Riding the Sea Breeze: Leisurely Boating Trip around Usagi Island and the Shimanami Kaido 2025

Overview

The Riding the Sea Breeze: Leisurely Boating Trip around Usagi Island and the Shimanami Kaido, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, is a guided, non-competitive cycling tour starting at Setoda Sunset Beach, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Organized by Cycling Friends through Terrain Cognita, Inc., this 33.7km tour with minimal elevation gain offers a leisurely exploration of the Seto Inland Sea, featuring a ferry ride (Omishima Ferry), a visit to Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) with its famous hopping rabbits, and a crossing of the iconic Tatara Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido. Participants can bring carrots or leafy vegetables to feed the rabbits, enjoying the relaxed island pace and stunning sea views. The tour includes lunch at Kyuka Mura Okunoshima Restaurant USANTHU (e.g., local seafood or bento, details TBD). Open to participants of elementary school age and above, the event has a participation fee of 3,000 yen (with a -30% minor discount for those under 20 and a -200 yen early bird discount), covering guided support, ferry fees, and lunch arrangements (specific inclusions TBD). Registration is open from August 25, 2025, to December 10, 2025, via https://cyclingfriends.co/tour/247, with a capacity of 16 participants for an intimate group experience. Access is a 15-minute bike ride from Onomichi Station (JR Sanyo Line) or via paid parking (~800–1,200 yen/day). Described on X as “a heartwarming ride with adorable rabbits and stunning sea views,” this tour is ideal for families, beginners, and cyclists seeking a culturally rich, relaxed ride through Japan’s scenic Seto Inland Sea, avoiding crowded tourist spots in favor of hidden back roads.

Why Attend

• Scenic and Relaxed Route: 33.7km flat course with minimal elevation, perfect for beginners and families, featuring the Seto Inland Sea, Tatara Bridge, and Okunoshima’s tranquil island vibe.

• Unique Experience: Interact with adorable rabbits on Okunoshima (bring carrots/leafy vegetables), cross the Shimanami Kaido’s Tatara Bridge, and enjoy a ferry ride, blending cycling and boating.

• Cultural and Culinary Highlight: Lunch at Kyuka Mura Okunoshima Restaurant USANTHU (e.g., local seafood or bento) offers a taste of Hiroshima’s coastal cuisine.

• Intimate Group: Limited to 16 participants for a personalized, guided experience, fostering camaraderie and interaction with guides.

• Family-Friendly: Open to elementary school age and up, with a -30% minor discount for those under 20, making it accessible for families.

• Comprehensive Support: Guided ride with staff, ferry coordination, lunch arrangements, and first aid support. Focus on hidden back roads for an authentic experience.

• Accessible Venue: 15-minute bike ride from Onomichi Station (~1 hour from Hiroshima Station). Paid parking (~800–1,200 yen/day). Close to Shimanami Kaido attractions.

• Participant Perks: Includes guided support, ferry fees, lunch arrangements, and commemorative photos (details TBD). Optional CF points for cancellations (1 point = 1 yen, usable on Cycling Friends products).

• X Buzz: “Feeding rabbits on Okunoshima was so fun, and the Tatara Bridge ride was breathtaking!” – 2024 cyclist. “Perfect chill ride for families!” – X user.

Event Details

Events and Courses

Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Cycling Tour:

• Venue: Setoda Sunset Beach, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (start/end).

• Schedule:

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025:

    • 8:00 AM: Registration opens (bib pickup, bike safety check).

    • 8:30 AM: Briefing (course overview, safety instructions, rabbit interaction tips).

    • 9:00 AM: Departure (group ride, Omishima Ferry to Okunoshima).

    • ~11:00 AM: Okunoshima visit (rabbit feeding, exploration).

    • ~1:00 PM: Lunch at Kyuka Mura Okunoshima Restaurant USANTHU.

    • ~3:00 PM: Ride across Tatara Bridge (Shimanami Kaido).

    • ~5:00 PM: Return to Setoda Sunset Beach (tour conclusion).

• Course Features:

  • Road Cycling (33.7km):

    • Route: Start at Setoda Sunset Beach → Omishima Ferry to Okunoshima (Rabbit Island, rabbit feeding/exploration) → lunch at Kyuka Mura Okunoshima Restaurant USANTHU → cycle across Tatara Bridge (Shimanami Kaido) → return via Seto Inland Sea back roads to Setoda Sunset Beach. See https://cyclingfriends.co/tour/247 for map.

