HOME Back

My Favorites

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

View All

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

None

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road

A unique bike route across islands and bridges, with breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea

SHIMANAMI JAPAN

Running across six islands and seven bridges in the Seto Inland Sea, Shimanami Kaido connects Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture and is considered Japan's most famous and scenic cycling route. With plenty of bicycle rental stations and resting areas, everyone from beginners to enthusiasts can enjoy a refreshing ride along this 70 km-long cycling road, among stunning views and the gentle sea breeze. You can either choose to start cycling from Onomichi or Imabari.

If starting from Onomichi, take the short 10-minute ferry ride to the island of Mukaishima, then follow the route to Innoshima. If you want to sail a little longer on the beautiful Setouchi Inland Sea, you can choose a 40-minute ferry ride directly from Onomichi to Ikuchijima, the third island, and head on to Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima. Cycle past quaint villages, ancient shrines, and lush forests, treat yourself to local delicacies, and explore the many attractions along the way. If you have some energy left in the final stretch, let’s pedal up to Kirosan Observatory on Oshima, the last island, where you can savor a spectacular view as far as Mt. Ishizuchi.

After you cross Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, that’s Imabari, the final destination of the route. Not satisfied with 70km cycling yet? Why not take another step and head to Mt. Ishizuchi? There are several cycling routes in the area, including the so-called UFO Line.

How to get there

For Onomichi: From JR Kyoto or Osaka, take the Shinkansen to JR Fukuyama Station (about 1-2 hours) and change to the JR local train to Onomichi Station (about 20 minutes).
For Imabari: From Matsuyama Airport take the local bus or taxi to JR Matsuyama Station (about 20 minutes), then the JR express train to JR Imabari Station (about 40 minutes).

Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken
Imabari-shi and Saijo-shi, Ehime-ken

Ino-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi-ken