HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Cycling the Shimanami Kaido’s Islands
Bike across multiple islands and scenic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea on this stress-free cycling adventure
Shimanami Japan
The Setouchi Shimanami route that stretches over 70km from Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture is the first cycling road in Japan that lets you cross a sea strait.
One of the best aspects of the Shimanami Kaido is the infrastructure that allows you to take on this adventure with ease. Rental bikes of various types are available at major spots along the route, and you can return your bike to any of the rental stations on the islands, not to mention take a ferry or bus to your next destination if you don’t feel like cycling the entire route.
There are over 150 cycling oases along the way where you can stop for a rest and refill your water bottles, along with a number of hotels that allow you to take bikes directly into your room.
In addition, there’s no need to worry about lugging around heavy luggage as you explore. There are many places where you can store your suitcases, as well as services that will transport your luggage to your next destination. Just take a small backpack with some water and snacks and enjoy your hassle-free cycling excursion along the Setouchi Shimanami.
How to get there
To Onomichi: From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to JR Fukuyama Station (1 hour and 10 minutes) and change to the JR local train to Onomichi Station (about 20 minutes). Bike rentals are a 3-minute walk from the station.
To Imabari: Fly from Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From Matsuyama Airport, take the local bus or taxi to JR Matsuyama Station (about 20 minutes), then ride the JR express train to JR Imabari Station (about 40 minutes). Bike rentals are available directly in front of the station.
5-11 Nishigosho-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken
2-773-8 Kitahorai-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime-ken