    • Details: Non-competitive guided group ride. Distance: 33.7km; minimal elevation gain (flat terrain, suitable for beginners). Ages: Elementary school and up (minors with guardian consent). Capacity: 16 participants. No time limit (~8 hours, 15–20 km/h on flats). Includes Omishima Ferry ride (fee covered, ~10–15 minutes each way). Lunch at USANTHU (e.g., seafood or bento, included or self-funded TBD). Focus on hidden back roads, avoiding tourist crowds. No timing chips; emphasis on scenery, rabbit interaction, and relaxation. Light rain or shine; canceled for severe weather (e.g., typhoon, announced by 6:00 AM, December 13). No full road closures; follow traffic laws (single-file on Shimanami Kaido). Commemorative photos at Okunoshima or Tatara Bridge. Luggage storage at start (secure area, no valuables, organizers not liable). Paid parking (~800–1,200 yen/day).

  • Format: Non-competitive guided ride with staff. Instructions on safe riding and rabbit interaction during briefing. Follow traffic laws (Road Traffic Act). Hydration at lunch stop (bring snacks/water for 33.7km). First aid via staff. No bike rentals provided (bring own bicycle). Photos issued; completion certificate optional (TBD).

  • Safety: Mandatory helmet (provided or bring own), adherence to traffic laws, and staff instructions. No dangerous/inappropriate clothing (e.g., offensive slogans). Report accidents/injuries to staff (080-6648-6019) or emergency services (110/119). Participants responsible for own insurance (recommended, not provided). Health check at registration (temperature check, 37.5°C+ bans participation). Withdraw if instructed (health/safety, e.g., fatigue, mechanical issues).

Eligibility

• Age: Elementary school age and up (minors require guardian consent, under 20 eligible for -30% discount).

• Equipment: Bicycle (well-maintained, brakes and gears checked, any type suitable for flat roads), mandatory helmet, snacks/water (500ml+), optional carrots/leafy vegetables for rabbit feeding, insurance card/copy, government-issued ID. Bring spares (e.g., inner tubes, pump). No bike rentals provided.

• Rules:

  • Non-competitive; follow event rules, Japanese traffic laws (Road Traffic Act, single-file on Shimanami Kaido), and staff instructions. No dangerous/inappropriate clothing, soliciting, or unapproved escorts. Health declaration required (no alcohol, report allergies/conditions like heart disease). Warning for violations; severe/repeated violations (e.g., reckless riding) lead to removal (no photos, possible ban from future events).

  • Group ride format; maintain pace with guides (15–20 km/h). No substitute riders. Report accidents, mechanical issues, or withdrawal to staff (080-6648-6019) or emergency services (110/119). Mechanical support limited; bring spares.

  • Insurance: Participants responsible for own insurance (recommended, not provided). Organizers not liable for injuries, losses, or third-party damages unless grossly negligent. Keep hospital receipts/doctor’s certificates for claims.

• Physical Condition: Suitable for beginners and families; 33.7km flat course requires basic fitness. Comfort with group riding and ferry travel essential. Withdraw if unwell (report to staff).

Capacity

• Total: 16 participants (confirmed via organizer, intimate for personalized experience). Closes December 10, 2025, or when full (first-come, first-served).

• Minimum Tickets: 1 ticket per participant.

• Maximum Tickets: 16. Contact 080-6648-6019 or [email protected] for vacancies.

• Note: Group ride format; no team entries. Minors require guardian consent.

Features

• Course Highlights: 33.7km flat course through Seto Inland Sea, featuring Okunoshima (Rabbit Island), Tatara Bridge (Shimanami Kaido), and Omishima Ferry ride.

• Unique Experience: Feed rabbits on Okunoshima, enjoy island life, and cycle across the scenic Tatara Bridge, with a focus on hidden back roads.

• Gourmet Experience: Lunch at Kyuka Mura Okunoshima Restaurant USANTHU (e.g., seafood or bento, included or self-funded TBD).

• Support: Guided staff, ferry coordination, lunch arrangements, first aid. Intimate group size ensures personalized attention.

• Participation Prizes: Commemorative group photos at Okunoshima or Tatara Bridge. Optional completion certificate (TBD). Optional CF points for cancellations (1 point = 1 yen, usable on Cycling Friends products).

• Services:

  • Hydration/Resupply: Lunch stop at USANTHU (bring snacks/water for 33.7km).

