Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido is a must-ride for anyone who loves cycling and sea views. This awesome route takes you across a series of islands in the Seto Inland Sea, linking them up with cool bridges and scenic coastal paths. As you bike along, you’ll get amazing views of the sparkling sea and beautiful islands. It’s a pretty chill ride with smooth roads and plenty of spots to stop and soak it all in. Perfect for a laid-back cycling adventure with a splash of sea breeze!
The Shimanami Kaido also acts as a gateway to Shikoku which is famous for the Ohenro 88 temple tour and the Shimanto River and is generally a wonderful part of Japan to explore and do longer
About the Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido cycling route was officially opened in 1999 as part of the larger Nishiseto Expressway, which connects the cities of Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) and Imabari (Ehime Prefecture). This 70-kilometer expressway spans six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, with a series of bridges, including the impressive Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge structure.
Originally built as a car route to improve access and economic development in the region, the Shimanami Kaido was designed with cyclists in mind, offering dedicated bike lanes and facilities. As cycling gained popularity, the route became internationally recognized for its scenic beauty and accessibility. Today, it’s a premier destination for cyclists from around the world, combining stunning coastal views with rich local culture and history.
Spectacular Views
Check out this Wabisabi video of the views from around the Shimanami Kaido!
Route
The official route is shown on the map below.
Wabisabi Route
The official route goes into the interior of some of the islands and stays unnecessarily along the more major roads of the islands. We’ve ridden the Shimanami Kaido many times and general stick with the route below. It adds about 10km to the overall length but also adds a lot more enjoyment!
Since it removes the climbs through the middle of a couple islands but adds an extra climb around the costal route, the total amount of climbing is about the same.
Things to do
Mt. Shirataki
If you’re cycling through Innoshima on the Shimanami Kaido, consider a detour to Mount Shirataki. It’s a challenging climb, ascending approximately 226 meters, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. At the summit, you’ll find over 700 stone Buddha statues, adding a serene and unique atmosphere to your journey. It’s a tough ride, but the combination of natural beauty and cultural significance makes it a worthwhile stop for those looking to add a memorable experience to their cycling adventure.
Kosan-ji Temple
If you’re biking through the Shimanami Kaido, a stop at Kosan-ji Temple on Ikuchijima Island is a must. This place is wild—it’s not your average temple. It’s got these colorful, over-the-top buildings and tons of detailed carvings, all set in beautiful gardens. There’s even a crazy marble art garden at the top that gives you a 360-degree view of the islands. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, snap some cool photos, and take in the mix of nature and art. Plus, it’s a nice break from pedaling before you hit the road again.
Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park
Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park is a perfect pit stop for travelers exploring Shimanami Kaido cycling route located about half way between Onomichi and Imabari. Located right by the Tatara Bridge, this spot offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. It offers many ammenities for cyclists, with bike racks, repair stations, and rest areas to recharge. The park has a laid-back vibe, with local shops selling fresh seafood, snacks, and souvenirs. You can grab a bite, enjoy the sea breeze, and even rent bikes if you’re ready for more exploring. It’s the ideal place to relax and take in the beauty of the Shimanami Kaido.
Kurushima Strait Observatory
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido? Make the Kurushima Strait Observatory your final stop—it’s the perfect way to end the ride. The climb up might be a challenge, but once you’re at the top, the panoramic views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and swirling tides below are unbeatable. Take a breather, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the cool sea breeze. It’s a great way to wrap up your cycling adventure with some epic photos and a well-earned sense of accomplishment!
Renting a bicycle
Two bicycle rental systems are available along the Shimanami Kaido. The regular rental system has around ten terminals spread along the cycling route, while a newer system is run by the bicycle manufacturer Giant, with two terminals. Both systems allow tourists to rent a bike at one end of the route and return it at the other. The regular system also offers the option to stop at a terminal mid-route and take a bus for the remainder of the journey.
