Last Updated on 10 February 2026 by Cycloscope
Cycling Inland Kochi, Shikoku Island, Japan
A Day Trip by Bicycle with S E KRIEBLE
DISTANCE
35.45km
DAYS
1
SURFACE
100% Road
SETUP
Puncture Repair Kit
Backpack
Sunglasses
Raincoat
Water Bottle
BIKE
Bruno MINIVELO 20 ROAD DROP
Kochi Prefecture is an area in the southern part of Shikoku Island, Japan. Although it is surrounded by sea—Tosa Bay in the Pacific Ocean to the south and the stunning Seto Inland Sea to the north—the island is actually 84% forest, the most of any prefecture.
Combined with a mild climate and abundant annual rainfall, the area produces incredible produce and is an excellent place for cycling!
Especially in early spring and late autumn. Along rivers, through tunnels, past hundreds of tosa citrus groves, and through tiny villages, this ride covers all grounds.
It is good for both beginners and old-timers, with quite a few uphills and narrow barrier-less bridges. These bridges are really incredible and make you feel like you’re flying at times. It feels so Japanese, but at the same time, it’s otherworldly.
The area is really easy to access by train, and you can take your bike and gear on board so long as it is in a bag. Some other trains in the area are called “cycle trains” and have dedicated cycle rooms for your bikes.
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Being in Japan, there is ample opportunity for food and water (bottles). Convenience stores and local produce stalls dot the main route.
Not all are open 24 hours down here, though, so it is advised to stock up when you can in case of emergency. In the city, there are some amazing and famous markets where you can stock up on a wide variety of local foods like persimmon, many types of citrus, torched katsuo tuna, inakazushi (vegetable sushi), udon, and tons of local vegetables.
There are some great places to eat in the city, too, like Menbo Miyake Udon, COFFEE HOUSE SPOON, and tacos handmade from local corn from the Masacasa Tacos food truck. Kochi Ice, along the route, has great ice cream and views of the river.
Camping opportunities along the route, should you wish to take it slow, are not plentiful, but there are definitely options.
One of the most famous sites is a collaboration between Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak and architect Kengo Kuma called Snow Peak Ochi Niyodogawa.
You can stay in one of the specially designed cabins that overlook the river, or else camp as usual in the large field. About 4400 yen for camping and 17,600 yen for a cabin. Showers, garage disposal, cooking facilities, and firewood are all available, and most camping gear is available for rent too.
It can get very cold along the route. The city and day might start off warm, but as the road undulates through a valley, it is advisable to bring many layers. There are also tunnels and a few leafy areas, so be ready to remove your sunglasses safely at any point.
THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE ROUTE
- Amazing bridges
- Undulating rivers
- Citrus groves
- Local and old-fashioned Japanese towns
- “Niyodo Blue,” a unique color in the area
While the ride was only four or five hours, it was an easy and incredible way to reach a beautiful area of Japan. Kochi city is a great place to base yourself for other rides outside the city in the Shikoku area, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
S E Krieble
Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, I now live in Tokyo. I cycle everywhere in the city and feel very lucky to have access to such incredible nature.
WEBSITE: papersky.jp