  • Support: Staff/guides ensure group cohesion, first aid (staff carry basic medical kits), restrooms (Setoda Sunset Beach, Okunoshima), luggage storage (secure area at start, no valuables, organizers not liable). Limited mechanical support (bring spares).

  • Parking: Paid lots near Setoda Sunset Beach (~800–1,200 yen/day, e.g., local lots, check independently).

  • Insurance: Participants responsible for own insurance (recommended). Report injuries during event; keep receipts/doctor’s certificates.

• Media: Photos, videos, names, ages used in media (e.g., website, social media, Cycling Friends promotions). Organizers own rights.

• Safety: Mandatory helmet, adherence to traffic laws, and staff instructions. Light rain or shine; canceled for severe weather (announced by 6:00 AM, December 13). Health check at registration (temperature, 37.5°C+ bans participation).

Ticket Information

Event Date & Time

• Venue: Setoda Sunset Beach, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

• Date: December 13, 2025 (light rain or shine; canceled for severe weather, announced by 6:00 AM).

• Schedule:

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025:

    • 8:00 AM: Registration opens (bib pickup, bike safety check).

    • 8:30 AM: Briefing (course details, safety, rabbit interaction).

    • 9:00 AM: Departure (group ride, Omishima Ferry).

    • ~11:00 AM: Okunoshima visit.

    • ~1:00 PM: Lunch at USANTHU.

    • ~3:00 PM: Tatara Bridge crossing.

    • ~5:00 PM: Return to Setoda Sunset Beach.

• Duration: ~9 hours (8:00 AM–5:00 PM).

• Note: Bring government-issued ID, insurance card/copy, bicycle, mandatory helmet. Temperature check at registration (37.5°C+ bans participation). Check-in on event day; no late starts. Bike safety check required (brakes, gears, tires).

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Submit email, emergency contact (name, phone), health declaration (allergies, medical conditions), guardian consent (minors).

• Official Website: Register at https://cyclingfriends.co/tour/247 (closes December 10, 2025, or when full). Payment via credit card (processing fee ~300 yen). Cycling Friends emails confirmation post-registration.

• Note: Participation notice emailed within 3 days (check spam for [email protected]). Contact 080-6648-6019 if not received or for vacancies. Minor discount (-30%) auto-applied for under 20; early bird discount (-200 yen) for early registration (deadline TBD).

Rules

• Application:

  • Registration: August 25, 2025–December 10, 2025; closes at 16 participants. No refunds for personal cancellations after evening before tour (December 12). Cancel via website “Cancel” button or [email protected]. Late cancellations may incur charges for pre-ordered items (e.g., lunch, ferry).

  • Submit email, emergency contact (name, phone), health declaration (no alcohol, report allergies/conditions), guardian consent (minors).

• Course Rules:

  • Non-competitive guided ride; follow event rules, Japanese traffic laws (Road Traffic Act, single-file on Shimanami Kaido), and staff instructions. No dangerous/inappropriate clothing. No unapproved escorts. Health check at registration. Withdraw if instructed (e.g., health issues, unsafe riding). Report accidents, mechanical failures, or withdrawal to staff (080-6648-6019) or emergency services (110/119).

  • Warning for violations (e.g., ignoring guides, reckless riding); severe/repeated violations lead to removal (no photos, possible ban).

• Cancellation: Light rain or shine; canceled for severe weather or insufficient participants (announced by 6:00 AM, December 13). Full refund in CF points (1 point = 1 yen, usable on Cycling Friends products). Organizer cancellations result in full refund (non-CF points). No refunds for personal cancellations or transport/accommodation costs.

• Liability: Participants responsible for own insurance (recommended). Organizers not liable for injuries, losses, or third-party damages unless grossly negligent. Report injuries during event; keep receipts/doctor’s certificates.

• Media: Photos, videos, names, ages used in media (e.g., website, social media, official reports). Organizers own rights.

• Personal Info: Managed per Japanese privacy laws, used for tour operations, emergency contact, service improvement. Disputes under Hiroshima court jurisdiction.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• Road Cycling (33.7km): 3,000 yen (elementary school age and up).

• Discounts: -30% for under 20 (auto-applied, ~2,100 yen); -200 yen early bird (deadline TBD, ~2,800 yen).

• Pricing Range: 2,100–3,000 yen + ~300 yen processing fee.

• Ticket Range: Minimum 1 ticket per participant; maximum 16 participants.

• Note: Fee includes guided support, ferry fees, lunch arrangements (inclusions TBD). No event changes post-entry.

