What Is the Shimanami Kaido?
The Shimanami Kaido is a 70km cycling route connecting Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) to Imabari (Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku) via six islands and seven bridges across the Seto Inland Sea. Opened in 1999, it is the only bridge route in Japan with a dedicated cycling path. The route has been called one of the world's best cycling roads by CNN and cycling publications worldwide. You ride dedicated lanes with panoramic ocean views, cross soaring suspension bridges, and pass through peaceful island villages with citrus groves, temples, and seaside cafes.
Tip: The full 70km takes 4-6 hours for average cyclists. Start by 9 AM to finish comfortably before sunset, with time for lunch and photo stops.
Planning Your Ride: Route and Difficulty
The route is mostly flat along coastlines, with moderate climbs to each bridge approach ramp (3-5% gradients, well-paved). Total elevation gain: approximately 500m over 70km. Direction matters: Onomichi to Imabari is slightly more popular (better-stocked rental system at start). Island highlights: Innoshima (temple of 500 Rakan statues), Ikuchijima (Kosanji temple, Setoda village, gelato shops), Omishima (Oyamazumi Shrine with samurai armor collection), and Hakatajima (salt production museum). Blue directional lines painted on the road surface guide you the entire way.
Bike Rental and Logistics
Shimanami Japan rental system: Stations at both ends and on each island. Cross bikes from ¥3,000/day, e-bikes from ¥4,000/day, road bikes from ¥5,000. ¥1,100 deposit (¥1,000 extra for one-way drop-off at the other end). Book online at shimanami-cycle.or.jp (English available). Giant Store Onomichi/Imabari: Premium road bikes and touring bikes from ¥5,500/day with helmet and lock included. Onomichi start: take the short ferry (¥110, 5 min) from Onomichi to Mukaishima island (there is no cycling bridge for the first crossing).
Where to Stay and Eat
Day-trip is doable for fit cyclists, but an overnight on the islands is magical. Ikuchijima/Setoda: Backpacker hostel Yubune (¥4,500, communal bath), Shimada Ryokan (¥8,000 with dinner), and luxury Hotel Azumi Setoda (from ¥50,000). Omishima: Wakka hostel (cyclist-friendly, bike storage, ¥3,500). Food: Hassaku (citrus) products everywhere — juices, jams, desserts. Fresh seafood lunches on every island (¥1,000-1,800). Dolce gelato in Setoda is legendary. Vending machines and convenience stores are spaced every 10-15km.
Practical Tips for the Ride
Bring sunscreen and water (though vending machines are frequent). Carry rain gear — weather on the Inland Sea changes quickly. Lock your bike when stopping at attractions. Bridge tolls: Free for cyclists (previously ¥50-200/bridge, waived since 2024). Getting there: Onomichi is 1.5 hours from Hiroshima by JR Sanyo Line (¥1,520) or 40 minutes by shinkansen to Shin-Onomichi. Imabari is 35 minutes from Matsuyama by JR Yosan Line. Shipping luggage: Use Yamato takkyubin to send bags between your Onomichi and Imabari hotels while you ride light.
