Shimanami Kaido: Japan's Most Beautiful Cycling Route

A 60 km cycling route across six islands — bridges, beaches, and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

A 60 km cycling route across six islands — bridges, beaches, and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

What Is Shimanami Kaido?

Shimanami Kaido is a cycling route that connects Honshu to Shikoku across six islands via bridges. It's considered one of the best cycling routes in the world.

Route Overview

Detail	Info
Distance	60 km (one way)
Duration	6–8 hours (leisurely)
Start	Onomichi (Honshu)
End	Imabari (Shikoku)
Difficulty	Easy–moderate
Bike rental	Available at both ends

The Six Islands

Island	Highlight
Mukaishima	Start point, cherry blossoms
Innoshima	Flower parks, cycling museum
Ikuchijima	Temples, lemon groves
Omishima	Historic shrine, citrus
Hakatajima	Oyster farming, salt production
Oshima	Beaches, hot springs

Cycling Details

Bike Rental

Type	Price	Notes
Road bike	¥3,000–5,000/day	Best for experienced cyclists
City bike	¥2,000–3,000/day	Comfortable, easy
Electric assist	¥3,500–5,500/day	Helps with hills
Tandem	¥4,000–6,000/day	For couples

Rental Locations

Location	Shop	Price
Onomichi	Bridge Cycle Shop	¥2,500–5,000
Imabari	Shimanami Cycle Terminal	¥2,500–5,000
Mukaishima	Various shops	¥2,000–4,000

What's Included

Bicycle
Helmet
Repair kit
Map
Return transport (if one-way)

Tips

Start early — avoid afternoon heat
Bring water — hydration is essential
Wear sunscreen — sun is strong
Take breaks — enjoy the views
Try local food — each island has specialties
Check weather — wind can make cycling difficult
Book accommodation — if staying overnight
Have fun — it's an unforgettable experience