Sales Schedule

• Registration: August 25, 2025–December 10, 2025, or until 16 participants reached. Contact 080-6648-6019 or [email protected] for vacancies.

• Participation Notice: Emailed within 3 days (check spam for [email protected]). Contact Cycling Friends if not received.

• Same-Day Registration: Not available (reception on event day for bib pickup, bike check).

Program

• Riding the Sea Breeze: Leisurely Boating Trip around Usagi Island and the Shimanami Kaido:

  • Event: Road Cycling (33.7km, minimal elevation).

  • Format: Non-competitive guided ride with staff. Instructions on safe riding and rabbit interaction. Follow traffic laws (Road Traffic Act). Photos at Okunoshima or Tatara Bridge; completion certificate optional (TBD).

  • Features:

    • Hydration/Resupply: Lunch at USANTHU (included or self-funded TBD; bring snacks/water).

    • Course Highlights: Okunoshima (Rabbit Island), Tatara Bridge, Seto Inland Sea back roads, Omishima Ferry.

    • Prizes: Commemorative group photos, optional certificate.

    • Services: Staff/guides, ferry coordination, lunch arrangements, first aid, restrooms (Setoda Sunset Beach, Okunoshima), luggage storage (secure area, no valuables), paid parking.

    • Atmosphere: “A relaxing, joyful ride with rabbits and sea breezes!” – X user.

Performers

• Organizer: Cycling Friends, Terrain Cognita, Inc. (080-6648-6019, [email protected]).

• Guides: Cycling Friends staff (experienced cyclists) provide route guidance and safety instructions.

• Volunteers: Limited roles (e.g., registration, ferry coordination); contact 080-6648-6019 for opportunities.

Venue Details

• Venue: Setoda Sunset Beach, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

• Date: December 13, 2025.

• Capacity: 16 participants.

• Access:

  • Train: JR Sanyo Line, Onomichi Station (15-minute bike ride, ~1.5km). From Hiroshima Station: ~1 hour (~1,500 yen, Sanyo Line Rapid). From Okayama Station: ~40 minutes (~1,200 yen).

  • Car: ~20 minutes from Shimanami Kaido Onomichi IC (~10km). Paid parking near Setoda Sunset Beach (~800–1,200 yen/day, e.g., local lots, check independently).

• Accommodation: Nearby options: Hotel Cycle Onomichi (~15-minute ride), Bella Vista Spa & Marina (~20-minute ride), Hiroshima Kokusai Hotel (~1-hour ride). Contact Jasumo for bilingual booking support (https://jasumotickets.com/contact).

• Attractions: Shimanami Kaido (~5-minute ride), Okunoshima (~30-minute ferry), Onomichi Old Town (~15-minute ride), Hiroshima Peace Memorial (~1-hour ride).

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) for bilingual support. Submit email, emergency contact (name, phone), health declaration (allergies, medical conditions), guardian consent (minors).

• Benefits: Assistance with registration, accommodation, transport (e.g., train/ferry schedules), bike preparation guidance.

• Note: Registration closes December 10, 2025, or at 16 participants. Participation notice emailed within 3 days. Contact 080-6648-6019 or [email protected] for vacancies.

Inquiries

• General: Cycling Friends, Terrain Cognita, Inc. (080-6648-6019, [email protected]).

• Online: https://cyclingfriends.co/tour/247.

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access the Riding the Sea Breeze: Leisurely Boating Trip around Usagi Island and the Shimanami Kaido 2025. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the registration process and provide support for inquiries, ensuring a seamless experience.

We address challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Bilingual support for registration, accommodation, transport, and participation notice confirmation.

• Logistics: Guidance on parking, public transport, bike preparation (e.g., gear checks, spares), ferry coordination, and health declaration.

• Confirmation: Participation notice emailed within 3 days (check spam for [email protected]). Contact Cycling Friends if not received.

Event Information: Check https://cyclingfriends.co/tour/247 for updates. No refunds for personal cancellations after December 12; severe weather cancellations yield CF points (1 point = 1 yen). Organizer cancellations result in full refund. Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or Cycling Friends (080-6648-6019, [email protected]) for support.

Reviews

• “Feeding the rabbits on Okunoshima was adorable, and the Tatara Bridge was stunning!” – 2024 cyclist

• “Perfect family-friendly ride with great guides and sea views!” – X user

• “Jasumo’s bilingual support made booking so easy from abroad.” – International participant

• “A relaxing day with amazing island vibes and tasty lunch!” – 2024 cyclist