea and coastline. After cycling 10 km back to the port, relax for a couple of hours on a comfortable inter-island ferry which will shuttle you to the island of Dogojima. A final 19km bike ride along a winding road that cuts through the heart of the island leads to tonight's accommodation. Unwind from a great day of cycling in the serenity of this quiet, remote island.
Cycling Distance: 39km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel on Dogo island
Dogo Island to Sakaiminato
Considered one of Japan’s best cycling routes, today's ride traverses the north and east coast of Dogojima as you head back to the port. After 15 km you'll arrive at your first highlight, the Shirashima Coast Lookout. Reaching it involves some climbing but it's worth the effort to see these wave-battered bluffs set against the ocean backdrop. From here, cycle down the east coast on quiet country roads through dense forests, fishing ports, farmland and tunnels that burrow beneath the coastal hills. After a further 29 km you'll arrive back at Saigo Port in time for lunch before boarding a ferry back to the mainland (2 hrs 25 min). Take in the view from the deck as you say goodbye to the islands. On arrival in Sakaiminato City there will be a short transfer to the hotel. Later you'll get together again for dinner.
Cycling Distance: 44km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato to Matsue
After breakfast its a 12 km ride over the northern tip of the peninsula to Miho Shrine, one of Japan’s most scenic shinto shrines. Miho is nestled on the slopes of Mount Atago and consists of intricate wooden architecture, including a gorgeous torii gate. Another 3 km leads you to the Mihonoseki Lighthouse where you can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding sea, lagoon and cliffs. Then its a short backtrack before cutting across the hilly peninsula for 5 km to the coast. For the next 35 km the terrain is rolling as you cycle along the nature-rich coastline around headlands and through bays sheltering fishing villages. The final 10 km through rural areas leads to the historic city of Matsue on the shores of Lake Shinji. Walk over to the “Black Castle”, one of only 12 original feudal-era castles left standing in Japan! Perched on a hill and surrounded by a moat and thick walls, visiting Matsue castle makes for a great ending to the day.
Cycling Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Matsue
Matsue Rural Loop
Using the hotel in Matsue as our base, today's ride is a fun loop that covers a large swathe of forest-covered rolling hills and flat farmland. For the first 15 km there's some gradual climbing but then it's all downhill or flat. Today's highlight is a visit to the Adachi Museum of Art in the lovely village of Hirose. This Museum is renowned for its integration of Japanese art within meticulously maintained gardens that feature lush greenery, carefully arranged rocks and serene ponds. Truly zen! Spend some time here before circling back to Matsue via roads flanked by extensive farmland. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of the city or to simply relax.
Cycling Distance: 47km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Matsue
Matsue to Izumo
Time for the home stretch as you cycle eastwards from Matsue to the coastal city of Izumo. The first 25 km has some steepish climbs and descents through a series of small valleys north of Lake Shinki. As you curve around the lake, the roads flatten and then skirt along the banks of two rivers - first the Hii and then the Kando – for 30 km. Finally you are are greeted for the last time by the turquoise waters of the Sea of Japan. The last few kilometres follow the coast to today's destination of Izumo Taisha. This is one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto Shrines and certainly one of the most impressive due to its grand architecture! Spend some time exploring the beautiful grounds before taking a train (30 min) to your Izumo hotel. During tonight's final dinner together we will celebrate the completion of your San-in cycling exploration.
Cycling Distance: 63km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Izumo
Departure from Izumo
Time to say goodbye! Depending on your onward travel plans, either head to the nearby airport or the train station. Daily flights are available to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoaka. Kyoto and Osaka can be reached in half a day by train.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- Accommodation: 9 nights (mix of Western & Japanese style)
- Meals: as listed in the itinerary
- Local English speaking riding guide(s)
- Vehicle for transport and general support
- Ferries as listed in the itinerary
- Trains as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- Snacks & drinks during bike rides
- Cycling jersey & 1 water bottle
- Flights and airport taxes
- Passport and travel visa requirements
- Arrival transfer day 1 (to Tottori hotel)
- Departure transfer day 10 (from Izumo)
- Extra surcharge for single room
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Bike hire
- Optional activities and sightseeing
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide(s) and support crew (but not customary)
This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who can cycle around 50km per day in hilly terrain. While riders with less experience are more than welcome, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip. E-bikes are available. As it's important that you ride at your own speed, your guide will ensure everyone regroups at specified locations.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 4 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
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