What is the Shimanami Kaido?

The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic 70-kilometer cycling route that connects Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) with Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) via a series of six islands across the Seto Inland Sea. What makes this route unique is its dedicated cycling path, which runs alongside a series of majestic bridges—each one offering breathtaking views of the sea, ships, and scattered islands. Cyclists can enjoy quiet coastal roads, citrus orchards, beaches, and local culture at a slow, enjoyable pace.
There are rental bike stations throughout the route, and you can start or finish on any island—making it beginner-friendly and flexible. Whether you ride the entire route in one day or spread it out over two with an overnight stay, it’s one of the best ways to explore Japan off the beaten path.

Highlights Along the Shimanami Kaido

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido isn’t just about the ride—it’s about what you’ll discover along the way. Each island offers its own charm, from local food to hidden temples and sea views.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Shimanami Kaido?

🚴‍♂️ 1-Day Ride:

　If you’re fit and plan minimal stops, you can complete the full 70 km in 6–8 hours. This is ideal if you just want to enjoy the ride itself.

🚴‍♀️ 2-Day Ride:

　For a more relaxed pace, break up the trip with an overnight stay on one of the islands, like Omishima or Ikuchijima. This lets you enjoy local attractions, hot springs, and seaside dinners.

Partial Rides:

　You don’t have to ride the entire route! Many travelers bike just the first few islands from Onomichi and return by ferry or bus.

Most cyclists complete the Shimanami Kaido in one or two days, depending on their pace and how often they stop. There are bike rental shops that allow one-way returns, so you don’t need to cycle back to your starting point.

Our Experience on the Shimanami Kaido

Day1

I took the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama around 8.30 am and arrived in Onomichi around noon (with one train switch in Fukuyama). Before starting a tour of Onomichi city, I tasted the local ramen from Onomichi (尾道ラーメン) which broth is made with small fish with an added taste of soy sauce. It has a mild flavor and it was really delicious.

Since the Middle Ages, the city of Onomichi has prospered as a port and because of its wealth, many temples have been built in the city. Today, Onomichi City is known as a temple city. So I visited the major temples: Senkoji (千光寺), Taisanji (大山寺), Jodoji (浄土時), and Saikokuji (西國寺). Each temple is not very large but they are all well maintained. The views from each temple of the inland sea are magnificent.

In the evening, we tried oysters: Hiroshima Prefecture is known for its oyster farming. It was delicious.

Day2

Let the cycling begin! We took the ferry to Mukaishima Island around 10 am. You can of course get on the ferry with your bike. We crossed Mukaishima and passed by beaches. We were very surprised by the clarity of the seawater in this area. Arriving at Innoshima Island, we climbed Shiratakiyama Mountain and enjoyed the 360-degree panorama from the top.

As the weather was nice, the sea reflected the blue color of the sky and it was really pleasant. It was quite tiring to climb more than 200 meters, but it was worth it to go up to see this beautiful landscape. After a lunch break at a local restaurant on Innoshima Island, we went on our way to the final destination of the day, Omishima Island! In Iguchijima, we passed in front of the Kosanji temple (unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit it) and laid down for a bit on Setoda Sun Set Beach.

Arriving at Omishima Island, before sunset, we went to visit the Oyamazumi shrine. It is a sober sanctuary and the 2600 years old camphor tree is imposing. We arrived at the hotel around 4 pm. We spent the night in a hotel for cyclists called WAKKA. In this hotel, you can bring your bicycle into the room and hang it on the wall. It is located at the edge of the sea and there is a great view of Tatara -Ohashi Bridge and the place is pleasant and beautiful.

Day3

We woke up at sunrise. After breakfast, we left around 9 am to the direction of Tatara-Ohashi bridge because as an exception we could climb to the top of the bridge pier (normally it is closed to the public). We really had an amazing view from the top. While passing by the island of Hakata, we arrived at the last island before Imabari.

As I wanted to see the Kurushima Strait from the observatory, we made the effort to go up the 308m high mountain by bike. It was tiring but the splendid view of the observatory made us forget the tiredness. Before crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Ohashi bridge, we took a short break at the foot of the bridge. The Tatara Kaikyo Ohashi Bridge is about 4km long. This day there was no wind and we could cross it within about 20 minutes.

We arrived at Imari station around 3 pm, and we returned the bikes. To relieve our tiredness, we decided to go to the spa Dogo Onsen, about 40 min by train. After 2 days of travel by bike, it felt like paradise to take a bath in the onsen hot springs.

How to Access the Shimanami Kaido

Getting to the Shimanami Kaido is easy from either side—Onomichi (Hiroshima) or Imabari (Ehime). Most travelers begin in Onomichi, especially if coming from Hiroshima or Osaka.

From Hiroshima / Osaka to Onomichi

• From Hiroshima Station:
  Take the JR Sanyo Line to Onomichi Station (approx. 90 min) 　Or take the Shinkansen to Shin-Onomichi Station + bus/taxi to the city center
• From Osaka:
  Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station → JR Sanyo Line to Onomichi

From Tokyo

• Fly to Hiroshima Airport, then take a bus/train to Onomichi
• Or take the Shinkansen to Fukuyama, transfer to JR Sanyo Line

Bike Rental & Returns

• Bike rental shops are available at Onomichi Port, JR stations, and even hotels
• Most allow one-way rental: pick up in Onomichi, return in Imabari (or vice versa)
• E-bikes available, especially recommended for casual riders

Q&A – Shimanami Kaido Cycling Tips