Cyclist riding the Izu coastal road at golden hour

Shimoda · Izu Peninsula · Japan

下田最高リング

Shimoda Cycling

Ride the coast where the Pacific meets old Japan.

Small-group bicycle tours through Shimoda and the Izu Peninsula — ocean roads, mountain passes, hot springs and quiet harbours.

Our tours

Five ways to discover Shimoda and Izu by bike.

From a single-day coastal loop to a three-day traverse across the peninsula — every tour, guided or unguided, includes guidance maps, bicycles (hybrid electric or regular), bike mechanic service for cyclists who bring their own bikes, and epic views.

Shimoda / Cape Irozaki Southern Coastal Loop

Shimoda · Minamiizu

Shimoda / Cape Irozaki Southern Coastal Loop

Postcard-perfect beaches, rolling coastal terrain, and dramatic clifftops.

Starting in the historic port town of Shimoda, riders head south along the coastline via Route 135 and local coastal roads, tracking past pristine sands like Kisami Ohama. The route winds down to Cape Irozaki, the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula.

Highlights

  • The cliffside shrine and panoramic ocean views at Cape Irozaki.
  • Passing through the quaint fishing villages of Minamiizu and scenic, white-sand beaches.

Rider notes

A rolling, punchy route. It lacks prolonged alpine climbs, but constant short, steep coastal hills build up elevation quickly.

Duration
1 day
Route
Coastal loop
Level
Moderate
Jaishi West Coast Views

Southwest Izu

Jaishi West Coast Views

Rugged, remote, and physically demanding with massive rewards.

This ride takes you through Jaishi on the wild southwestern edge of Izu, connecting the southern coastal roads from Minamiizu upward along Route 136 toward the west.

Highlights

  • Jaw-dropping, high-elevation views looking straight down into the deep blue Pacific.
  • Exploring the untamed, less-traveled side of the peninsula, where towering green cliffs drop abruptly into jagged rock formations.

Rider notes

The southwest coast is notorious for its steep gradients and exposed roads. Expect significant climbing and potential coastal headwinds — best suited for road cyclists with solid climbing legs or those on e-bikes.

Duration
1 day
Route
Route 136
Level
Challenging
Matsuzaki & Dogashima Explorer

Nishi-Izu

Matsuzaki & Dogashima Explorer

Culture, sea caves, and classic Nishi-Izu coastal charm.

A scenic loop or point-to-point exploring the historic town of Matsuzaki and the famous rock formations of Dogashima just to the north.

Highlights

  • Matsuzaki: preserved traditional namako-wall (black-and-white crisscross plaster) architecture and peaceful riverfront cycling.
  • Dogashima: striking white tufa rock formations and the Tenshodo sea cave, where an open skylight illuminates the turquoise water below.

Rider notes

Considerably gentler and more tourist-friendly than the pure cliffside riding of Jaishi. Plenty of great places to park the bike, grab fresh seafood, or hop on a short boat cruise through the caves.

Duration
1 day
Route
Scenic loop
Level
Easy
Southwest Coastal Loop — 2 Day

Shimoda → Nishi-Izu

Southwest Coastal Loop — 2 Day

A classic weekend tour combining the best of the southern coast with an onsen overnight.

Day 1: Shimoda → Cape Irozaki → Cape Jaishi → Nishi Izu (Matsuzaki/Dogashima area). Day 2: Nishi Izu → inland mountain passes or southern coast return → Shimoda. After an overnight stay in a coastal ryokan with hot springs, Day 2 offers a choice: retrace the stunning coastline in reverse or slice back inland through quiet, forested mountain valleys.

Highlights

  • Epic rugged coastal profile from Shimoda up the western flank to Nishi Izu.
  • Overnight in a traditional ryokan with hot spring baths.
  • Choice between coastal return or quiet inland mountain valleys on Day 2.

Rider notes

A fantastic, self-contained bike-packing or credit-card touring trip. Total elevation gain over the two days is substantial — keep gear lightweight.

Duration
2 days
Route
Multi-day tour
Level
Challenging
The Ultimate West Izu & Mountain Tour — 3 Day

Shimoda → Shuzenji

The Ultimate West Izu & Mountain Tour — 3 Day

The full traverse — wild coast, scenic capes, and an alpine finish over the spine of Izu.

Day 1 — The Wild West Coast: Shimoda → Cape Irozaki → Cape Jaishi → Matsuzaki. Day 2 — The Scenic North Coast: Matsuzaki → Dogashima → Toi, with breathtaking Mt. Fuji views framing the bay on a clear day. Day 3 — The Alpine Finish: Toi → Shuzenji via mountain passes like Heda Pass, descending into the tranquil temple town of Shuzenji.

Highlights

  • Dramatic viewpoints of Irozaki and Jaishi on Day 1.
  • Mt. Fuji views across the bay between Dogashima and Toi.
  • Crossing the spine of the peninsula on Day 3 with a descent into historic Shuzenji.

Rider notes

The signature multi-day Izu traverse. Significant climbing across all three days — strong fitness or an e-bike recommended.

Duration
3 days
Route
Multi-day tour
Level
Challenging

About us

Local riders, quiet roads, unhurried days.

We're a small cycling outfit based in Shimoda, at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. We've spent years mapping the routes we love — coastal lanes, forgotten mountain passes, and the cafés and onsen worth stopping for. Bring your own bike or rent one of ours.

Contact

Plan your ride with us.

Tell us a little about your trip — dates, group size, riding experience — and we'll get back to you with options.

Based in
Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan
Seasons
Year-round — best Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov