Shimanami Kaido

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

The Shimanami Kaido is a roughly 70-kilometer expressway and cycling route that links Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari on Shikoku, hopping across six islands of the Seto Inland Sea via a series of dramatic bridges. It is widely regarded as one of the world's great cycling routes.

With a dedicated bicycle path, gentle bridge approaches, rental cycles and blue-line guidance the whole way, it lets riders of many abilities cross the sparkling Inland Sea, passing citrus groves, fishing villages, beaches and shrines between spectacular suspension and cable-stayed bridges.

The Shimanami Kaido combines outstanding scenery with a rare car-free, well-signposted cycling experience across open sea, making it a bucket-list ride for cyclists and a memorable outing for casual visitors alike. The island bridges are engineering marvels with sweeping views.

Beyond cycling, the route offers relaxed island life, local citrus and seafood, hot springs and cultural stops, all in a mild Inland Sea climate that suits touring much of the year.

The great bridges are the stars: the Innoshima Bridge, the Ikuchi Bridge, the graceful Tatara Bridge (one of the world's longest cable-stayed spans), and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, a vast triple suspension bridge near Imabari. Each offers panoramic sea views.

On the islands, highlights include the marble-clad Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima, the Hirayama Ikuo art museum, citrus orchards, and beaches and viewpoints along the way.

Cycle all or part of the route, renting bikes at Onomichi or island terminals and returning them at another, or drive across for the views. Stop to visit Kosanji Temple and its Hill of Hope, sample island citrus and gelato, and relax on beaches.

Shorter options include cycling a single island or bridge, taking the ferry between points, or combining riding with a hot-spring stay for a multi-day tour.

The four major bridges (Innoshima, Ikuchi, Tatara and Kurushima Kaikyo) are essential sights. Kosanji Temple with its striking architecture and the white-marble Miraishin no Oka hilltop on Ikuchijima is a major cultural stop.

The Kirosan Observatory near Imabari, offering views over the Kurushima bridges and whirlpools, and the citrus-growing island of Ikuchijima are further must-sees.

Many riders miss the quiet inland lanes and small shrines away from the main blue-line route, and the sunset viewpoints on the western sides of the islands. Setoda's old streets on Ikuchijima and its local lemon products reward a pause.

The tidal currents and small whirlpools near the Kurushima Strait, best seen from viewpoints or a sightseeing boat, are a lesser-known natural spectacle.

Island life along the route offers a glimpse of traditional Inland Sea fishing and citrus-farming communities, with local shrines, temples and the eccentric, art-filled Kosanji complex. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art celebrates a renowned local painter.

Seasonal citrus harvests, small local eateries and the slow rhythm of the islands provide an authentic cultural counterpoint to the athletic cycling.

The route is all about the outdoors: open sea crossings, island coastlines, beaches, citrus groves and forested hills, all under the mild Inland Sea sky. Cycling is the headline activity, but swimming, walking and viewpoint-hopping abound.

The changing tides, passing ships, and panoramic bridge vistas make every stretch scenic, and clear days reveal countless islands scattered across the water.

Families can tackle gentle sections of the route on rental bikes, including tandems and child seats at some terminals, or drive across stopping at beaches, temples and citrus stands. The car-free cycling path is safer than most roads for young riders.

Shorter island loops, gelato stops and beach breaks make it enjoyable for children, while the full route suits fitter, older kids and teens.

The Shimanami Kaido is a rural, outdoor route with little nightlife; evenings are quiet on the islands, centered on ryokan or guesthouse dinners and perhaps a local izakaya. The end-point towns of Onomichi and Imabari offer more options.

Star-filled skies and peaceful sea views are the real evening attractions, ideal for winding down after a day of riding.

The great bridges, especially the Tatara and Kurushima Kaikyo, photographed from island viewpoints such as the Kirosan Observatory, are the signature images. Sunset over the Inland Sea from the islands is spectacular.

Citrus groves, beaches, the marble Miraishin no Oka at Kosanji, and cyclists silhouetted on the bridge paths all make memorable photographs.

The Shimanami Kaido, formally the Nishiseto Expressway, was completed in 1999, the last of three routes built to connect Honshu and Shikoku across the Inland Sea. Uniquely among them, it was designed with a continuous dedicated pedestrian and cycling path.

The islands it links have long histories as fishing and shipbuilding communities and as stops on Inland Sea trade routes, and the region around Imabari is famous for its medieval pirate (suigun) heritage that once controlled these straits.

The islands blend traditional Inland Sea fishing and citrus-farming culture with a modern reputation as a cyclists' paradise. Setoda's lemons, local shipbuilding around Imabari, and the towel industry of Imabari are sources of regional pride.

Cycling hospitality is now central to local culture, with bike-friendly cafes, guesthouses and rest stops welcoming riders from around the world along the route.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and clear skies for cycling, avoiding the summer heat and humidity and the winter chill. Citrus is in season in winter, and the islands are pleasant year-round.

Start early in the day to enjoy calm roads and good light, and check the forecast, as strong winds on the bridges can affect riding.

The Inland Sea climate is mild and relatively dry, with hot, humid summers, a June-July rainy season, and mild winters that rarely see snow. Sea breezes keep the islands temperate.

Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling; summer riding is best early or late in the day, and winter, while cool, is often clear and good for citrus and quiet touring.

Cycling events and organized rides, including occasional expressway cycling events that briefly open the car lanes to bikes, are highlights of the route's calendar. Island festivals and citrus-harvest events also occur seasonally.

Check current schedules for major cycling gatherings and local island festivals, as dates vary each year.

For a full ride, budget a day to cycle the roughly 70 km from Onomichi to Imabari at a leisurely pace, or split it over two days with an overnight on Ikuchijima or Omishima to visit temples and beaches. Rent at one end and drop off at the other.

