Fourteen years later,
Shikahachi 2026 is being reborn to be more accessible than ever!
Shikahachi “The Jōban Arc”
4/26 (Day 1) 〜 4/28 (Day 3)
A flat to hilly route featuring majestic Pacific Ocean views and the powerful spirit of regional recovery.
- Self-guided tour: ¥26,500
- Guided tour: ¥72,000
Shikahachi “The Sanriku Arc”
5/2 (Day 4) 〜 5/5 (Day 7)
A challenging route featuring the spectacular scenery of the rias coastline and historic mountain roads.
- Self-guided tour: ¥35,000
- Guided tour: ¥95,000
More Flexible Participation Styles
Full 7-Stage Tour (Full Participation)
- Self-guided tour: ¥60,000
- Guided tour: ¥150,000
Single Stage Participation: Experience the tour for just one day of your choice.
Introducing the new “Component” System
We have adopted an optional system where you can “leave it to us” (Omakase) for necessities like meals and transportation. This is perfect for those who want to focus on the tour without worrying about the details.
During the 3-day interval period (4/29 – 5/1), we will also host an original, non-cycling guided tour to visit Matsushima, Chūson-ji Temple, and travel from Sendai to Ishinomaki.
Please check the full post below for more details.
Shikahachi (Tour de East Japan) 2026: Registration Now Open for New “Jōban Arc” & “Sanriku Arc” Plans!
What is “Shikahachi”?
The “Tour de East Japan Kashima to Hachinohe 800km” started in 2014 and is nicknamed “Shikahachi”. Starting from Kashima Jingu Shrine in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the riders cycle a total of 800km to Kabushima Shrine in Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, over a period of seven days.
It has been fourteen years since the devastating earthquake. With a renewed desire to keep its memories alive, we promise to provide a different kind of cycling experience – through a safe and easy route, along with detailed support and supervision from Okumusashi Bike Tours. It is sure to be a cycling trip you will remember for a lifetime.
“Shikahachi” is about to start…
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Bicycle Journey in Memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake
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stage
[The Jōban Arc] Apr 26 (Sun) Stage 1 “Kashima – Hitachi” 107km
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stage
[The Jōban Arc] Apr 27 (Mon) Stage 2 “HItachi – Tomioka” (Full 120km / Guided 77km)
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stage
[The Jōban Arc] Apr 28 (Tue) Stage 3 “Tomioka- Sendai” (Full 133km / Guided 80km)
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Interval
Apr 29 – May 1 — Rest / Transfer Days (Free to explore on your own)
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stage
[The Sanriku Arc] May 2 (Sat) Stage 1 “Ishinomaki – Kesennuma” 88km
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stage
[The Sanriku Arc] May 3 (Sun) Stage 2 “Kesennuma – Kamaishi” 84km
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stage
[The Sanriku Arc] May 4 (Mon) Stage 3 “Kamaishi – Kuji” (Full 165 km / Guided 76 km)
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stage
[The Sanriku Arc] May 5 (Tue) Stage 4 “Kuji – Hachinohe” 70km
“Shikahachi” Support Pack
Accommodations (separate fee) are planned as single rooms in business hotels. Rest well and prepare for the next day. Staff will also be staying overnight, so feel free to ask for assistance anytime.
Ride at your own pace, on your own route
4/26 (Sun) “Kashima – Hitachi”
4/27 (Mon) “Hitachi – Tomioka”
4/28 (Tue) “Tomioka – Sendai”
“The Sanriku Arc”
5/2 (Sat) “Ishinomaki – Kesennuma”
5/3 (Sun) “Kesennuma – Kamaishi”
5/4 (Mon) “Kamaishi – Kuji”
5/5 (Tue) “Kuji – Hachinohe”
4/26 (Sun) “Kashima – Hitachi”
4/27 (Mon) “Hitachi – Tomioka”
4/28 (Tue) “Tomioka – Sendai”
5/2 (Sat) “Ishinomaki – Kesennuma”
5/3 (Sun) “Kesennuma – Kamaishi”
5/4 (Mon) “Kamaishi – Kuji”
5/5 (Tue) “Kuji – Hachinohe”
(Limited to 10 guests)
Guided tour led by a guide
4/26 (Sun) “Kashima – Hitachi”
4/27 (Mon) “Hitachi – Tomioka”
4/28 (Tue) “Tomioka – Sendai”
“The Sanriku Arc”
5/2 (Sat) “Ishinomaki – Kesennuma”
5/3 (Sun) “Kesennuma – Kamaishi”
5/4 (Mon) “Kamaishi – Kuji”
5/5 (Tue) “Kuji – Hachinohe”
4/26 (Sun) “Kashima – Hitachi”
4/27 (Mon) “Hitachi – Tomioka”
4/28 (Tue) “Tomioka – Sendai”
5/2 (Sat) “Ishinomaki – Kesennuma”
5/3 (Sun) “Kesennuma – Kamaishi”
5/4 (Mon) “Kamaishi – Kuji”
5/5 (Tue) “Kuji – Hachinohe”
Customer Testimonials
Louise Ryan
I loved everything about the Shikahachi 800. The ride was very well organised, with great attention to every detail. The ride was a beautiful blend of fantastic cycling, great company, delicious food and cultural richness. I learned a lot about Japan and the devastating tsunami that caused so much damage back in 2011. My partner and I have done a lot of bike tours all round the world, but this was definitely one of the very best! We’re planning to do it again next year.
