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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Shimanami Kaido is a 70km-long sea crossing route that connects Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) on Honshu with Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) on Shikoku, and is accessible by car, bicycle, and pedestrian. Its official name is the Nishiseto Expressway (Nishiseto Expressway/Shimanami Kaido), and it opened in its entirety in 1999. It connects islands in the Seto Inland Sea with bridges, and is filled with beautiful scenery including bridges of all sizes, the sea, island villages, terraced fields, and citrus orchards, making it a popular cycling mecca both from within Japan and overseas.
The islands are characterized by their bicycle and pedestrian paths, which are separate from the roadways, and the fact that each island offers its own unique scenery, gourmet food, and hot springs.The islands are attractive for their calm Seto Inland Sea and the beauty of their many islands, the scale of their bridges, and local specialties such as seafood and lemons.
Highlights
- Starting scenery of Onomichi: Onomichi Strait and old townscape, Cat Alley (Narrow Cat Road), view from Senkoji Park.
- Shimanami Bridges: The panoramic views of the sea and islands from each bridge, including Tatara Bridge, are spectacular (there are plenty of photo spots).
- Characteristics of each island: Omishima (Oyamazumi Shrine, the island's history and nature), Hakatajima (Hakata salt-related facilities), Ikuchijima (lemon orchards, Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art), etc.
- Cycling road: Ups and downs along the coast, riding over bridges, and guide signs and rest areas specifically for cyclists.
- Gourmet food: Seafood (oysters and sea bream), dishes using Hakata salt, and sweets made with the island's citrus fruits (lemons and mandarins).
- Hot springs and accommodation: You can soothe your fatigue at the accommodations and hot springs on each island, including Imabari and Onomichi.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Railway
- Starting point on the Onomichi side: Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. From Onomichi Station, you can walk or rent a bicycle to the entrance of the cycling road (the starting point of the ferry terminal and bridge).
- From Hiroshima: Take the Sanyo Main Line (Rapid or Local) from JR Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station, approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour (depending on the train).
- The final stop for the Shikoku route: Access from Imabari Station on the JR Yosan Line (route heading down towards Imabari).
- car
- It is accessible from Onomichi IC (Sanyo Expressway) or Imabari IC. There is a direct bridge connecting the island, but the parking lot gets crowded during the tourist season.
- plane
- The nearest airports are Hiroshima Airport and Matsuyama Airport. From the airport, you can travel by bus or train to Hiroshima city, Imabari, or Onomichi.
- Ferry
- There are short-distance ferries and sightseeing boats around Onomichi that can be used to accentuate your walks around the town and island hopping.
- Bicycle rental
- There are plenty of bicycle rental shops on both the Onomichi and Imabari sides (renting regular bicycles, cross bikes, electric assist bikes, and sports bikes). The main rental locations are around Onomichi Station, ONOMICHI U2, and Sunrise Itoyama on the Imabari side.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short-term sightseeing (walking around Onomichi and some of the neighboring islands): half a day to a full day
- Day trip cycling (Onomichi → Mukaishima, Innoshima, etc.): 1 day (adjust the section depending on your physical strength)
- Complete the Onomichi → Imabari route (approximately 70km): 1-2 days if cycling seriously (depending on stamina and speed). If using an electric assist bike, it may be possible to complete the ride in one day.
- Relaxed island hopping with accommodation included: 2-3 days
Nearby spots
- Onomichi city: Senkoji Park, Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street, Cat Narrow Road, Onomichi Ramen Shop
- Mukojima and Innoshima: Mukojima's coastline, Innoshima's hassaku shops (citrus related), and the area around Innoshima Suigun Castle
- Ikuchijima (Setoda): Lemon Park, Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, Kosanji Temple
- Omishima: Oyamazumi Shrine (many national treasures and important cultural properties), a spot where you can feel the island's mythology and history
- Imabari side: Itoyama Park, Sunrise Itoyama (cycling base), Imabari Castle, Towel Museum
- Nearby cities: Day trips are possible from Fukuyama (Tomonoura and Fukuyama Castle), Hiroshima (Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima), etc.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Golden Week, summer vacation, and weekends are crowded with cyclists and tourists. Advance reservations for rental bicycles are recommended.
- Weather/Wind: The weather in the Seto Inland Sea is changeable, and it is dangerous on days with strong sea breezes (especially on bridges). Do not push yourself in strong winds or rain.
- Safety equipment: Wear a helmet (rentals are available), carry front and rear lights, a spare tube, and portable tools. It is best to avoid riding at night.
- Traffic etiquette: Be mindful of pedestrians and local vehicles. The bridge's access road has some steep sections, so please manage your speed. Bicycles should keep to the left, and pedestrians should have priority.
- Bridge structure: Some bridges have high bicycle and pedestrian paths that are exposed to strong winds, and there are sections of the bridge that are uphill. Plan your route taking into account your physical strength and equipment.
- Garbage and the environment: Please take all food and drink waste home with you. Garbage disposal facilities on the island are limited, so please be mindful of etiquette.
- Toilets and supplies: There are convenience stores and restaurants on each island, but their numbers are limited. Please carry plenty of water and food with you.
- Accommodation and Parking: Accommodation and parking spaces fill up quickly during the tourist season, so we recommend making a reservation in advance. If you are parking for a long period of time, check the fees and rules.
- Insurance and contact: Please check your bicycle insurance and travel insurance just in case. Mobile phone signals are generally fine, but there are some weak spots.
The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic and easily accessible route that can be enjoyed by cyclists of all ages, from beginners to advanced riders. Take your time to enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the island cuisine, choosing a reasonable plan that suits your physical strength, weather, and equipment.