For a taster, cycle from Onomichi to Setoda on Ikuchijima and take a ferry back, seeing Kosanji Temple along the way.

A fit cyclist can complete the full route in a single long day (4-8 hours of riding depending on pace and stops), but two days allow a relaxed pace with sightseeing.

A short sampler covering one or two islands and a bridge takes a few hours, ideal for casual visitors from Onomichi.

The route starts at Onomichi in Hiroshima, reached by JR Sanyo Main Line or shinkansen to Shin-Onomichi. The southern end is at Imabari on Shikoku, accessible by train and bus, with express buses also crossing the expressway.

Rental bicycles are available at Onomichi (including the U2 cycling complex) and at terminals on the islands, with one-way drop-off options.

Cycling is the classic way to travel the route, following the well-marked blue line and gentle bridge approach ramps. Rental cycles, including electric-assist and tandems, are available, with drop-off at multiple terminals.

Alternatively, drive the expressway, take local buses across, or use inter-island ferries to shorten or vary the journey. Buses can carry bicycles on some services.

Onomichi Station (and Shin-Onomichi for shinkansen) serves the northern end, while Imabari Station serves the south. Express buses along the expressway stop at island interchanges.

Rental cycle terminals and inter-island ferry ports along the route provide flexible access points for starting, ending or shortening a ride.

The cycling path and bridges are open around the clock, though riding in daylight is strongly advised for safety and views. Rental cycle terminals operate daytime hours, typically opening around 7-8 am and closing in the evening.

Individual attractions such as Kosanji Temple keep their own hours. Check the official cycling and attraction sites for current timings.

Cycling the route is free apart from bicycle rental (roughly 1,000-2,000 yen per day plus a deposit) and small bridge tolls for cyclists on some spans, though tolls have at times been waived, so check current conditions. Attractions like Kosanji Temple charge separate admission.

Driving the expressway incurs standard road tolls. Check the official Shimanami cycling site for current rental and toll details.

Cafes, cyclist-friendly rest stops and local restaurants dot the route, serving island seafood, citrus dishes and gelato. Setoda on Ikuchijima is known for lemon-flavored treats, and Onomichi and Imabari offer fuller dining.

Citrus stands, small eateries and convenience stores along the way keep riders fueled, though options thin out on quieter stretches, so plan ahead.

Island citrus, especially Setoda lemons, features in juices, gelato, cakes and savory dishes along the route. Fresh Inland Sea seafood is a staple, and Onomichi ramen at the northern end and Imabari's yakibuta tamago meshi at the south are local favorites.

Lemon pork, citrus sweets and local mikan oranges make memorable island tastes.

Guesthouses, cyclist-friendly hotels and ryokan are found in Onomichi, on the islands (notably Ikuchijima and Omishima), and in Imabari. Some island inns have hot springs and cater specifically to cyclists.

Staying midway lets you split the ride over two days; Onomichi and Imabari offer the widest choice at either end.

A day cycling the route costs modestly: bike rental of around 1,000-2,000 yen, any tolls, meals and attraction fees might total around 3,000-6,000 yen per person. A two-day trip adds accommodation.

Bringing your own bike or using a one-day rental with a return ferry can adjust costs. Electric-assist bikes cost a little more to rent.

Island shops sell citrus products, especially Setoda lemon goods, local crafts and Imabari's famous high-quality towels near the southern end. Onomichi's arcade and the U2 complex offer cycling gear and souvenirs.

Citrus jams, sweets and juices make popular, portable keepsakes along the route.

Wear a helmet, follow the blue-line route and ride single file, especially on bridges, and use lights if riding near dusk. Check the weather, as strong winds and rain on the exposed bridges can be hazardous.

Carry water and snacks, as services are sparse on some stretches, and pace yourself over the roughly 70 km. Take care where the cycling path crosses or shares roads.

The route is designed for cyclists, and the gentle bridge ramps make it manageable for many, but the full distance demands fitness. Electric-assist bikes help less experienced riders, and driving the expressway offers an accessible alternative for viewing the bridges.

Some viewpoints and attractions have steps or hills. Contact rental operators and attractions for specific accessibility information.

The route is well signposted with the continuous blue line and English on major signs, and cyclist-friendly stops are used to international visitors. Rental terminals typically have English support.

A translation app helps at smaller island shops and eateries, but the clear signage means you can navigate the route largely without Japanese.

Rent at Onomichi and drop off at Imabari (or vice versa) to ride one way, and follow the blue line rather than road signs. Start early, carry water and snacks, and check the weather for wind on the bridges.

Consider an electric-assist bike if you are unsure of your fitness, split the ride over two days for sightseeing, and don't miss Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima.

Bring a helmet (rentable), water, snacks, sun protection and a light rain layer, plus cash for rentals, tolls, food and attractions. A phone with the route map and gloves for the handlebars are useful.

Carry a small repair kit or know where rental support is, and a camera for the bridge and sea views.

Cycling the route is itself a low-impact way to travel, and using rental bikes and local ferries keeps the islands car-light. Support island citrus farmers, cafes and guesthouses along the way.

Take your rubbish with you, respect residential and farming areas, stay on the marked path, and treat the shrines, temples and beaches with care.

The route connects to Onomichi and its temple town at the north and Imabari with its castle at the south. Island stops include Kosanji Temple and Setoda on Ikuchijima and the shrines and museums of Omishima.

Beyond the route, central Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Tomonoura on the mainland make natural additions to a regional trip.

Official cycling information, route maps, rental details and toll updates are provided by the Shimanami Kaido cycling and tourism authorities, with support at Onomichi and Imabari terminals. Local island tourist offices assist along the way.

Check the official Shimanami Japan cycling website for current rental prices, bridge toll status, event schedules and safety advice before setting out.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.