Tobishima Kaido
While the Shimanami Kaido claims all the glory for being the cyclists paradise out in Hiroshima, the Tobishima Kaido also has plenty to offer. The 35 kilometer island hopping route runs across 7 islands to the West of the Shimanami Kaido. While the bridges aren’t as big, many of the roads along the islands can be virtually traffic free and offer wonderful coastal riding. Check out the Wabisabi route below for riding the backsides of the islands. It adds some extra kilometers but they are well worth while.
For the more adventurous, several of the islands offer wonderful exploring possibilities through smaller roads in the mountains that offer fantastic views over the sea. However, be ware that some of these are lovely hills on nice tarmac climbing through orange orchards, others can be dark, rough, concrete trails throught he forest.
Places to see along the Tobishima Kaido
Mitarai
Mitarai is a picturesque, historic village on the Seto Inland Sea that offers a unique experience for cyclists. As you ride through its charming streets, you’ll encounter well-preserved traditional architecture, narrow alleyways, and quaint old homes that provide a glimpse into Japan’s past. The village is known for its serene atmosphere, local crafts, and fresh seafood. It’s a great spot to take a leisurely break, explore the rich heritage, and enjoy the cultural ambiance of this enchanting destination.
Ohirayamatenbo Park
It requires some climbing up the peak of first island but if the season is right there is a lovely (and almost certainly deserted) grove of cherry blossoms at Ohirayamatenbo Park (Google Map Location) at the top overlooking the beautiful sea below.
Scenery
Just like the Shimanami Kaido the scenery all along the way is very enjoyable with wonderful quiet roads along the sea! Checkout the video below for some of the scenery that is availabile!
Route
Official
This is the official route from Hiroshima prefecture and has blue paint on the road guiding rides to the Okamura Port. However, this is the shortest route along roads to get there, but (in our opinion at least) not the most enjoyable way to get there (see Wabisabi Route below)
Recommended by Wabisabi
The route that we use adds about 15km to the route by going around the backside of 3 of the islands. This allows you to enjoy beautiful ocean views with absolutely minimal traffic . It also avoids the 1km tunnel on one of the islands by going through a smaller farming road. Additionally, it goes via the historial Mitarai villages famous for it’s old buildings (the official route does not visit this wonderfully preserved town!)
Extra Riding
Interior Roads
Many of the islands have interior roads that nice and paved and can give an entirely view of the sea around the islands. Go exploring!
Some roads however are very poor so be careful and have the courage to turn back if the roads get poor!
We particularly enjoyed the road through the mountains on the south short of Ozaki-shimoshima Island (see the picture on the right) which also conntents to the Rekishi-no-Mieruoka Park (Google maps link) which offers wonderful views over the sea.
Other Islands
For the very adventurous, to the east of Okamura that get a couple of extra islands that get a couple of ferries a day that can be explored! (Ferry website, Japanese Only) If you ride them, write us and let us know how they were!
Getting there and away
Honshu (West) end
The West end is ridable from Kure or even Hiroshima cities, additionally to can be connected to a varient of the Kakishima Kaido which is a route that crosses the south Hiroshima Islands such as Edajima.
For those who want to get closer on the train, the entrance to the Tobishima Kaido, Akinada Bridge is about half way between Aki-Kawajiri and Nigata Stations on the JR Kure Line which has approximately hourly service between Mihara and Hirshima. Akinada bridge is a toll bridge for cards, but bicycles can just ride in on the sidewalk and bypass the toll booth.
Okamura (East) end
If one wants to continue on from the East end (instead of riding back) there are a couple ferry options.
The ferry from Ocho connects to Osaki-kamijima which is a another island great from cycling. There are 10 ferries a day (schedule, in Japanese). Osaki-kamishima is then connected back to Honshu and the Shimanami Kaido by ferry.
The Okamura ferry port has ferries to the Shimanami Kaido in Munakata. However there are only 5 ferries a day so you need to plan ahead (schedule, in Japanese)
Riding Round trip
The final option is to ride round trip and do the front and back of each island along the way. The total distance would be about 80km.
Other Notes
Ohura Tunnel
It’s always surprised us that the official Tobishima Route goes through the Ohura Tunnel.
The tunnel is very unfriendly to cyclists. Not only is there no sidewalk, but there are posts down the middle of the road making it impossible for cars to get past safely. While there isn’t much traffic on the road, it’s unlikely one will get through without a car coming up behing oneself. Many cyclists can feel pressured by the car and creates an uneasy feeling. About halfway through there is a pullout to let cars go by.
Last time we were there we tested a new route that seemed to be a reasonable alternative. To get to the oberservation deck, continue round the island and take the small forest road (see Wabisabi Route above). The road surfaces aren’t the best but it does avoid the tunnel.
Food
There aren’t any convience stores along route so buy what you need to before you set out. In front of Okamura port there is a small shop where one can buy some food before heading back or taking the ferry. Ocho port also has a small souvneir shop.
In terms of restaurants, there are a reasonable number scattered along the Tobishima Kaido.
