Of the four main Japanese islands, Shikoku is pound for pound the most rugged. Steep gorges, jagged coastline and clear rivers and lakes are the order of the day. With it’s 88 Buddhist Temples, Shikoku is also a destination for those who seek spiritual self-reflection and deep history.

But let’s take a moment to talk about the roads….Unbelievable. The road network is carved out of an impossible labyrinth of mountains. The engineering of which will leave you breathless. During our Shikoku-focused Explorer-style ride, you will have a chance to experience twisty roads from the palm tree laden coast to the pine forest carpeted mountain tops. Hold on, you are going deep into natural Japan where mountain towns are turning back to forest. To explore Shikoku is to go back in time and to experience a place where few foreigners go. Want to do something extraordinary? Ride Shikoku.

Road Conditions: This tour features 100% paved surfaces. Of all the motorcycle tours we offer, the roads are some of the best pavement we encounter in all of our tours. Get ready for fun, mountainous roads full of twisties, many tunnels and stunning coastal riding.

ARRIVAL DAY

DAY 1 - Arrival in Tsuyama, Japan

Please arrive in Tsuyama no later than 3PM, so we can do motorcycle paperwork and test ride in order we can begin riding first thing the next day. Welcome dinner this evening. Stay in Tsuyama.

*We ask that riders arrive at least one day earlier in Japan, in order to start adjusting to the time change. You may fly into Okayama International Airport, or arrive by high speed train to Okayama station. For those arriving in Okayama by air, we will provide airport pickup and transfers to Tsuyama. For those of you arriving to Okayama by high speed train, we will coordinate a pick up for you in Okayama City.

DAY 2 - Tsuyama to Omishima 116 miles/187 km

We will cut across the countryside south to the Seto Inland Sea. We will staying out in the middle of the channel on Omishima Island. We will have time to explore Setonaikai National Park and surrounding islands. Get ready for small fishing villages and fun, coastal roads at the end of the day. Stay in Omishima.

DAY 3 - Omishima to Sensui 105 miles/169 km

Don't let the mileage fool you, the roads we will be choosing are incredibly twisty and time consuming. It is because of this we have chosen Shikoku as our only focus. We will ride a little on the coast, and do some mountainous sojourns on our way to the small fishing town of Sensui. Stay in Sensui.

DAY 4 - Sensui Free Day up to 150 miles/241 km

This is the first of a series of free days, whereby you, the rider, can choose between doing your own thing, doing a side activity, or riding with our guide. We are happy to enable you to ride on your own, where you can experience the freedom and safety that Japan delivers. Our guide will lead a ride every free day, and map out interesting coastal and mountain riding. This is a true scouting experience, and riders will be adding their experiences on this and all free days to make this ride one of our best. There are a multitude of routes to choose from, and we will lay out the map and decide on a fun day of riding. We will have a chance to go to end of the Misaki Peninsula today, Shikoku's furthest western point. Stay in Sensui.

DAY 5 - Sensui to Shimanto 117 miles/190 km

This point to point day is full of options and we will pick a spectacular route featuring a little coastal riding and a little interior riding. We will be staying on the coast tonight near the city of Shimanto. Stay in Shimanto.

DAY 6 - Shimanto Free Day up to 150 miles/241 km

We will focus on exploring the southwestern part of Shikoku. We will check out Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park amongst other delights. Stay near Shimanto.

DAY 7 - Shimanto to Tano area 160 miles/260 km

Get ready for one of the many epic interior routes through Shikoku. We will traverse the city of Kochi before landing in a little town near Yasuda. Stay near Yasuda.

DAY 8 - Tano area FREE DAY up to 150 miles/241 km

This is logging country full of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains. Explore the mountain roads, or just stroll around our sleepy town and enjoy hot springs riverside. Tough choices. Stay in the Tano area.

DAY 9 - Yasuda area to Kazurabashi area 197 miles/318 km

We will strike out for the Muroto Peninsula, and head east along the coast before doubling back west on an interior road that can only be described as delicious. Get used to not passing cars when in the mountains for up to 30 minutes at a time. We will stay near a historic vine bridge, Kazurabashi.

DAY 10 - Kazurabashi Bridge area free day up to 150 miles/241 km

We will hand pick a loop that will leave you breathless. We will also visit the enigmatic town of Nagoro. This town has been losing population, and a local artist has replaced those who have left with life-size dolls. Stay near Kazurabashi Bridge.

DAY 11 - Kazurabashi Bridge to Tsuyama 115 miles/185km

We will start our day descending a steep river valley before we leave Shikoku. We’ll cross one of the largest suspension bridges in the world - Seto Bridge. We will end the ride by way of backroads to Tsuyama. Farewell Dinner in Tsuyama. Stay in Tsuyama.

DAY 12 - Fly Home or keep the dream alive. The next motorcycle adventure vacation awaits!

DEPARTURE DAY

• Philip Freeman

• Hotel Accommodations
• Premiere Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Professional MotoQuest Guide(s)
• Support Vehicle
• Support Vehicle Driver
• Staff Trained in First Aid with Satellite Phone
• MotoQuest Swag Bag
• Photos Taken on the Trip
• Automatic Enrollment in Global Rescue

• Airfare
• Meals on the Road
• Gas
• Alcohol
• Alternative Tours
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• National Park Entrance Fees