from Australia
This was a very safe well run multi day ride staying in very good hotels with excellent food. This holiday appeals on many levels. It offers a very authentic Japanese cultural experience. Most fellow riders were Japanese, but language wasn’t a problem as guides spoke good English. We visited many interesting and varied locations especially those related to rebuilding and remembering the earthquake and tsunami. We travelled on scenic trains alongside the sea of Japan and experienced the marvels of bullet train travel back to Tokyo. I’ve done many bike trips all over the world. This is up there with the best. We are returning in 2025.
from Australia
I had an unreal time on this ride, indulging in the local cuisine, local customs and also some nostalgia; in which cherry blossom trees were seen in the wild and the tsunami memorial from over 10 years ago was experienced among other things and meeting like minded people.
from Australia
FAQ
The Self-guided tour is for those who want to ride at their own pace based on the digital data (GPX) we provide. A guide will not accompany you, but the Shikahachi Support Pack (baggage transport, etc.) is included.
The Guided tour is a fully supported tour where our guides will lead you. This tour often takes a more leisurely pace and may use shorter route options on some stages (e.g., Stage 2, 3, 6).
Yes, of course. We offer a “Single Stage Participation” option. Please let us know which stage(s) you are interested in in the comments section of your application. We will provide you with a new estimate.
Yes, please let us know your request in the comments section of your application as soon as possible, as the size and number of bicycles are limited.
Yes, please let us know in the comments section of your application. We will provide you with a new estimate after hearing your wishes.
No, the main tour price covers the participation fee and the Shikahachi Support Pack (GPX data, baggage transport, emergency support).
Accommodation and meals are optional components that you can add separately during the application process. This allows you to customize the tour to fit your budget, or you can arrange your own.
Yes, absolutely. We have designed the tour so you can participate in The Jōban Arc (first 3 stages) or The Sanriku Arc (last 4 stages) separately. You can, of course, also join the Full Tour (all 7 stages). Please select your preference on the application form.
The Interval Tour is an optional, 3-day non-cycling sightseeing tour held during the rest period (4/29 – 5/1). We will visit famous sites like Matsushima and Chūson-ji Temple. It is not mandatory; you can use this time to rest or travel independently.
The Guided tour option (¥10,000/day) is an all-inclusive plan that includes group lunches, group dinners, and any transport fees to the restaurant. The Self-guided tour option (¥6,000/day) is for dinner only, allowing you to have lunch freely at your own pace while still joining the group for dinner in the evening.
No, submitting the form does not confirm your booking or require payment. After you submit, our office will review your requests, calculate the total price, and send you a confirmation email with a final quote. Once you approve this quote, we will provide payment instructions.
You are welcome to arrange your own accommodation. However, please be aware that our baggage transport service only delivers luggage to the official designated hotel for each stage.
If you book a different hotel or inn (not the tour’s designated hotel), you will be responsible for picking up your luggage from the official hotel after you finish the stage. Please consider this when booking your accommodation.
News & Topics
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News
Shikahachi (Tour de East Japan) 2026: Registration Now Open for New “Jōban Arc” & “Sanriku Arc” Plans!
Thank you for your continued interest in Shikahachi (Tour de East Japan: Kashima to Hachinohe 800km). For the upcoming Shikahachi season, we have significantly updated our participation format to allow more people to experience this epic 800km journey in a style that suits them. In addition to participating in the two “Arcs”—”The Jōban Arc” and “The Sanriku Arc”—we have also refreshed our tour options to be clearer and more accessible. Two Tour Styles to Choose From We offer two types of participation: the [Self-guided tour] and the [Guided tour]. All Plans Include the “Shikahachi Support Pack” Whichever tour style you choose, the “Shikahachi Support Pack” is included, providing peace of […] -
News
Breaking News: Shikahachi (Tour de East Japan) Evolves! Announcing New ‘Jōban Arc’ and ‘Sanriku Arc’ Format for the 800km Journey.
Thank you for your continued interest in Shikahachi (Tour de East Japan: Kashima to Hachinohe 800km). We are thrilled to announce a major update for the upcoming season. To make this epic 800km journey more accessible and adaptable to your personal style, we are evolving the event format. In addition to the traditional “Full Tour” and “Single Stage” entries, we are introducing two new comprehensive packages: “The Jōban Arc” and “The Sanriku Arc.” This new format allows participants to join flexibly, choosing to ride just the first half or the second half of the tour to fit their schedule and fitness level. We are excited to share the confirmed event […] -
News
“SHIKAHACHI” 2024 movie is available!
“SHIKAHACHI – Tour de East Japan Kashima to Hachinohe 800km” 2024 movie is now available. We condensed many hours of 7 days into this 15 minute snapshot. Please check it out and comment on your impressions. Please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel!
Management Structure
Shikahachi Executive Committee
Shigeru Okada (CEO, OZ Project, Inc)
phone 0493-59-8220
646-1, Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama, Saitama
Kashima City, Hachinohe City