The Shimanami Kaido is a 70 km cycling road that connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. It is Japan’s first cycling path that crosses a strait, and it is loved by cyclists from Japan and overseas as a “holy place for cycling”. This route, which connects six islands (Mukoujima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Oshima, Hakatajima, and Oshima) with six bridges and a ferry, allows you to enjoy the beautiful Seto Inland Sea while feeling the sea breeze. Why not experience a journey that will free your mind and body while enjoying the exhilaration of cutting through the wind in the blue sea and sky?
Why the Shimanami Cycling Route is so popular
The Shimanami Cycling Route is a must-ride for cyclists of all levels. From scenic island views to well-maintained paths, it offers an unforgettable experience for beginners and advanced riders alike.
A spectacular view as far as the eye can see
The islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the bridges that connect them create a spectacular view of the beauty of the islands and the beauty of the landscape. You can spend a luxurious time enjoying the scenery while feeling the sea breeze.
Beginners can also relax! Comfortable cycling support
The Shimanami Kaido offers a convenient bicycle rental service. You can drop off your bicycle at terminals in each district or at some hotels in Imabari City. Recommended courses have also been prepared, so you can enjoy choosing a route that suits your physical strength and purpose, such as the main route or the outer loop course.
Attractive detour spots that make you want to stop by!
Along the route, there are a number of “Cycle Oasis” rest stops for cyclists. You can use the air pumps, bicycle stands, water supply and toilets, and you can also enjoy the super gourmet food that the Setouchi region has to offer. The full 70km course is not too far for beginners to complete in a single day. Why not take your time and ride through the course, staying overnight on the islands along the way?
Don’t get lost! Enjoy a comfortable ride on the Blue Line
A “Blue Line” has been established to show the recommended route between JR Onomichi Station and JR Imabari Station. Cyclists can enjoy a stress-free ride without having to rely on a map.
The charms of the islands of the Shimanami region
Mukoujima
Mukoujima is the first island you visit when cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. After passing through the residential area, the road along the coast opens up, and you can enjoy the exhilaration of riding along while feeling the refreshing sea breeze.
Goto Kousenjo
Goto Kousenjo is a traditional soft drink shop with a Showa-era retro atmosphere. Established in 1930, it is a long-established shop that produces “local Ramune” using traditional methods, and its nostalgic, gentle flavor is its charm.
Takamiyama National Park
The summit of Takamiyama, which rises to a height of 283 meters, is a spectacular spot with a 360-degree panoramic view. From here you can see the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the Shikoku mountain range, and in spring the peak is covered in a sea of pink cherry blossoms. The sunrise and sunset are also not to be missed.
Innoshima
Innoshima is known as the home base of the Murakami family, a pirate clan that was active in the Middle Ages, and it is an island where you can enjoy a trip retracing its history.
Innoshima Suigun Castle
The only castle-shaped museum in the whole country that has been reconstructed to resemble a pirate castle. It displays weapons, ancient documents, and scrolls describing the tactics of the Murakami pirate clan, which was active from the Nanbokucho period through the Muromachi and Warring States periods.
Hassaku Daifuku
The Hassakuya shop is also equipped with a rest area, where you can take a break while enjoying views of the Innoshima Bridge and the boats passing by.
Ikuchijima
Ikuchijima is a popular destination for cyclists of all levels, as the roads are relatively flat with few ups and downs. The area is also home to a number of cafes and shops that cater to cyclists, as well as a variety of other gourmet spots, including restaurants and take-out shops.
Tatara Bridge, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
A cable-stayed bridge 1,480 meters long, spanning the border between Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures
The Tatara Bridge is currently the fifth largest in the world, but when it was completed it was the largest in the world. In the evening you can see a beautiful sunset, so we recommend cycling towards the sunset.
Lemon Valley
Ikuchi Island is a place where the warm climate is used to cultivate citrus fruits. Lemons in particular have been cultivated since the Meiji era, and in recent years “eco-lemons” have been produced, where even the peel can be eaten.
Ohmishima
The starting point is at the foot of the Tatara Bridge, at Tatara Shimanami Park. You can enjoy a refreshing bike ride, cycling along the coast and enjoying the changing scenery, including Miyaura Port, Ohmi Port and the distant view of Okunoshima Island.
Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park
There is a monument here dedicated to famous cyclists, making it a great place for a commemorative photo.
It is located along the cycling course and has a restaurant where you can relax indoors, making it a convenient place to take a break.
Oyamazumi Shrine
Oyamazumi Shrine is one of the most famous tourist spots on the Shimanami Kaido. It is a shrine with over 10,000 branch shrines throughout Japan. People have been visiting it to pray to the god of the mountains, the god of the sea, and the god of war, both in the past and now. In the precincts of the shrine, there is a large camphor tree that is said to be 2,600 years old. This sacred tree is also known as a power spot, and its holy appearance is impressive.
Hakatajima
Hakatajima is famous for its history of salt production. It is the smallest island in the Shimanami Kaido and has the least difference in elevation, so it is a good place to stop by.
Sanwa’s Salt Ramen
The specialty here is Hakatajima’s salt ramen, made with Hakatajima salt. There are often long lines at lunchtime on weekends and during the cycling season.
Hakatajima S.C. Park
The Hakata Beach swimming beach is right in front of the Hakata Beach S.C. Park roadside station, and it is one of the most famous views of the Shimanami Sea Route. Snap a photo of your bike on the human-shaped cycle stand “6 Cyclists” and enjoy the view. The Hakatabeach salt soft serve ice cream is also delicious.
Kaisan Park
This is a scenic park where you can see three bridges: the Tatara Bridge, the Oshima Bridge, and the Hakatajima-Oshima Bridge. In spring, the approximately 1,000 cherry trees that cover the mountain bloom in profusion, creating a magnificent view that blends in with the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Oshima
Oshima is the last island you come to when cycling from Onomichi. The cycling route on Oshima Island is a little tough for those who are not used to it, as it crosses the island over a mountain pass. The final challenge is the hill climb up to Kameo Mountain, which is 307 meters high. If you make the effort to climb the 3km path to the top of Kameo Mountain Observation Park, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view.
Kameo Mountain Observation Park
Kameo-zan View Park is the place to go to see the best view of the Shimanami Kaido.
The final challenge is the hill climb up Kameo-zan, which is about 307m high. If you make the effort to climb the 3km to the top of Kameo-zan View Park, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. If you still have the energy, we recommend you stop by before you reach the top.
The “Gatsuki Tai Burger” made with deep-fried Kurushima sea bream
The “Gatsuki Tai Burger” is made with deep-fried Kurushima sea bream from the local area, sandwiched between a special bun. The tartar sauce, which is made with plenty of locally-grown onions, goes perfectly with the deep-fried sea bream!
Goal
The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is the final bridge on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. After crossing the 4km-long triple suspension bridge, you will finally reach the Shikoku mainland. At the JR Imabari Station, there are facilities where you can maintain your bicycle and B-grade gourmet yakibuta tamago meshi (pork and egg fried rice), which will help you recover from the fatigue of cycling.
Imabari Yakibuta tamago meshi
Imabari Yakibuta tamago meshi is a dish of rice topped with grilled pork and a soft-boiled egg, and then covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. The local way of eating it is to break up the soft-boiled yolk with a spoon and eat it all in one go. It’s a simple dish, but the different ingredients all mingle together in your mouth, making it a local gourmet dish that you’ll find yourself addicted to.
Yune