Food
Hassaku Daifuku
Hassakuya is a shop along the Shimanami Kaido that specializes in Hassaku Daifuku, a local treat. The daifuku is a mochi filled with white bean paste and a slice of hassaku, a citrus fruit. This refreshing sweet is popular for its unique blend of tart and sweet flavors.
The easiest place to get it is Hassaku-ya (google maps) just across the first bridge.
Dolce Ice Cream
If you’re cycling the Shimanami Kaido, a stop at Dolce Ice Cream on Ikuchi Island is a no-brainer. Their gelato, made with fresh local fruits like lemons and oranges, is the perfect way to cool off after some serious pedaling. It’s a sweet reward that’ll keep you going for the rest of your ride!
Roadside station Hakata S-C park
Our favourite ice cream on the Shimanami Kaido is the salty soft serve available on Hakata Island! Only one flavour and it’s create on a hot day while pedaling!
Getting there and away
Onomichi station is located in the city center and has good facitlities and is a good place to start. It is accessible as just a few stops from Fukuyama Station where Shinkansen service is good with some Nozomi (the fastest) services stopping.
For those who want to minimize changing trains, Onomichi does have a train station on the Sanyo-Shinkansen, Shin-Onomichi. However only about on train a day stops at Shin-Onomichi. From Shin-onomichi it is a 4km ride (somewhat downhill) towards Onomichi Station.
For those looking to absolutely maximise the cycling time and starting in Eastern Japan. The Sunrise Night train from Tokyo is an option. Arriving in Okayama a little after 6AM, then local or Shinkansen from there gives the rider the chance to get a full day’s cycling in, even starting in Tokyo!
For thsoe wanting a longer ride, getting off the train in Fukuyama and riding the coast via Tonoura and Tsuneishi then using the Tosaki Ferry and bypassing Onomichi is also an option.
Extra riding
Island Explorer
Many of the islands have “Island Explorer” routes that take a longer route around the island.
These routes mostlyhave the same blue markings as the main route so they are easy to follow.
However, some of the island explorer routes can have hills. In particular the East side of Oshima Island is particularly hilly, but it offers great ocean views off the beaten path!
Beyond the island explorer roads, the islands have many other roads just waiting to be explored. You never know what you might find, including extreme inclines and concerete roads.
Yumeshima Kaido
The Yumeshima-Kaido offers a quick extra excursion from the Shimanami Kaido for an extra 10 or 15kms. Check out the Yumeshima-Kaido for details and how to get there.
In particular Iwagi Island offers spectacular cherry blossoms
Kirosan Observatory Park
For those that wish to add some extra climbing to get a spectacular view of the Shimanami Kaido (and may have already climbed Mt. Sekizen on the Yumishima Kaido). The Kirosan observatory offers the iconic view of the Kurushima Bridges.
Iwashi Island
Connected by a small bridge to Mukaijima Island (the northern most island) Iwashi Island is good for an extra 10km exploring. Like most of the other side trip islands, there is virtually no traffic at all.
On the far side of the island, there is a smaller version of the Itsukushima Shrine Torii gate that is so famous from Miyajima Island.
Sagi Island
Sagi Island requires a ferry to get to (about 10 ferries a day) but the 12km loop of Sagi Island is a great ride as well. There are a few large cherry blossom groves on the island as well!
Takane Island
Similar to Iwashi Island but a bit larger, Takene Island offers a lovely traffic free ride around the island with great inland sea views.
Do note that there is a climb on the North side of the island.
Osaki-Kamijima Island
Only a few ferries a today connect Osaki Kamijima to the Shimanami Kaido but it is another island well worth visiting and also offers connections to the Toshishima Kaido
Longer Trips
For multi-day trips, connecting the Toshishima Kaido and the Kakishima Kaido as well as some of the surrounding islands like Osaki-Kamijima Island can offer hundreds of kilometers of beautiful seaside riding
